Architectural Studies

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Our Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) brings creative thinking to the design of buildings and communities. Use drawing, modelling and visualization technologies to engage in urgent social, political and environmental issues.

Degree Information

Carleton’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies focuses on knowledge, experience, creativity and imagination. Our program encourages you to explore ideas through making, evaluate ideas within the context of the human experience, and exercise creativity through writing, model making, drawing, digital media and presentations.

Carleton’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism awards the pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree upon successful completion of our four-year program of study. The program lays a broad foundation, taking courses in architecture, design, drawing and multimedia applications, as well as specified general studies in engineering, art history and social sciences.

If you intend to practice architecture, you can then apply to continue into a professional Master of Architecture program at Carleton, or equivalent professional training at another university.

Work Experience

A Co-op option is available. Co-op is the opportunity to get a head start on a career. Co-op work terms allow for the development of key employability skills, exploration of career options and graduation with tangible, workplace experience.

Specializations

You will focus your architectural studies by choosing an area of study in:

  • Design
  • Urbanism
  • Conservation and Sustainability

Outstanding Learning Environment

Carleton offers the finest architectural studies facilities in Canada. You can take advantage of design studios with personal work space; professionally staffed fabrication facilities for woodworking, laser and CNC cutting, and welding; an assembly room for models and full-scale projects; a technical library and reading room; and extensive computer labs.

Additional Admission Requirements

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies has an early application deadline and applicants are required to submit a portfolio. Visit the Additional Admission Requirements page for more information.

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Architectural Studies student sketching in a studio.

Career Outcomes

Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.

The rigorous training you will receive is an excellent basis for numerous careers from architectural fields to policy, law, government, planning and the humanities.

Students at an Architectural Studies Capstone Project Fair.

Sample Courses

ARCH 1000 -Introduction to Architecture

Architecture in the matrix of human conditions: linkages among architecture, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and philosophy. Architectural ideas will be introduced through a discussion of cities, buildings and landscapes. 

ARCC 4500 - Design Economics

Principles of building economics. Determinants and prediction of building costs. Uncertainty and investment economics. Creative cost control for buildings during schematic design, design development, construction document preparation and construction. Economic evaluation during all phases of design process; emphasis on sustainable strategies.

Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!

View more courses for this program