Bachelor of Arts in Architecture

Build a Foundation in Architecture

The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at NewSchool is crafted to pave the way for aspiring architects aiming to advance into a first-professional Master of Architecture program. With a total of 180 quarter credits, the program offers a comprehensive blend of required and elective professional credits, ensuring a breadth of knowledge in architectural practices, alongside 60 integrative studies credits to foster a well-rounded education. While it鈥檚 important to note that this program is not accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), it is a vital stepping stone providing the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for students to progress into NAAB-accredited graduate programs or into the professional world.

NewSchool graduates land in industry-related jobs within 6
months of graduation (2024)

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Student to faculty ratio in studio and major courses

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Student scholarships
granted annually

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Student Projects

From sketch to structure, students bring ideas to life in design studios. In these courses, you’ll play with creativity, apply architecture principles, and hone your skills using industry technologies like CAD 鈥� all while building a portfolio to help you land a job after graduation.

UCSD Student Housing

By: Arianna Noriega

Adaptive Re-use & Intelligent Skin System

By: Noah Penderel

A model of a new hall for the NMMST in Taiwan, inspired by the ocean, designed by a NewSchool of Architecture & Design student

Ignis Mare

By: Scarlett Bellier-Igasaki

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Architecture Coursework

Our Bachelor of Arts in Architecture teaches you the foundation of architecture theory, principles, and technical knowledge before moving into advanced topics in sustainability, urban planning, and professional practice. Electives and integrative studies courses allow you to specialize your studies in an area of interest or experiment with diverse subject areas.

Years 1 - 2

Introduction to Architectural Design
Architectural History and Theory
Fundamentals of Building Technology
Basic Design Studios
Integrative Studies Courses

Years 3 - 4

Advanced Architectural Design Studios
Urban Design and Planning
Sustainable Design Principles
Professional Practice and Ethics
Elective Courses in Specialized Topics

See all courses

Why Choose NewSchool?

Hands-On Experience

Dive into real-world projects from day one and make connections with both local and international architecture firms.

Expert Faculty

Learn from world-renowned architects and educators who are as passionate about teaching as they are about architecture.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Utilize the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D technology at our urban campus in the heart of San Diego鈥檚 design district.

Career Opportunities

for Bachelor of Arts in Architecture graduates

Alumni Spotlight

My time as a student consolidated my passion for architecture, a passion which I am continually trying to nurture. The foundation I received at NewSchool, through the teachers and friends I met there, as well as the learning environment we were surrounded with, kept me true to my passion.

Jorge A. Zapata

Bachelor of Architecture '95

Jorge Zapata, Diad Architecture Co-founder and NewSchool of Architecture & Design alum

I wanted a chance to turn raw spaces into sustainable and unique rooms. I believe interior architecture isn't just about being creative, it also applies psychological and technical skills.

Paul Freitas

Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Design '20

I needed to make a living and be able to work during the day and attend classes in the evenings. It was almost like NewSchool was made for me.

Jennifer Pruitt

Bachelor & Master of Architecture '96

NewSchool taught me how to be critical and how to approach problems and design challenges. They introduced me to processes of problem-solving that engage both theoretical positions and very technical methodologies.

Albert Wang

Project Manager, WJW Architecture

When I visited the school, I was hooked when I saw the studios filled with students making architectural models! Hands down the faculty are the best. George Welch and the rest of the faculty are amazing.

Athena Dadiz

Project Engineer, Swinerton Builders

We believe Quartyard can serve as a model for cities across the U.S. looking for unique economic development ideas,鈥� said NewSchool alumnus and CEO of RAD Lab, Philip Auchettl. 鈥淚t is a feasible way to temporarily re-invent empty spaces while improving quality of life for residents.

Philip Auchettl, David Loewenstein & Jason Grauten

Master of Architecture '13

My favorite aspect of attending NewSchool was the intimate and supportive community of faculty, staff, and students.

Kerry Drake

Master of Architecture 4+3 '08

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Architecture program will be prepared to:

PLO 1	HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN: Employ an empathetic approach to architecture through an ethical design process centered on environmental stewardship, regeneration and resilience, upholding values of social equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote human and ecological well-being.
PLO 2	CRITICAL THINKING: Employ critical thinking as a fundamental process grounded in theoretical and practical criteria, informed by diverse perspectives and contexts, to develop and analyze lines of inquiry, concepts, and design decisions.
PLO 3	REPRESENTATION: Establish representation as the disciplinary and critical foundation of the architecture profession, by integrating heuristic, technical, analytical, and synthetic modalities, across tools.
PLO 4	ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: The holistic application of discipline-specific skills and methods for the conception and development of architectural projects; interrelating multiple technical, natural, and cultural design conditions, including program, site, and user.
PLO 5	INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE: Establish a synthetic design process through the integration of constructive and environmental systems by employing emerging trends in performance of building systems and incorporating measurable and evaluative approaches between collaborating agencies in architectural projects.
PLO 6	PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND LEADERSHIP: Collaboratively lead stakeholder teams in the design process, fulfilling the legal, ethical, environmental, and financial responsibilities to clients, communities, and the public, while practicing as a lifelong learner within the wide range of career paths in an evolving profession.