Architectural Studies, BS

The Bachelor of Science, Architectural Studies (BSAS) is a four-year undergraduate pre-professional program that prepares students for graduate studies in architecture and related design and construction fields. The primary goal of the BSAS program is to introduce students to architecture as both a technical and cultural practice. Students accrue skills in architectural thinking, design, visualization, fabrication, prototyping and simulation. The program lays a foundation of unique problem-solving skills empowering students to change the world. This is a non-accredited degree and many states would require an additional two years of architecture study at the graduate level before you could sit for the architecture licensing exam.

The four-year BSAS program is comprised of a three-year core, followed by one year of specialized and individualized study. Over the course of their studies, BSAS students enroll in a variety of design studios, lectures and seminars to accrue skills in architectural making, thinking, design, visualization, digital fabrication, prototyping, and simulation. In addition to learning essential analytical and creative-problem solving skills through design, students are required to complete courses in architectural systems (structures, construction and environmental/building technology), behavioral, social and cultural factors in design, and the role of criticism in contemporary architecture and urbanism. In their fourth year, students select from a wide range of architectural electives and advanced studios, allowing them the opportunity to craft a curriculum based on their areas of interest.

Graduates of the BSAS program can continue their studies at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning by applying to the Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.), or Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program. The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Requirements

Preparatory Coursework

Based on individual placement results, some students may be required to complete preparatory coursework before enrolling in the courses listed here. This may include English language or composition preparation, developmental math, introductory chemistry, and/or student support courses for students participating in the First Year Bridge program. 

General Education Requirements (GER)

UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s or associate degree. They include at minimum 30 credits (10 courses) in six categories that are designed to assure basic student competencies and provide a broad body of knowledge as a context for specialization.

Some degree requirements may fulfill GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.   

BSAS Requirements

The minimum cumulative GPA required for all UWM credits and for all architecture credits attempted is 2.5. Continuing from Level 1 (first year) onto Level 2 (second year) is based on GPA.

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General Education Requirements (GERs): This course satisfies a UWM GER requirement. Students who have not completed the appropriate GER requirement prior to taking the course in the major will have an open elective available in order to reach 120 total credits. Students that meet the GER requirement through a different course must still take this course for the major, and will not gain an elective.

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Or students may also take URBPLAN 141 to satisfy this requirement.

Plan of Study

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Counts as Humanities and Arts GER

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Counts as Social and Behavioral Science GER

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Counts as Natural Science and Wellness GER

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Counts as Civics and Perspectives GER

Admission Standards

New First-Year Students

New first-year student admission to the School of Architecture and Urban Planning is based on an overall assessment of both academic and non-academic qualifications. The primary review factors for admission are the strength and quality of the high school curriculum, high school class percentile, grade point average, and the ACT or SAT. For preferential consideration, applications (including ACT or SAT scores) must be completed no later than March 1 (for summer/fall term) or December 1 (for spring term). Applications not complete by the priority date or not meeting these admission criteria will be considered on a space-available basis.

See the general first-year student admission requirements of the University for additional information.

Academically qualified international student applicants must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 (iBT) or IELTS score of 6.0, or may be admitted following successful completion of the Intensive English Program at UWM, as demonstrated by an appropriate TOEFL score.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are admitted on a selective basis. Preference is given to students whose applications are completed, including all required supporting documents, no later than April 1 (for the following summer/fall term) or November 1 (for the following spring term) and who have completed (or will have completed by the anticipated enrollment date) at least 24 degree credits with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). In addition, transfer applicants must meet the same high school English and mathematics course requirements as new first-year student applicants. International transfer student applicants also must meet the minimum TOEFL requirement.

Students enrolled in other UWM schools or colleges who wish to enter the architecture program will also be considered for admission on the basis of the criteria listed above. Interested students should schedule an appointment with Emily Zahasky, Undergraduate Advisor, (414) 229-4015.

