Architecture - Bachelor of Arts 2023-24 Degree Map

Degree Maps show how you can earn a degree in four years. It has been created under the assumption that most PSU courses are 4 credits. However, the BA and BS requirements on the map can be satisfied with fewer credits, but this may require you to take additional general elective courses to reach the 180 total credits required for a degree. Speak with an academic advisor to develop your own personalized plan.

This guide outlines the requirements in the 2023-24 catalog. Catalog year defines the specific set of requirements you need to complete a degree. Requirements occasionally change, so it may benefit you to follow a different catalog. Typically, your catalog year is the year you began at PSU, but if you are a transfer student you may be eligible for an earlier catalog. You should talk with your advisor about which catalog requirements make sense for you.

Grade of B- or higher is required in all 100 and 200 level ARCH classes (Architecture majors who wish to submit a portfolio for application to the Professional Track must have at least a 3.0 major GPA to be eligible to apply).

First Year

Fall CoursesFall CreditsWinter CoursesWinter CreditsSpring CoursesSpring Credits
Freshman Inquiry or Honors5Freshman Inquiry or Honors5Freshman Inquiry or Honors5
BA Second Language 1013-5BA Second Language 1023-5BA Second Language 1033-5
ARCH 1004ARCH 1014BA Science/Math4
ARCH 1204ARCH 1214  
Total Fall Credits16-18Total Winter Credits16-18Total Spring Credits15-18

First Year Milestone: Complete ARCH 121 (by end of Spring term). 

Second Year

Fall CoursesFall CreditsWinter CoursesWinter CreditsSpring CoursesSpring Credits
Sophomore Inquiry or Honors4Sophomore Inquiry or Honors4Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement3-4
BA Second Language 2013-5BA Second Language 2023-5BA Second Language 2033-5
ARCH 2304ARCH 2314ARCH 2324
ARCH 2806ARCH 2816BA Science/Social Science3-4
Total Fall Credits17-19Total Winter Credits17-19Total Spring Credits13-17

Second Year Milestones:  Must complete application Spring or Summer term for admission to professional track. The application process will be determined by the School of Architecture. Please contact them directly for more information.  Complete ARCH 232 & ARCH 281 by end of Spring or Summer term. 

Third Year

Fall CoursesFall CreditsWinter CoursesWinter CreditsSpring CoursesSpring Credits
Upper Division Cluster or Honors4Upper Division Cluster or Honors4Upper Division Cluster or Honors4
ARCH 3604ARCH 3614ARCH 3624
ARCH 3806ARCH 3816ARCH 3826
Total Fall Credits14Total Winter Credits14Total Spring Credits14

Third Year Milestone: Complete ARCH 362 and ARCH 382 (by end of Spring term). 

Fourth Year

Fall CoursesFall CreditsWinter CoursesWinter CreditsSpring CoursesSpring Credits
ARCH 4806ARCH 4816ARCH 4826
ARCH Tectonics Upper Division Elective4ARCH Humanities Upper Division Elective4Senior Capstone or Honors Thesis6
Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement3-4ARCH Upper Division Elective4BA Science/Social Science3-4
Total Fall Credits13-14Total Winter Credits14Total Spring Credits15-16

 

Additional Map Notes:

  • Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement: Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement: Two courses required, each minimum 3 credits: one course must focus on the U.S. experience; the second course must center the experiences of groups under European and U.S. colonialism and imperialism beyond the United States. One must be within the School of Gender, Race and Nations or be cross-listed with one of the SGRN units: Black Studies (BSt), Chicano/Latino Studies (ChLa), Indigenous Nations Studies (NAS), or Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WS). If you choose a RESR course that can be applied towards another requirement, take an elective here instead.
  • Sophomore Inquiry or Honors: For University Studies, two Sophomore Inquiry courses are required, but for Honors, three Sophomore courses are required.
  • ARCH Tectonics Upper Division Elective: Courses numbered ARCH 46X.
  • ARCH Humanities Upper Division Elective: Courses numbered ARCH 43X.
  • ARCH Upper Division Elective: ARCH 367 cannot be used for this requirement.
  • You may need to add additional general elective credits to your plan to reach 180 total credits.