Bachelor of Architecture

Overview | Degree Requirements | Studio Requirements | Non-Studio Requirements | Sample Curriculum

Prepare to shape the future of the built environment through design‑driven, technologically rigorous study.

Bachelor of architecture

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OVERVIEW

The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is an accredited, STEM-designated professional degree centered on the design of new buildings and places across urban, suburban, and rural contexts. The curriculum addresses a wide range of architectural scales and typologies, preparing students to respond to complex social, environmental, and cultural challenges.

What You’ll Study

Students engage deeply with architectural design supported by professional, technical, and theoretical coursework, including:

  • Architectural design studios focused on housing, institutions, mixed‑use, public facilities, high‑rise buildings, and urban strategies
  • Architectural history and theory
  • Structures and tectonics
  • Environmental control systems
  • Building enclosures and advanced building technologies
  • Sustainability integration
  • Vernacular, regional, and context‑based studies
  • Facades, detailing, and land‑planning fundamentals

Learning Experience

Design studios are the core of the BArch curriculum, integrating conceptual thinking with technical rigor. Students develop the skills to design responsive, well‑resolved architectural proposals rooted in context, climate, and culture.

Program Structure

  • The BArch is a five-year professional degree 
  • The program is completed in five years regardless of prior credits 
  • Students must begin the program in Eugene
  • After completing the required prerequisites, students may continue coursework at the Portland campus
Degree requirements
Bachelor of Architecture Degree Requirements 
231 Credits
REQUIRED COURSES

Architectural Design (Studio) Requirements [64 credits]

Architectural Design
64 Credits
  • ARCH 283 Architectural Design I [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 284 Architectural Design II [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 383 Architectural Design III [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 384 Architectural Design IV [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 484 Architectural Design [4 Terms, 24 Credits]
  • ARCH 485 Advanced Architectural Design I [8 Credits]
  • ARCH 486 Advanced Architectural Design II [8 Credits]

1One ARCH 484 Architectural Design Studio can be replaced with IARC 484 or LA 489.

 

 

Professional Coursework (Non-Studio) Requirements [80 credits]

Fundamentals
  • ARCH 201 Introduction to Architecture [4 Credits]
Design Media
  • ARCH 202 Design Skills [3 Credits]
  • ARCH 222 Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 423 Media for Design Development [3 Credits]
Design Arts
  • ARCH 430 Architectural Contexts: Place and Culture           [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 440 Human Context of Design [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 450 Spatial Composition [4 Credits]
Design Technology
  • ARCH 461 Structural Behavior [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 462 Structural Design [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 470 Building Construction [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 471 Building Enclosure [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 491 Environmental Control Systems I [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 492 Environmental Control Systems II [4 Credits]

 

Advanced Technology
  • ARCH 300+ Advanced Building Technology Course [4 Credits]
Professional Practice
  • ARCH 417 Context of the Architectural Profession [4 Credits]
Architectural History
  • ARH 314 History of World Architecture II [4 Credits]
  • ARH 315 History of World Architecture II [4 Credits]
  • ARH Elective Art History Elective [4 Credits]
  • ARH Elective Art History Elective [4 Credits]
Subject Area Electives
  • Seminars offered in the College of Design [2 Credits] 

 

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
  • This sample curriculum shows how a student might progress through the program. The exact course sequence and total credit hours will vary by student based on program of study, course availability, and teaching commitments.
  • Occasionally, course term offerings might shift. Confirm term offerings with the Registrar's website and, in consultation with an academic advisor & Ducks on Track, which will always supersede the provided sample plan.
  • Optional studios may be offered in summer terms in Eugene, Portland, or abroad.

Year One

Fall Term
16 Credits
  • ARCH 201 Introduction to Architecture [4 Credits]
  • ARH 314 History of World Architecture I [4 Credits]
  • PHYS 201 General Physics [4 Credits]
  • WR 121 College Composition I [4 Credits]
Winter Term
17 Credits
  • ARCH 283 Architectural Design I [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 202 Design Skills [3 Credits]
  • PHYS 202 General Physics [4 Credits]
  • WR 122 College Composition II or WR 123 College Composition III [4 Credits]



Spring Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 284 Architectural Design II [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 222 Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics [4 Credits]
  • Science Course >3 (Not in PHYS) [4 Credits]

Year Two

Fall Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 383 Architectural Design III [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 450 Spatial Composition [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 470 Building Construction [4 Credits]
Winter Term
16 Credits
  • ARCH 440 Human Context of Design [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 491 Environmental Control Systems I [4 Credits]
  • ARH 315 History of World Architecture II [4 Credits]
  • General Elective [4 Credits]
Spring Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 384 Architectural Design IV [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 430 Architectural Contexts: Place and Culture [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 492 Environmental Control Systems II [4 Credits]

Year Three

Fall Term
16 Credits
  • ARCH 484 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 461 Structural Behavior [6 Credits]
  • ARH Art History Elective [4 Credits]
Winter Term
16 Credits
  • ARCH 484 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
  • ARCH 462 Structural Design [6 Credits]
  • ARH Art History Elective [4 Credits]
Spring Term
15 Credits
  • ARCH 300+ Advanced Building Technology Course [4 Credits]
  • ARCH 423 Media for Design Development [3 Credits]
  • Arts & Letters >1 (Not in ARH) [4 Credits]
  • Upper General Education Elective [4 Credits]

Year Four

Fall Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 484 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
  • SSC Course Social Science >2 [4 Credits]
  • US Course US: Difference, Inequality, and Agency>US [4 Credits]
  • General Elective [4 Credits]
Winter Term
16 Credits
  • ARCH 417 Context of the Architectural Profession [4 Credits]
  • SSC Course Social Science >2 [4 Credits]
  • Elective 300+ Upper-Division Non-Architecture Elective [4 Credits]
  • Upper General Education Elective [4 Credits]
Spring Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 484 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
  • SSC Course Social Science >2 [4 Credits]
  • Elective 300+ Upper-Division Non-Architecture Elective [4 Credits]

Year Five

Fall Term
14 Credits
  • ARCH 471 Building Enclosure [4 Credits]
  • SAE Subject Area Elective [2 Credits]
  • Elective 300+ Upper-Division Non-Architecture Elective [4 Credits]
  • General Elective [4 Credits]
Winter Term
16 Credits
  • ARCH 485 Advanced Architectural Design I [8 Credits]
  • Elective 300+ Upper-Division Non-Architecture Elective [4 Credits]
  • General Elective [4 Credits]
Spring Term
16 Credits
  • ARCH 486 Advanced Architectural Design II [8 Credits]
  • General Elective [4 Credits]
  • General Elective [4 Credits]