Architecture Program
At the 最新天美传媒's School of Architecture & Community Design (SACD), our aim is to educate professionals who will be recognized for their design excellence in enhancing the quality of the built environment as it relates to society and culture. With guidance by our faculty, students enrolled in the USF Architecture Program conduct scholarly research and creative activity that contributes to theory and practice in the disciplines of architecture and urbanism and explore emerging technologies that advance the contemporary state of critical practice relevant to the community.
Program Overview
SACD has long offered professional Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) program and for Fall 2026 is adding a new undergraduate, preprofessional Bachelor of Design (BDes), Architecture degree program. With this new degree program, the SACD鈥檚 primary undergraduate curriculum transitions from a 2-year 鈥減re-architecture鈥� (BGS, Architecture) + 4-year professional M. Arch. curriculum model to a 4-year pre-professional B.Des, Architecture + 2-year professional M. Arch. curriculum model.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Design (BDes), Architecture Degree Program
As in the previous 2+4 curriculum, FTIC and transfer students entering USF as BGS, Architecture majors in Fall 2026 can continue beyond the second design studio course (now ARC 1302: Architectural Design 2) only by applying with a portfolio and being accepted to continue in the SACD Architecture curriculum, now the BDes, Architecture program for students without a bachelor鈥檚 degree. The second design studio course is now completed in the first year of study. As with the previous BGS, Architecture to M.Arch, transition, the BGS, Architecture to BDes, Architecture transition is competitive with no more than 54 students accepted to continue annually. Students who are not accepted to continue in the BDes curriculum will be required to change their major from 鈥減re-architecture鈥� (BGS, Architecture) to another USF major.
USF鈥檚 four year, Bachelor of Design (BDes), Architecture degree prepares students to enter a two-year, accredited M. Arch. degree program. USF undergraduates in the BDes, Architecture program may apply to USF鈥檚 accredited M. Arch degree program in the spring of their senior year. FTIC and undergraduate transfer students admitted Fall 2026 or prior who successfully complete the four-year preprofessional BDes, Architecture degree and apply to continue immediately into the two-year professional M. Arch. degree will be granted automatic admission to our M. Arch. degree program.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredits five year Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degrees. A NAAB-accredited degree meets the education requirement for registration in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions.
Graduate Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) Degree Program
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree may be eligible to apply to the SACD M. Arch. program.
There are two tracks for completing the SACD M. Arch. degree depending on a student鈥檚 undergraduate degree major:
The 108 credit-hour track (4 years): for students who hold a non-architecture bachelor's degree requires the following:
- 120 credit-hours of undergraduate coursework from a completed non-architecture bachelor's degree
- 108 credit-hours of graduate coursework in the M. Arch. Program
The 54 credit-hour track (2 years): for students who hold a pre-professional bachelor's degree in architecture (e.g., USF鈥檚 BDes, Arch) typically requires the following:
- 120 credit-hours of undergraduate coursework from a completed pre-professional architecture bachelor's degree
- 54 credit-hours of graduate coursework in the M. Arch. Program
Questions?
We are happy to help with any questions you may have! Please email your questions to Architecture Advising. Prospective students can also make an appointment to meet in person.
Prospective students, go to the to request an appointment. Under major, select "Pre-Architecture," and for area, select "School of Architecture."
Current USF students, sign in with your NetID to the .
Pre-Architecture
This undergraduate study program is designed for first-year undergraduates, non-degree transfer students, and current undergraduate USF students to complete the foundation courses required for admission into the Master of Architecture degree.
Master of Architecture
Students who already hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree or who completed the USF Pre-Architecture program can apply for the Master of Architecture degree. Application deadline is February 1.
Request Program Information
Students and families can also request more information about the School of Architecture & Community Design鈥檚 programs by filling out the USF College of Design, Art & Performance鈥� online form.