Architecture, BArch BArch
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. You’ll gain all the knowledge and skills necessary in one degree, saving time and money.
As an all-in-one degree, you will be prepared and eligible to sit for the licensing exam in five years instead of six. In addition to learning how to design buildings and other structures, you’ll understand how your work affects the built environment and the people who use it. If your plan is to become a licensed architect, the Bachelor of Architecture is the degree for you.
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.
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) Program Details
The five-year professional Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program consists of a four-year core, followed by one year of specialized and individualized study.
Over the course of your studies, you’ll enroll in a variety of design 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 through design, you will complete courses in history & theory, architectural representation, structures & construction, environmental & building technology, professional practice, and contemporary criticism. In your fifth year, you’ll 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 Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) requirements.
Graduates of the BArch program can go on to complete AXP and ARE requirements to become licensed architects or continue their studies at UWM by applying to a graduate program.
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.
What is the advantage of the BArch over the BSAS degree?
If your goal is to become a licensed architect, the BArch offers a faster, more affordable path when compared to a 4+2 program. Additionally, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reports that a majority of firms pay more for employees with an accredited, professional degree compared to those with a nonprofessional degree in architectural studies. The AIA also reports that a majority of firms pay licensed architects more than non-licensed architects, and about 20% of firms do not hire architecture employees who do not have a professional degree. [Source: AIA Compensation Report 2021]
What states recognize the BArch as an accredited degree for licensure?
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) reports that all 50 states accept the BArch as an accredited degree. There are 38 states that require an accredited degree for licensure. For information about all 55 U.S. states and territories, visit the NCARB licensing tool.
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.
Does the BArch cost more?
The BArch tuition is the same as the UWM undergraduate tuition rate except for the fifth year of the degree. During the fifth year, tuition is charged at the undergraduate rate plus an additional fee assessed each of the two semesters. Learn more about tuition, including additional/differential per credit charges, on the UWM tuition and fees page.
If you use the UWM Total Cost Estimator, the suggested cost of books is equivalent to what you can expect supplies to cost as an architecture student.
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
