BFA in Architecture Studies

Units required for Major: 77
Minimum units required for BFA: 120

Program Description

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture Studies prepares students for architecture careers and related fields. The Program recognizes the importance of Sacramento State as California’s capital university by providing an architecture degree option for the students in this region. Combined with the CSU General Education requirements, the breadth of courses in the program reflects the values of professional preparation grounded in a liberal arts education. The Program is one of five degree programs offered in the Department of Design and shares a lower-division curriculum with the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture.

Students are broadly educated in five core areas—studio practice, building science and technology, history/theory, graphic communication, and professionalism—aligning with the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Shared Values of the Discipline and Profession. The program's main objective is to educate new designers as generalists, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to designing buildings with particular attention to the design’s impact on environmental, social, and cultural systems. A central part of architectural education is the design studio, where students thoroughly examine architectural design problems using experiential and project-based learning to prepare for the competitive rigors of the changing world they will face after graduation. Studio culture is non-competitive and supportive, emphasizing collaborative models of learning. Guest lecturers, professional panel critiques, discussions, field trips, and building tours of outstanding projects maintain strong connections to the profession. Service-learning opportunities form an important component of the curriculum.

Knowledge and skills learned in the Architecture Studies program will prepare graduates for post-graduation paths to internship, examination, and licensure. Completing the B.F.A. in Architectural Studies provides students with two options for fulfilling the education requirements for California architectural licensure. Students could apply to an accredited professional Master of Architecture (March) program or complete the architectural training option. See the California Architects Board, NCARB, and NAAB for more information.

All major course requirements require a minimum grade of "C" or better.

Program Requirements

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Students may not choose an elective that was used for another requirement in this degree.

General Education Requirements ¹

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To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

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Required in Major; also satisfies GE.

Graduation Requirements

The following roadmaps are sample planning resources. Please consult your academic advisor and Academic Catalog for graduation requirements as you develop your individualized academic plan.

Architecture Studies, BFA: 4-Year Roadmap

Architecture Studies, BFA: 2-Year Roadmap

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Any course not completed in the first semester should be taken in the second or a later semester.

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Please see General Education/Graduation Requirement course options.

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Please see an academic advisor for elective options.