Program Overview
The Architecture Major is a pre-professional degree program that satisfies the entrance requirements for graduate architecture and urban design programs at the nation's top universities. The curriculum combines an introduction to architecture, community design, urban design, city planning, and landscape design with a strong emphasis on the social sciences and humanities. In the classroom, around San Francisco, and on international immersion trips, we train students to become impassioned readers, interpreters, actors, and designers of their cities, institutions, and communities.
Multiple Pathways to Architecture Licensure
Architecture, BA students at USF have two paths to become licensed architects:
- The Degree+Work Experience Path gives graduates four years of credit toward their experience credentials. This path allows candidates to combine their undergraduate architecture study with architectural work experience under a licensed architect. As with all paths to licensure, this path also requires completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), and the California Supplemental Examination (CSE).
- The Traditional Path has students following their undergraduate BA degree with a Master of Architecture (MArch) degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) and any remaining architectural work experience under a licensed architect. As with all paths to licensure, this path also requires completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), and the California Supplemental Examination (CSE).
Graduates from the Architecture, BA program have used both paths to become licensed architects and landscape architects.
I learned details and how to read drawings better. With Prof Wachtel and his classes, I was able to develop my professionalism as we interacted with clients around the US and the world. With the Professional Practice class, I got my internship which became my job today."
Pablo Vilas '23