Architectural Studies, BSAS BSAS
The Architectural Studies (BSAS) degree is a four-year undergraduate pre-professional program that prepares you for graduate studies and a variety of career paths in the architecture and construction fields. Our program offers you flexibility to translate what you learn into many other fields of design and fabrication after you graduate.
Explore architecture as both a technical and cultural practice while sharpening your creativity, critical thinking and design skills. You’ll learn how architecture transforms the built environment, and you’ll connect with a network of mentors and alumni ready to help launch your next step, whether that’s graduate school or a design-forward career.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to study at the School of Architecture & Urban Planning
Taught by experienced faculty who are also professional architects, you’ll learn about the latest trends in the field. You’ll get hands-on experience solving design problems in innovative ways while working with others, and you’ll practice clearly showing your ideas through drawings, writing and presentations. You’ll also meet guest speakers and professionals, including many alumni, who can help you build valuable connections. And you’ll do it all with access to labs and facilities designed to support your growth.
But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself what it is like to be a student here by scheduling a visit to campus.
Architectural Studies (BSAS) Program Details
The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies consists of a three-year core, followed by one year of specialized and individualized study.
Over the course of your studies, you’ll enroll in a variety of studios, lectures and seminars to gain skills in architectural making, thinking, design, representation, digital fabrication, prototyping and simulation. In addition to learning essential analytical and creative problem-solving skills, you will complete courses in history & theory, structures & construction, environmental & building technology, and contemporary criticism. In your fourth year, you will select from a wide range of architectural electives and advanced studios, giving you the opportunity to craft a curriculum based on your areas of interest.
Review the Architectural Studies (BSAS) requirements.
Graduates of the BSAS program can continue their studies at UWM by applying to a graduate program in architecture or urban planning.
How to Apply or Transfer
Whether you are just starting college or transferring here from somewhere else, applying to a program offered by UWM’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning is simple with our detailed application instructions. Learn what materials to prepare and confidently take next steps with important dates in mind.
Scholarships & Aid
UW-Milwaukee offers a diverse financial aid package for students, including Midwest residence savings, scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and student loans. Plus, we offer several additional scholarships available exclusively to School of Architecture & Urban Planning students.
Living Learning Community
Live in campus housing alongside other architecture students. The School of Architecture & Urban Planning offers several Living Learning Communities where you can be a part of a “community within a community.” You’ll make friends, form study groups and do social activities together. And, best of all, there is no additional cost to be a part of a Living Learning Community.
Studios
Studios are the heart of your education. They push the boundaries of what is possible through architecture and challenge you to dive into specific topics in deep and meaningful ways. Design thinking, experimentation and critique come together in every project, and the creative energy of studio culture truly shapes your experience as an architecture student. Learn more about studios.
Externships
Our externship program offers direct access to professional practice and serves as a strong pathway to post-graduation employment. An externship is a short-term placement in architecture and urban planning organizations during UWinteriM and spring break. You’ll benefit from exposure to a variety of firms and experiences, networking opportunities and mentorship while building your professional network. Learn more about externships.
Study Abroad
We have a long tradition of offering diverse programs of international study led by our well-traveled faculty. These custom-designed travel opportunities happen throughout the school year and in the summer. Recent trips have taken students to France, Italy, England, Scandinavia and Japan. Take your education further with study abroad opportunities.
Research Opportunities
As a top-tier R1 research university, we’re experts at offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty in areas like ecological design, historic preservation and urban planning. With paid research positions at the undergrad and graduate level and a specialized Resource Center to support your research, there is no limit to what you might uncover. Learn more about research opportunities.
Student Organizations
Learn in action through architecture and urban planning student organizations. Opportunities include connecting with professional association leaders, attending national conferences and tackling real-world projects for clients and community partners. Plus, you’ll deepen your connections with faculty, mentors and fellow students. Check out our student organizations.
Labs and Facilities
Creating something new requires the right environment to experiment, take risks and practice technique. That’s why our labs and facilities are designed to support you throughout the design process, from initial research to rapid prototyping, woodworking and portfolio documentation.
I’m not sure which architecture degree is right for me. What’s the difference?
The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS) is a four-year undergraduate pre-professional program that prepares you for graduate studies and a variety of career paths in architecture and construction fields. The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a five-year undergraduate professional degree designed to be a quicker, more affordable path to becoming a licensed architect. If your plan is to become a licensed architect, the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is the degree for you.
If I enroll in the BSAS and decide I would like to pursue a BArch, can I adjust my degree program?
Yes, the BArch curriculum was designed to make it simple for current BSAS students at UWM to transition into the BArch. For most students, that means they’ll finish with just one additional year. Current BSAS students can switch to BArch by visiting the SARUP Advising Office.
If I graduate with a BSAS, can I return to complete the BArch?
Yes, the BArch degree allows for BSAS alumni from the School of Architecture & Urban Planning to return to complete the requirements leading to a BArch as a second degree. Most alumni with a BSAS from UWM will need to take Design VIII, Building Tech III-V, and Professional Practice I-III. We recommend that you review application requirements and make an appointment with an advisor to confirm your particular degree requirements.
Career Outlook
Where Architects Work
Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure that clients’ objectives are met and to review the progress of projects. Some architects work from home offices.
Most architects work full time and many work additional hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed architects may have more flexible work schedules.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Resources
We’re committed to helping you launch your career from your first semester to your first job and beyond. We offer a variety of ways for you to build your professional network and prepare for a successful transition into your career. Learn more about career resources.
Which faculty you have within this program depends on your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all School of Architecture & Urban Planning faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Teaching Assistant, Architecture
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Affiliated Faculty, Historic Preservation Institute
- bustosl2@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 327
- Teaching Assistant, Doctoral, Architecture
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- ismat@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 426
- Director, Historic Preservation Institute
- mjarosz@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5686
- Arch & Urban Planning 299
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- koch6@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4014
- Arch & Urban Planning 493
- Dean, College of the Arts & Architecture
- Professor, Architecture
- newmanw@uwm.edu
- Art 284
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Interim Head of School, School of Architecture & Urban Planning
- Associate Professor, Architecture
- reynol54@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 245
- Associate Professor, Architecture
- jshields@uwm.edu
- 262-385-0553
- Arch & Urban Planning 383
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- dfshuvra@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 426
- Associate Professor, Architecture
- Director, Design + Construction Initiative
- timmer@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 225
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Affiliated Faculty, Historic Preservation Institute
- aswagner@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 272A
- Associate Professor & Department Chair, Architecture
- wallick@uwm.edu
- 414-229-3221
- Arch & Urban Planning 251
- Professor, Architecture
- Director, Institute for Ecological Design
- Affiliated Faculty, School of Freshwater Sciences
- jwasley@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4045
- Arch & Urban Planning 293
