Academic Program

Portland State's program allows students to study architecture in the context of a broad liberal arts education. This context encourages a view of architecture as a diverse discipline with many diffferent paths.

Students pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Architecture. This is a pre-professional architecture degree and students seeking professional licensure must later pursue an accredited, professional Master of Architecture degree.

Admission to the second year of design studios is selective and contingent upon passing a portfolio review of design work and evaluation of skills.

Individual Course Descriptions

National Architectural Accrediting Board Conditions for Accreditation

Architectural Curriculum
180 Total Credits for B.A. or B.S. with a Major in Architecture

Year 1
Arch 100 Introduction to Architecture (4)
Arch 120 Basic Drawing (recommended) (4)
Arch 180, 181 Beginning Design Studio 1, 2 (6,6)
B.A. or B.S. Requirements (12)
General Education/Freshman Inquiry (15)

Year 2
Arch 230, 231, 232 Architecture & Cultural History (3,3,3)
Arch 280, 281, 282 Architecture Design Studio 1, 2, 3 (6,6,6)
Arch 360, 361 Architectural Building Technology 1, 2 (4,4)
General Education/Sophomore Inquiry (12)

Year 3
Arch 399 Architectural Building Technology 3 (4)
Arch 380, 381, 382 Architecture Design Studio 4, 5, 6 (6,6,6)
Arch 410 Architectural Building Technology Elective (4)
B.A. or B.S. Requirements (8)
General Education/Junior Clusters (12)

Year 4
Upper-Division Architectural Electives (18)
B.A. or B.S. Requirements/Electives (13)
General Education/Senior Capstone (6)