Online Bachelor of Science in Design in Architectural Studies
Are you passionate about designing spaces that are visually engaging, functional, sustainable and culturally relevant? A Bachelor of Science in Design in architectural studies online from Arizona State University may be a good fit. You’ll graduate with a foundation in design principles, project-based experiences and the ability to contribute positively to the built environment and community.
Note: This program currently welcomes applications from first-year students who haven't attended any college or have fewer than 12 transferrable credit hours only. Transfer students with diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for fall 2026 and beyond.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/22/2024
Total classes: 38
Weeks per class: 7.5–15
Total credit hours: 120
Architecture: A job on the frontier of art and science
Architects combine artistic vision with technical expertise to plan, design and oversee the construction of diverse structures. In designing spaces, architects must balance aesthetics with social, cultural and sustainability impacts. This bachelor’s in architecture is developed with a curriculum rooted in inclusive design principles. You’ll gain the skills needed to tackle complex architectural challenges while remaining mindful of societal implications.
As an ideal candidate, you’ll have creative and technical skills, as well as a positive mindset, collaborative spirit and holistic approach to problem solving. You should also be interested in self-directed learning and understand the time-intensive nature of architectural studies. You’ll graduate prepared for a career that involves designing buildings while understanding how this work shapes and honors culture.
The skills you’ll develop in this program
This bachelor’s in architecture empowers you to solve multifaceted challenges in the built environment. You’ll gain architectural knowledge, including representation, history, theory and contemporary practices. You’ll also build technical abilities and explore the social, cultural and environmental impacts of design decisions. Transferable skills you’ll develop include:
- Advanced design proficiency.
- Community engagement.
- Cultural and contextual sensitivity.
- Graphic and multidimensional communication.
- Research and inquiry.
Additionally, you’ll expand your technical skills using software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Grasshopper and more. Note: To effectively run the software needed to complete your courses, you must have access to a high-performance PC with gaming specifications or a Mac from the Pro series.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online architecture courses
Courses in this program offer a combination of theoretical concepts and project-based learning. You’ll develop foundational knowledge, as well as build practical skills in design thinking and principles, conceptualization, spatial awareness, architectural drawing and representation, digital tools, model making and more.
Additionally, you’ll gain experience in the collaborative virtual studio. You’ll explore themes such as urban site analysis, sustainable architecture and cultural and social context. Regular discussion and feedback are important to studio courses to ensure you build the abilities needed to become a future architect.
The jobs you could get with a bachelor’s in architecture
With a background in architecture that spans disciplines, you’ll graduate prepared for a variety of career trajectories. You can seek roles as an architectural intern, interior or industrial designer, graphic designer and more. If you want to become a licensed architect, this program will equip you to pursue graduate studies in the field. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Architect
Architecture Professor
CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator)
Drafting Technician
Engineering Manager
Historian
Landscape Architect
Mechanical Drafter
Solar Energy Systems Engineer
Learn alongside professional architects
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists, designers and architects who inspire students to shape the future. Our team of architects spearheads transformation within the academic setting and architectural industry. We actively collaborate with you to enhance your skills and expand your professional networks. Faculty research areas include:
- Arts and design for social justice.
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
- Community engagement and public policy.
- Creative health collaborations.
- Design, arts, science and engineering.
- The study of creative work.
Learn alongside professional architects
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists, designers and architects who inspire students to shape the future. Our team of architects spearheads transformation within the academic setting and architectural industry. We actively collaborate with you to enhance your skills and expand your professional networks. Faculty research areas include:
- Arts and design for social justice.
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
- Community engagement and public policy.
- Creative health collaborations.
- Design, arts, science and engineering.
- The study of creative work.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The nation’s largest comprehensive design and arts school
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts has a tradition of top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs from a combination of disciplines. These range from the arts, media and engineering to film, dance and theater. The institute trains artists and designers to leverage their creativity and problem solving to advance culture, build community and transform society.
5,300+
students.
400
internationally recognized faculty members.
125
programs in arts, media and engineering, design, dance and theater, film and music.
Top 20
among fine arts schools in the nation, ahead of Cornell University, Parsons School of Design and the University of California.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
