Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Architecture Program

The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a five-year undergraduate professional degree designed to provide a quicker and more affordable path to becoming a licensed architect. This all-in-one degree saves time and money, preparing students to sit for the licensing exam in five years instead of six.

Program Details

The BArch program consists of a four-year core, followed by one year of specialized and individualized study. Students enroll in a variety of design studios, lectures, and seminars to gain skills in architectural making, thinking, design, representation, digital fabrication, prototyping, and simulation. In addition to learning essential analytical and creative problem-solving skills through design, students complete courses in:

• History & theory
• Architectural representation
• Structures & construction
• Environmental & building technology
• Professional practice
• Contemporary criticism

In the fifth year, students select from a wide range of architectural electives and advanced studios, allowing them to craft a curriculum based on their areas of interest.

Program Type and Format

• Program Type: Major
• Program Format: On Campus

Career Outlook

The median annual salary for architects is $96,690, with an 8% faster-than-average job growth rate. The median hourly wage is $46.49. Architects spend most of their time in offices, meeting with clients, developing reports and drawings, and working with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure clients' objectives are met and to review project progress.

Where Architects Work

Most architects work full-time and may work additional hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed architects may have more flexible work schedules. Architects can work in various settings, including offices, construction sites, and home offices.

Advantages of the BArch Degree

The BArch offers a faster and more affordable path to becoming a licensed architect compared to a 4+2 program. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reports that a majority of firms pay more for employees with an accredited, professional degree compared to those with a nonprofessional degree in architectural studies.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) has been approved as eligible for candidacy by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) and is currently undergoing an initial candidacy visit. All 50 states accept the BArch as an accredited degree, with 38 states requiring an accredited degree for licensure.

Application and Admission

The application process involves submitting materials and meeting important deadlines. Priority application deadlines are:

• March 1 for Fall admission
• December 1 for Spring admission

Applications are considered on a space-available basis after these dates. It is recommended to apply well before the priority deadline to maximize financial support opportunities.

Tuition and Fees

The BArch tuition is the same as the UWM undergraduate tuition rate, except for the fifth year, which includes an additional fee assessed each semester. More information on tuition, including additional/differential per credit charges, can be found on the UWM tuition and fees page.

Faculty and Staff

The School of Architecture & Urban Planning has a diverse faculty and staff, including:

• Adjunct Assistant Professors
• Associate Professors
• Assistant Professors
• Professors
• Directors of various institutes and initiatives

A full list of faculty and staff can be found on the School's website.

Research Opportunities

As a top-tier R1 research university, UWM offers students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty in areas like ecological design, historic preservation, and urban planning. Paid research positions are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and a specialized Resource Center supports student research.

Student Organizations and Resources

Students can participate in various architecture and urban planning student organizations, connecting with professional association leaders, attending national conferences, and tackling real-world projects. The School also offers Living Learning Communities, where students can live alongside other architecture students, making friends, forming study groups, and participating in social activities without additional cost.

Studios and Facilities

Studios are the heart of the education, pushing the boundaries of what is possible through architecture and challenging students to dive into specific topics in deep and meaningful ways. The School's labs and facilities are designed to support students throughout the design process, from initial research to rapid prototyping, woodworking, and portfolio documentation.

Externships and Study Abroad

The externship program offers direct access to professional practice, serving as a strong pathway to post-graduation employment. Study abroad opportunities are also available, led by well-traveled faculty, providing students with diverse programs of international study throughout the school year and in the summer.