Bachelors of Architecture in Ames United States | Iowa State University

The Department of Architecture approaches architectural education as a cultural practice that synthesizes design principles, social contexts, and environmental considerations through construction, spatial organization, material selection, and functional application. Architecture emerges from diverse communities' visions for their built surroundings and the collective process of shaping our physical world. This encompasses individual structures, interior spaces, and outdoor environments.

Our five-year, 165-credit Bachelor of Architecture program (including a 31-credit Core Design sequence) maintains professional accreditation. The curriculum balances broad academic foundations with specialized training for professional careers or advanced studies. Fourth-year students can participate in semester-long international study programs, with additional short-term and semester abroad options available.

Following the initial Core Design year, students progress through four years of professional training. Professional program admission considers pre-professional coursework performance, prior academic records, portfolio/essay assessments, and departmental capacity. Annual admission guidelines appear on the College of Design website.

Degree candidates may incorporate various minors—such as digital media, critical studies, urban studies, or sustainability—into their studies. Consult the College of Design website for minor program specifics.

Professional program entrants must acquire specified laptop computers and software, either independently or through college resources. Accepted students receive detailed technology requirements.

Graduate offerings include: a 90-credit Master of Architecture professional degree and a 30-credit interdisciplinary Master of Science in Architecture. Both programs encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration within the College of Design and university-wide. Combined degree options exist with other graduate programs, with competitive teaching/research assistantships available.

Iowa State B.Arch graduates may apply 6 approved undergraduate credits toward the M.S.Arch, reducing required graduate coursework to 24 credits. B.Arch students may also pursue one-year master's programs in other university departments. For updated graduate program details (including transfer credit policies), visit the College website's undergraduate programs section.