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Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Program Information
In your first three years of study in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch) program, students learn the fundamentals of design; how to apply them to the design of buildings, neighborhoods, and cities; and how to graphically communicate a design solution.
Before their final two semesters of the program, students have the option to choose to continue on the Architectural Studies track or move to the Architectural Design track. Both tracks allow students to pursue a four-studio track professional Master of Architecture degree (M.Arch) at CU Denver as well as a professional career in architecture. In addition to offering a strong foundation in architecture, both the Architectural Design and the Architectural Studies tracks prepare students to pursue graduate studies and future careers in allied design disciplines, including digital design (games and animation), industrial design, graphic design, landscape architecture, urban design, and real estate development, among others.
The Architectural Studies track offers students a less prescribed path with greater freedom to shape the direction of their studies in the final two semesters. Based on individual interests and projected career paths, students who choose this track will have the opportunity to focus on one or more areas?of study in architecture?and allied disciplines, including architectural history, theory, technology, and visualization, among other options.
The Architectural Design track is for students who desire additional design studios to hone their design skills. This track also prescribes additional history and technical coursework to support design thinking and application.
Both tracks prepare students for admission to a two-year (minimum) accredited graduate architecture degree program in the United States or Canada, as well as compatible degree programs internationally. Advance standing in a Master of Architecture program can be maximized in either track by selecting elective courses in technical studies and professional practice typically recognized by accredited graduate architecture degree programs.
Architecture Contacts
Marc Swackhamer
Professor and Chair of the Architecture Department
Email:marc.swackhamer@ucdenver.edu
Jo VandenBurg
Instructor and Associate Chair of Architecture
Email:jo.vandenburg@ucdenver.edu
Krista Busch
Senior Undergrad Academic Advisor
Email:krista.busch@ucdenver.edu
Kyle Danforth
Senior Undergrad Academic Advisor
Email:kyle.danforth@ucdenver.edu
Jeana Delamarter
Program Coordinator
Email:jeana.delamarter@ucdenver.edu
*Please contact Program Coordinator Jeana Delamarter first with any questions about the B.S. in Architecture program or the College of Architecture and Planning.
Schedule an Appointment with Jeana
Academics
Special Opportunities
Curriculum
Travel Study Opportunities
Travel allows us to see and experience design perspectives from around the world. The College of Architecture and Planning offers a variety of study abroad opportunities each year. Additionally, CU Denver offers study abroad opportunities to students of all majors.
View Your Study Abroad Opportunities
Tuition & Fees
The University of Colorado Denver has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Colorado. Our tuition and fees are set by the Board of Regents, the governing body of the University of Colorado. Tuition is based on student classification (undergraduate, graduate, academic program, resident or nonresident) and you can find out what rates will apply to your situation here.
Undergraduate students who are residents of WICHE states are eligible to request a reduced tuition rate of 150% of resident tuition at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state through the Western Undergraduate Education (WUE) program.
View Tuition and Fee Information
CAP Concierge
Are you new to CAP? Download a copy of the CAP Concierge to get a quick guide to moving to Denver, finding housing, reviewing studio supplies, and learning about other CU Denver campus resources.
Curriculum
Declaring this Major
Are you interested in declaring a major in Architecture?
General Requirements
To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the areas below in addition to their individual major requirements.
- CU Denver General Graduation Requirements
- CU Denver Core Curriculum
- College of Architecture and Planning Graduation Requirements
Information about Academic Policies
Program Requirements
Students must earn at least a C- grade in required architecture and math courses. Architecture and math courses must be repeated if the student earns less than a C- grade.
| Course # | Course Title | # Credits |
| ARCH 1711 | Architectural Visualization I | |
| ARCH 1721 | Architectural Visualization II | |
| Take all of the following required Design Studies courses in the order indicated | ||
| ARCH 2111 | Design Studio I (co-rec or pre-rec ARCH 1711) | |
| ARCH 2121 | Design Studio II (co-rec or pre-rec ARCH 1721 and ARCH 1711) | |
| ARCH 3111 | Design Studio III (pre-rec ARCH 2121) | |
| ARCH 3121 | Design Studio IV (pre-rec ARCH 3111) | |
| Take all of the following Cultural Studies courses in the order indicated | ||
| ARCH 1110 | Introduction to Architecture | |
| ARCH 2230 | Architectural History I | |
| ARCH 3230 | Architectural History II | |
| Take both of the following Technical Studies courses | ||
| ARCH 3130 | Construction Practices: Material and Structural Systems | |
| ARCH 3430 | Construction Practices: Building Envelope | |
| Take one of the following Math courses/sets: | ||
| MATH 1110 & MA1120 | College Algebra, College Trigonometry | |
| or one of the following | ||
| MATH 1130 | Precalculus Mathematics | |
| MATH 1401 | Calculus I | |
| MATH 2411 | Calculus II | |
| MATH 2421 | Calculus III | |
| Note: also applies to the CORE Math requirement | ||
| Take both of the following Physics courses | ||
| PHYS 2010 | College Physics I | |
| PHYS 2030 | College Physics Lab I | |
Two Tracks
Students in the BS Arch program have the option to choose one of two tracks with different course requirements. All students are enrolled in the Architectural Studies track when declaring the BS Arch major. Before the final two semesters in the program, students must choose to either stay in the Architectural Studies track or opt-in to the Architectural Design track instead. Each track has 27 credits of specified coursework to complete the degree. The Architectural Studies track allows more flexibility in course selection; the Architectural Design sub-plan is more structured. Prior to selecting a track, students should meet with an academic advisor to discuss the impact each track could have on their intended career path after graduation.
Complete 27 credits specific to Architectural Studies ONLY:
- Take 15 hours of Architecture electives (prefix ARCH)
- Take 12 hours of CAP electives (may be any prefix used in the College of Architecture and Planning)
NOTE: Any of the specific courses listed in the Architectural Design track may be taken and will count as ARCH electives.
Take the additional required elective:
- ARCH 36xx – any History/Cultural Architecture elective
Take both of the following additional Technical Studies courses:
- ARCH 3330 – Building Systems I
- ARCH 3340 – Theory of Structures I
Take 6 hours of CAP electives (any prefix used in the College of Architecture and Planning)
Note: Additional general elective hours may be needed to reach the required 120 hours for the B.S. Arch degree.
Note: Required math and physics courses may apply toward general electives if not already applied toward core math or biological and physical sciences requirements.
