The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a five-year undergraduate professional program that prepares students for a professional architecture career and related design and construction fields. The primary goal of the BArch program is to introduce students to architecture as both a technical and cultural practice. Students accrue skills in architectural thinking, design, construction, technology, professional practice, visualization, fabrication, prototyping and simulation. The program lays a foundation of unique problem-solving skills empowering students to change the world.
The five-year BArch program is comprised of a four-year core, followed by one year of specialized and individualized study. Over the course of their studies, BArch students enroll in a variety of design studios, lectures, and seminars to accrue skills in architectural making, thinking, design, construction, technology, professional practice, visualization, digital fabrication, prototyping, and simulation. In addition to learning essential analytical and creative problem solving skills through design, students are required to complete courses in architectural technology (structures, construction, and environmental/building technology), behavioral, social, and cultural factors in design, and the role of criticism in contemporary architecture and urbanism. In their fifth year, students select from a wide range of architectural electives and advanced studios, allowing them the opportunity to craft a curriculum based on their areas of interest.
Graduates of the BArch program can go on to complete AXP and ARE requirements to become licensed Architects or continue their studies at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning by applying to the Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.), or Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program.
Admission Standards
New Freshmen
New freshman admission to the School of Architecture and Urban Planning is based on an overall assessment of both academic and non-academic qualifications. The primary review factors for admission are the strength and quality of the high school curriculum, high school class percentile, and grade point average. For preferential consideration, applications must be completed no later than March 1 (for summer/fall term) or December 1 (for spring term). Applications not complete by the priority date or not meeting these admission criteria will be considered on a space-available basis.
See general freshman admission requirements of the University for additional information.
Academically qualified international student applicants must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 (iBT) or IELTS score of 6.0, or may be admitted following successful completion of the Intensive English Program at UWM, as demonstrated by an appropriate TOEFL score.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are admitted on a selective basis. Preference is given to students whose applications are completed, including all required supporting documents, no later than April 1 (for the following summer/fall term) or November 1 (for the following spring term) and who have completed (or will have completed by the anticipated enrollment date) at least 24 degree credits with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). In addition, transfer applicants must meet the same high school English and mathematics course requirements as new freshman applicants. International transfer student applicants also must meet the minimum TOEFL requirement.
Students enrolled in other UWM schools or colleges who wish to enter the architecture program will also be considered for admission on the basis of the criteria listed above. Interested students should schedule an appointment with the SARUP Undergraduate Advisor, (414) 229-4015.
Second Degree Students
Second-degree candidates enrolled in architecture courses are classified as seniors in architecture. They are not subject to the University's General Education Requirements; however, they must complete (or have completed) the Mathematics and Physics Competency Requirements. Admission to the School as a second-degree candidate requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) on the previous undergraduate record. Applications must be completed no later than March 1 (for the summer/fall term) or October 1 (for the spring term). For information on second-degree requirements, students should schedule an appointment with the SARUP Undergraduate Advisor, (414) 229-4015.
BArch Requirements
The minimum credits needed to graduate from this program is 150. Completion of this degree does not guarantee admission to graduate programs in architecture at UWM.
For the BArch degree, at least the last 24 credits must be earned in residency at UWM. The minimum cumulative GPA required for all UWM credits and for all architecture credits attempted is 2.5.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Competency Requirements | ||
| English: | 3-6 | |
Oral and Written Communication Competency - Part A: Complete ENGLISH 102 with a grade of C or higher or place beyond ENGLISH 102 on the English Placement Exam (EPT) or other appropriate test, as determined by the English Department | ||
Oral and Written Communication Competency - Part B: Complete at least one OWC - B course 1 | ||
| Mathematics: | 3-6 | |
Quantitative Literacy Competency - Part B: Complete at least one QL-B course 1 | ||
| MATH 115 | Precalculus (or place beyond) | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 0-8 | |
| Satisfied by one of the following: | ||
Complete two years of a single foreign language in high school | ||
Complete two semesters of a single foreign language in college | ||
Demonstrate ability by examination | ||