Second Degree Students

Second-degree candidates enrolled in architecture courses are classified as seniors in architecture. They are not subject to the University's General Education Requirements; however, they must complete (or have completed) the Mathematics and Physics Competency Requirements. Admission to the School as a second-degree candidate requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) on the previous undergraduate record. Applications must be completed no later than March 1 (for the summer/fall term) or October 1 (for the spring term). For information on second-degree requirements, students should schedule an appointment with Emily Zahasky, Undergraduate Advisor, (414) 229-4015.

Level 1 (Pre-Architecture)

Students applying to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and declaring a primary interest in architectural studies on their application forms will be designated as Architectural Studies Level 1 (Pre-Architecture) students. They will be advised by the School's undergraduate advisor in the Student Advising Office. The policies and procedures of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning apply to admitted students, even though they may be enrolled in courses in another school or college at UWM.

Pre-Architecture students are not automatically accepted into the Level 2 program.

Level 2 (Architectural Studies)

Entrance into Level 2 requires the following standards: completion of a minimum of 30 credits (sophomore standing); a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in both the overall college record and required Level 1 architecture courses (ARCH 111, ARCH 151, ARCH 112, ARCH 152,  or their equivalent). Because enrollment is contingent upon available staffing and facilities, satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to Level 2. The academic quality of the student's Level 1 studies are carefully reviewed by the School's BSAS Committee. Admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance by the Department of Architecture.

Enrollment priority is given to students with the highest cumulative GPAs for admission into ARCH 211 , the first introductory core studio in Level 2.

Transfer students applying to Level 2 must demonstrate that they have taken the equivalent of the Level 1 program of study (ARCH 111, ARCH 151, ARCH 112, and ARCH 152.

Advanced students transferring from another architectural or related program (design, engineering, landscape architecture) may petition the BSAS Committee for advanced standing. Students must show that prior coursework parallels coursework in the Level 2 program. A minimum of two semesters of work, consisting of at least 30 credits in total, must be completed in residency for the bachelor's degree.

Architectural Studies BS Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Architectural Studies BS program will be able to: 

• Describe the role of the design process in shaping the built environment and the methods by which design processes integrate multiple factors, in different settings and scales of development, from buildings to cities.  
• Explain the histories and theories of architecture and urbanism, framed by diverse social, cultural, economic, and political forces, nationally and globally.  
• Engage and participate in architectural research to test and evaluate innovations in the field.  
• Explore and understand diverse cultural and social contexts, and design built environments that equitably support and include people of different backgrounds, resources, and abilities.  
• Analyze the impact of the built environment on human health, safety, and welfare at multiple scales, from buildings to cities.  
• Apply the fundamental principles of life safety, land use, and compliance with current laws and regulations that apply to buildings and sites in the United States, and engage in the evaluative process architects use to comply with those laws and regulations as part of a project. 

Opportunities

The Department of Architecture provides the following opportunities for students and faculty to develop coursework with a special focus.

The Independent Studies course (ARCH 392) rewards students with credits for worthwhile activities originated by the students, such as special reading or research programs, community service, or independent design projects. To be eligible, students in the Department of Architecture must have completed one semester of work and must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in their work in the Department. Students in other UWM departments must have the permission of their own departments and the Department of Architecture.

The Directed Research course (ARCH 391) offers an opportunity for students to participate in current research projects of architecture faculty. Eligibility and approval for registration are at the discretion of the faculty members in charge of the projects.

The Special Topics course (ARCH 601) permits individual faculty members to develop special subjects on a one-semester basis. Special Topics courses are announced at registration for the following semester.

The Department has developed a semester-long Study Abroad Program that allows students to combine foreign travel and study under the tutelage of one or more departmental faculty member(s). The location of the program may vary from year to year. Admission to the program is selective, based on the student's previous academic performance.

Honors and High Honors in the Major

Honors in the Major are granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or above for courses in the major and 3.250 GPA on the last 60 credits taken in residence at UWM (Level 2).

High Honors in the Major are granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.750 or above for courses in the major and 3.500 GPA on the last 60 credits taken in residence at UWM (Level 2).

Dean's Honors are granted to graduating seniors with the two highest cum GPAs (Level 2).

College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.