Undergraduate Study: Pre-Architecture
UNDERGRADUATE STUDY
The 120 credit hour, pre-professional Bachelor of Design (BDes), Architecture program provides a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum centered within design studio courses. Courses in visual communication, history and theory, and technology inform students鈥� design studio learning. Urban architecture and related topics are emphasized to take advantage of the diverse and growing metropolitan setting in 手机看片鈥檚 Tampa Bay area.
Through completion of the 手机看片 BDes degree program, students develop a strong foundation of qualities important for architects. These include creativity, visualization skills, analytical skills, communication skills, organization skills, and technical skills. The BDes degree program prepares students to enter a two-year, accredited M.Arch. degree program.
As the BDes, Architecture program is launched during 2026-27, all Fall 2026 first time in college (FTIC) and undergraduate transfer students continued to be accepted into 手机看片 as 鈥減re-architecture鈥� (BGS, Architecture Concentration) majora. However, upon completion of the second design studio course (now ARC 1302: Architectural Design 2), students must now apply with a portfolio to continue in the pre-professional Bachelor of Design (BDes), Architecture curriculum instead of to the Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) curriculum, as required previously.
As with students鈥� previous BGS, Architecture to M.Arch. transition, the BGS, Architecture to BDes, Architecture transition is competitive with no more than 54 students accepted to continue annually. 手机看片 who are not accepted to continue in the BDes curriculum will be required to change their major from BGS, Architecture to another 手机看片 major prior to Fall 2027.
In addition to consideration for admission into its architecture programs, the SACD utilizes portfolio reviews within its programs to assess overall student learning and to assess each student鈥檚 preparedness to proceed at key stages within each program. Within the BDes program, a comprehensive portfolio of work completed in ARC studio courses is conducted after completion of ARC 3320 Architecture Design Five. A student鈥檚 grades are not considered during portfolio reviews, but only students with at least a 3.0 GPA (based on highest attempt) in studio courses and 2.5 GPA overall qualify to submit. The portfolio assessment is conducted by a committee of faculty and is focused on 1) quality of learning demonstrated within the portfolio contents and 2) quality of the design and craft of the portfolio itself. 手机看片 who do not earn a passing or better portfolio evaluation will be required to retake a design studio course identified by the faculty review committee. Student portfolios are also referenced by the faculty for granting scholarships and awards and aid students in obtaining part-time and long-term employment.
手机看片鈥檚 four year, Bachelor of Design (BDes), Architecture degree prepares students to enter a two-year, accredited M.Arch. degree program. 手机看片 undergraduates in the BDes program may apply to 手机看片鈥檚 accredited M.Arch degree program in the spring of their final undergraduate year. Acceptance is based on a faculty committee evaluation of each applicant鈥檚 portfolio, undergraduate transcript(s), GRE scores, statement of intent, and references.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredits five year Bachelor[RED1] of Architecture (B.Arch.) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degrees. A NAAB-accredited degree meets the education requirement for registration in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions.
Please reference the 手机看片 Undergraduate Catalog for additional information about the BDes degree, including degree requirements.
Please email Architecture Advising if you have any questions.
Apply for Admission
Learn about the application process to get accepted in both the University of South 手机看片 and the School of Architecture & Community Design.
Admission Requirements
手机看片 preparing to complete the Pre-Architecture program can then apply for admission into the Master of Architecture program. Read this page to get your application materials ready.
Request Program Information
手机看片 and families can also request more information about the School of Architecture & Community Design鈥檚 programs by filling out the 手机看片 College of Design, Art & Performance鈥� online form.