BA in Architectural Studies

Degree Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies degree from UIC, students need to complete university, college, and school degree requirements. The School of Architecture degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.

Summary of Requirements
Pre-Architectural Studies60
Architectural Studies60
Total Hours120

Pre-Architectural Studies

Required Courses
ENGL 160Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts3
ENGL 161Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research3
AH 110World History of Art and the Built Environment I a4
AH 111World History of Art and the Built Environment II a4
Analyzing the Natural World course b3-5
Understanding the Past course b3
Exploring World Cultures course b3
Understanding U.S. Society course b3
ARCH 200Architecture and Society a,c4
MATH 121Precalculus Mathematics5
University Electives d23-25
Total Hours60
a

This course is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.

b

Students should consult the General Education section of the catalog for a list of approved courses in this category.

c

This course is approved for the Understanding the Individual and Society General Education category.

d

Choose any course at UIC, approximately eight courses total, depending on credit value of 3–5 hours per course

Architectural Studies

Required Courses
ARCH 105Architectural Studio 15
ARCH 106Architectural Studio 25
ARCH 151Architecture at Chicago2
ARCH 251Architectural Analysis3
ARCH 252Modern Architecture3
ARCH 371Architectural Theory 13
ARCH 372Architectural Theory 23
ARCH 414Contemporary Practices3
ARCH 440Digital Design and Fabrication3
ARCH 499Special Topics3
Two Art History Electives (200-level or higher)6
Arts Elective (select any art, design, music, or theatre course)3
LAS Elective (select any Liberal Arts and Sciences courses)3
LAS English Elective (select any English course in drama, film, fiction, U.S. culture, or popular genres)3
University Electives (select any courses at UIC to reach a minimum of 12 semester hours)12
Total Hours60

Sample Course Schedule—Architectural Studies

Plan of Study Grid
Junior Year
Fall SemesterHours
ARCH 105 Architectural Studio 1 5
ARCH 151 Architecture at Chicago 2
ARCH 251 Architectural Analysis 3
Art History Elective (200-level or higher) 3
English Elective 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
ARCH 106 Architectural Studio 2 5
ARCH 252 Modern Architecture 3
Arts Elective (choose any art, design, music, or theatre course) 3
University Elective (choose any course at UIC) a 3
 Hours14
Senior Year
Fall Semester
ARCH 371 Architectural Theory 1 3
ARCH 414 Contemporary Practices 3
ARCH 440 Digital Design and Fabrication 3
University Elective (choose any course at UIC) a 3
University Elective (choose any course at UIC) a 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ARCH 372 Architectural Theory 2 3
ARCH 499 Special Topics 3
Art History Elective (200-level or higher) a 3
LAS Elective (choose any Liberal Arts and Sciences course) 3
University Elective (choose any course at UIC) a 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours60
a

To meet prerequisites for many MArch programs, the University Electives should include: MATH 180 and PHYS 131.