Skip to main content
NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Not sure which program is right for you? Join our Career Exploration Workshop on Aug. 21

REGISTER TODAY

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture

HomeBachelor of Arts in Architecture

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
Apply Now
REQUEST INFO
TAKE A TOUR
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
Apply Now
REQUEST INFO
TAKE A TOUR

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 183 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’s 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)

Student to faculty ratio in studio and major courses

Student scholarships
granted annually

Daniela Deutsch

Dean of Architecture

Format

Full-Time, On-Campus

Duration

4 Years

Total Credits

180 Hours

Apply Now
Request Info

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 — all while building a portfolio to help you land a job after graduation.

Wooden model of a tall UCSD student housing project designed by a NewSchool of Architecture & Design student

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

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’s design district.

Woman sits at a drafting table and is actively drawing floor plans on white poster paper

Career Opportunities

for Bachelor of Arts in Architecture graduates

Apply Now

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

Read more
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

Read more
Paul Freitas, interior architect and NewSchool of Architecture & Design alum

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

Read more
Jennifer Pruitt, Senior Director of Planning at the City of Waxahachie in Texas and NewSchool of Architecture & Design alumna

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

Read more
Headshot of Albert Wang, project manager and NewSchool of Architecture & Design alum

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

Read more
Athena Dadiz, project engineer and NewSchool of Architecture & Design alumna

We believe Quartyard can serve as a model for cities across the U.S. looking for unique economic development ideas,” said NewSchool alumnus and CEO of RAD Lab, Philip Auchettl. “It 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

Read more

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

Read more
Headshot of Kerry Drake, architect and planner, and NewSchool of Architecture & Design alum

Program Learning Outcomes

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

PLO 1HUMAN-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 2CRITICAL 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 3REPRESENTATION: Establish representation as the disciplinary and critical foundation of the architecture profession, by integrating heuristic, technical, analytical, and synthetic modalities, across tools.
PLO 4ARCHITECTURAL 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 5INTEGRATED 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 6PROFESSIONAL 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.

Learn More

Watch Info Session

Meet Our Expert Faculty

Daniela Deutsch

Dean of Architecture

Read Bio

Tom Mulica

Assistant Professor, Architecture

Read Bio

Amin Espandiari

Associate Professor, Architecture

Read Bio

Next Application Deadline!

FALL $1,000 Early Admission Scholarship Deadline on August 1, 2025

APPLY TODAY
VIEW ALL DEADLINES
NewSchool students hold signs in front of campus building that say welcome to our new campus

Contact Enrollment

Office Hours

Monday – Friday | 9 AM – 5 PM (Pacific)

Front Desk

(619) 684-8801

Contact Information

enrollment@newschoolarch.edu

Connect with Us
Loading...

Start Building
Your Future

Apply Now
*

Academics

At NewSchool, learning is accessible to individuals
of all learning styles and stages of life. Read More