| Directed Electives 2,3 | ||
| Arts 4 | 3 | |
| Humanities | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Natural Science | 3 | |
| PHYSICS 107 | Physics in Everyday Life | 3 |
| PHYSICS 108 | Laboratory for Physics in Everyday Life | 1 |
| First Year Architecture Courses | ||
| ARCH 100 | Architectural Making I 4 | 3 |
| ARCH 102 | Architectural Thinking I | 3 |
| ARCH 103 | Architectural Making II | 3 |
| ARCH 110 | New Student Orientation | 1 |
| ARCH 282 | Visualization 1 | 3 |
| Second Year Architecture Courses | ||
| ARCH 310 | Fundamentals of Architectural Design I | 6 |
| ARCH 320 | Fundamentals of Architectural Design II | 6 |
| ARCH 302 | Architecture and Human Behavior | 3 |
| ARCH 3XX: Architecture and Human Behavior II | 3 | |
| ARCH 283 | Visualization 2 | 3 |
| ARCH 104 | Architectural Thinking II | 3 |
| Third Year Architecture Courses | ||
| ARCH 410 | Architectural Design I | 6 |
| ARCH 420 | Architectural Design II | 6 |
| ARCH 516 | Building Construction | 3 |
| ARCH 303 | Architecture Systems 2 | 3 |
| ARCH 586 | Code and Programming | 3 |
| ARCH 304 | Contemporary Criticism and Urbanism | 3 |
| Fourth Year Architecture Courses | ||
| Take two semesters for a total of six credits: | 6 | |
| Advanced Design Studio: | ||
| ARCH 301 | Architecture Systems 1 | 3 |
| ARCH 510 | Survey of Structural Analysis and Design | 3 |
| ARCH 382 | Professional Production (BIM) | 3 |
| Fifth Year Architecture Courses | ||
| ARCH 825 | Comprehensive Design Studio: | 6 |
| or ARCH 850 | Advanced Design Studio: | |
| ARCH 850 | Advanced Design Studio: | 6 |
| ARCH 520 | Environmental Systems: Illumination and Thermal Comfort | 3 |
| ARCH 581 | Law and Professional Practice for Architects | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 Arch elective credits at the 300 level or above 5 | 9 | |
| Select 9 elective credits at the 300 level or above | 9 | |
| Select additional elective credits from any area and any level as needed (Flex) 6 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 150-164 | |
- 1
See Schedule of Classes for this listing.
- 2
The Department requires courses outside the department to give students a foundation in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. These courses satisfy the distribution area of the UWM General Education Requirements (GER).
- 3
One course must satisfy the GER Cultural Diversity Requirement. A list of courses is provided in the online Schedule of Classes each semester under "General Education Requirements".
- 4
ARCH 100 will count towards the student's GER Art's distribution requirements.
- 5
This coursework must be completed in the Department of Architecture.
- 6
Additional elective credits required depends on prior coursework. Consult your advisor.
Plan of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ARCH 100 | Architectural Making I | 3 |
| ARCH 102 | Architectural Thinking I | 3 |
| ARCH 110 | New Student Orientation | 1 |
| ENGLISH 102 | College Writing and Research | 3 |
| MATH 105 | Introduction to College Algebra | 3 |
| GER Social Science | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 103 | Architectural Making II | 3 |
| ARCH 282 | Visualization 1 | 3 |
| GER Humanities | 3 | |
| MATH 115 | Precalculus | 4 |
| GER Social Science | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 310 | Fundamentals of Architectural Design I | 6 |
| ARCH 302 | Architecture and Human Behavior | 3 |
| ARCH 283 | Visualization 2 | 3 |
| PHYSICS 107 | Physics in Everyday Life | 3 |
| PHYSICS 108 | Laboratory for Physics in Everyday Life | 1 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 320 | Fundamentals of Architectural Design II | 6 |
| ARCH 3XX: Architecture and Human Behavior II | 3 | |
| ARCH 104 | Architectural Thinking II | 3 |
| GER Natural Science | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 410 | Architectural Design I | 6 |
| ARCH 516 | Building Construction | 3 |
| ARCH 586 | Code and Programming | 3 |
| GER Humanities + Cultural Diversity | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 420 | Architectural Design II | 6 |
| ARCH 303 | Architecture Systems 2 | 3 |
| ARCH 304 | Contemporary Criticism and Urbanism | 3 |
| Flex Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 850 | Advanced Design Studio: | 6 |
| ARCH 301 | Architecture Systems 1 | 3 |
| ARCH 533 | Topics in Architectural Theory: | 3 |
| Flex Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 850 | Advanced Design Studio: | 6 |
| ARCH 510 | Survey of Structural Analysis and Design | 3 |
| ARCH 382 | Professional Production (BIM) | 3 |
| Upper-level Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 5 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 825 or ARCH 850 | Comprehensive Design Studio: or Advanced Design Studio: | 6 |
| ARCH 520 | Environmental Systems: Illumination and Thermal Comfort | 3 |
| ARCH Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-level Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 850 | Advanced Design Studio: | 6 |
| ARCH 581 | Law and Professional Practice for Architects | 3 |
| ARCH Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-level Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 153 | |
Honors and High Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major are granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or above for courses in the major and 3.250 GPA on the last 60 credits taken in residence at UWM.
High Honors in the Major are granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.750 or above for courses in the major and 3.500 GPA on the last 60 credits taken in residence at UWM.
Dean's Honors are granted to graduating seniors with the two highest cum GPAs.
College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.