Program Overview

Overview of the Architecture Program

The University of Waterloo's School of Architecture offers a pre-professional program in Architecture, leading to a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree. This program provides a broad education that covers everything from building materials and construction techniques to cultural history, social context, green architecture, and more. The core of this program is design courses, starting right in year one, where students develop their ideas and skills through a series of hands-on projects.

Program Structure

• The program is available as a co-op program only, with no option for a regular program or minor.
• Students will spend their first year studying, followed by alternating periods of study and co-op work experience.
• The co-op work-study sequence typically starts in the second year, with students normally alternating between school and work every four months.

Courses and Curriculum

First-Year Courses

• ARCH 192 – Design Studio
• ARCH 110 – Visual and Digital Media 1
• ARCH 120 – An Introduction to Architectural Ideas and Communications
• ARCH 142 – Introduction to Cultural History
• ARCH 172 – Building Construction 1
• PDARCH 1 – Portfolio Development (May to August)
• ARCH 193 – Design Studio (January to April)
• ARCH 113 – Visual and Digital Media 2 (January to April)
• ARCH 126 – Environmental Building Design (January to April)
• ARCH 143 – Settlements, Sanctuaries, and Cities (January to April)
• ARCH 173 – Building Construction 2 (January to April)

Upper-Year Courses

• ARCH 246 – Cultural Encounters
• ARCH 327 – Architecture of the Urban Environment
• ARCH 212 – Digital Fabrication
• ARCH 442 – Contemporary Architectural Theory

Admission Requirements

Ontario Students

• Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including:
  • English (ENG4U) with a minimum final grade of 75%
  • Advanced Functions with a minimum final grade of 70%
  • Calculus and Vectors with a minimum final grade of 70%
  • Physics with a minimum final grade of 70%
• Recommended: Grade 11 or 12 art courses, independent art studies, creative and cultural studies such as visual arts and history
• Admission average: Individual selection from the mid-80s
• Selected students will be invited to submit a portfolio of creative work as part of the application process.

Non-Ontario Students

• Admission requirements vary; search the university's admission requirements for specific details.

Career Opportunities

Graduates commonly pursue careers in architecture, design, consulting, and project management. They often work in architectural firms, construction and design firms, engineering and manufacturing companies, and more. Recent graduates have found employment as:

• Associate Architect
• Project Manager
• Architectural Design
• Urban Designer
• Product Designer
• Architectural Assistant
• Intern Architect

Accreditation

The University of Waterloo's Master of Architecture program is fully accredited through the Canadian Architectural Certification Board, providing a fully accredited professional education for those seeking to become licensed architects.