School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (ARCH)

aerial view of great room and student group

Student Organizations
Additional FAQs about our programs

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation offers three undergraduate major programs:

All students looking to study architecture at the University of Maryland will begin in the B.A. degree track. While starting out in the B.A., students will complete core curriculum requirements which consist of foundational architectural courses.

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

The B.S. is a pre-professional, competitive admission program. Up to 75 students are admitted each year. Students must apply to the B.S. program after completion of the core curriculum requirements.

Arts in Real Estate & the Built Environment

A multidisciplinary degree that is modeled after our graduate program and highlights the quadruple bottom line of real estate: financial viability, environmental respectfulness, social responsibility, and being beautifully and sustainably designed.

Learn more about Minor and Dual Degrees

Takeaway Messages for Aspiring Licensed Architects

Both the B.A. and the B.S. tracks are paths to becoming a licensed architect.
While there are many differences between the B.A. and the B.S. for individual students, the biggest differences between the two programs are the classes that students take in their upperclassmen semesters, and the timeline it may take to complete a master’s degree.
In addition to the 35 credits of core curriculum requirements, the B.A. requires 30 credits of upper level architecture electives. B.S. requires three additional studio courses, 3 additional structures courses, and 12 credits of upper level architecture electives. The studio and structures courses that B.S. students take are restricted to students in that degree program.
The timeline for completing a Master of Architecture degree (NAAB accredited) differs depending on which undergraduate degree program a student completes. The B.S. program includes more studio and structure courses which provides students with an “advanced standing” in the master’s degree track. It typically takes B.S. students about 2-2.5 years to complete their Master of Architecture degree. It typically takes B.A. students about 3-3.5 years to complete their Master of Architecture degree.
Earning a Master of Architecture degree is the end goal for B.A. and B.S. students who want to become a licensed architect
A NAAB accredited degree is a jurisdictional requirement for most states and territories in the United States. Not all students want to become licensed architects and there are many different career pathways for them to pursue; however, those who do want to achieve licensure will most likely have graduate school in their future.

A 3.0 GPA is the key!
It's the minimum requirement for many programs here at UMD like our undergraduate B.S. program, our Master of Architecture program, and a handful of our undergraduate minors.
4 + 1 Program in Real Estate
The 4+1 program in Real Estate is also a new program, currently being launched in this 2024-2025 academic year. The 4+1 is a combined bachelor’s and master’s program that allows undergraduate Real Estate & the Built Environment major students to quickly transition into their master’s degree in Real Estate Development.

FAQs

Encourage students to use campus and school resources.

One of the most important things for students to remember is that they need to be proactive and reach out for help in order to receive it in a busy campus environment like UMD.

Provide emotional support and understanding during challenging academic and social times.

The university environment is likely very different from what students are accustomed to. This can include adjusting to the structure and rigor of courses, time management challenges, and navigating a new social environment. Being there for your students, near or far, can help them feel supported.

Stay informed about general university policies and resources.

Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of university and college policies and reach out for clarification when needed. Families and supporters can be knowledgeable about some of these policies and resources to encourage their students to learn more, be proactive, and take advantage of them.

We offer ARCH386: Experiential Learning which is a course that allows students with active job and/or internship experience related to the built environment a chance to earn university credit. Students must be junior status, be in good academic standing, and have an approved work experience in order to participate.

Yes. We have plenty of students who are pursuing double majors and dual degrees across campus. Students looking to double major should be proactive in meeting with advisors and reviewing their 4 Year Plan to ensure a timely graduation. Some majors may have additional admissions requirements.

One of the hallmark semester-long programs for architecture students is Maryland-in-Florence. This program is geared towards architecture students who have completed at least their first studio course, ARCH400. In Florence, students take an architectural studio course, a sketching and mapping course, an Italian language course, and an elective of their choice.

Architecture B.A. and Real Estate major students may have more flexibility in deciding what education abroad program they may want to pursue.

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation hosts a variety of faculty-led short-term programs with more being added every year.

Summer 2025: Japan (Hiroshima, Kyoto), Italy (Florence, Tuscany)
Winter 2024 and 2025: Cuba (Havana)
Summer 2024: Italy (Bay of Naples, Pompeii), Scandinavia

Email: archinfo@umd.edu