Architecture

The B.S.Arch. in architecture is a 123-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. The degree has studio-centered curriculum with architectural history, structures, environmental systems, materials and design visualization. You will create projects across a wide variety of building types, scales and contexts. You’ll build your professional portfolio, have opportunities to participate in Design-Build studios, internships, field experiences and study abroad. As you progress through the degree, you’ll build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Organizations and clubs

Join student groups made specifically for architecture majors and students with similar interests. You’ll connect with peers and industry experts and strengthen your leadership skills.  

• American Institute of Architecture Students
• Student Congress of Art and Architecture
• Visual Arts Community

Internships and Design-Build

Take your learning even further with internships at architecture firms, non-profits and public agencies. Or join the college’s award-winning Design-Build Program, where you take part in design research as you work with instructors, peers, consultants, clients and community partners on real projects from design through construction. 

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance. 

Art and Architecture undergraduate program professional fees  

This program includes a professional fee to support studio resources, equipment and opportunities, like field trips, that enhance your learning experience:

• All full-time undergraduate students (10-20 credits) - $725.00 per semester
• Part-time undergraduate students (1-9 credits) - $73.00 per credit

Estimate your total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, books and other educational expenses 

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

For more information, visit our Admissions website.

Architecture is the design of buildings, spaces and places where people live, work, learn and gather. It combines creativity, technical knowledge, environmental awareness and an understanding of how people experience the built environment. Architects think about materials, structure, culture, sustainability, community needs and the way a place functions over time. 

At University of Idaho, you’ll study architecture in a close-knit, studio-based program where faculty mentors work with you regularly as your ideas develop. U of I offers hands-on learning, small studio environments, Design-Build opportunities, community-engaged projects and a seamless pathway from the Bachelor of Science in Architecture to the nationally accredited Master of Architecture. You can also begin your first two years in Boise before completing the degree in Moscow or study all four years on the Moscow campus. 

You’ll learn how to think, design and communicate like an architect. Coursework and studio projects introduce you to architectural design, hand drawing, digital modeling, physical model-building, architectural history and theory, structures, materials, environmental systems, building technology and visual communication. You’ll also learn how to present ideas, respond to critique, evaluate design decisions and connect creative concepts to real human, environmental and technical needs.

Studio courses are the center of architecture education. In studio, you’ll develop design projects over time through sketching, drafting, digital work, model-building, presentations and critique. You’ll talk through your ideas with faculty and peers, revise your work based on feedback and learn how to explain the decisions behind your designs. Studio also becomes a collaborative community where students work near each other, share ideas and build confidence through practice.

Architecture students at U of I gain hands-on experience through studio projects, physical and digital modeling, materials coursework, Design-Build projects, internships, field trips, study abroad opportunities, guest lectures and community-engaged design work. These experiences help you understand how to move  architectural ideas from concept to construction and how design can respond to real clients, communities, materials and constraints. 

Design-Build is a hands-on learning experience where students lead the design and construction  of real projects. Students work through practical questions such as materials, sequencing, construction details, collaboration and problem-solving. Design-Build projects help students experience the kind of teamwork, communication and adaptability used in professional architecture offices, while offering insight into Architect-driven Integrated Project Delivery method. This transformative learning experience integrates research community engagement and critical practice into the design and construction process. 

Yes. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is the first step toward professional licensure. After completing the B.S.Arch., you can continue into U of I’s nationally accredited Master of Architecture program. To become a licensed architect, graduates typically complete an accredited professional degree, gain required experience through the Architectural Experience Program and pass the Architect Registration Examination. 

Many students continue into the Master of Architecture program and pursue licensure as architects. The skills developed in the B.S.Arch. also prepare you for entry-level roles and future careers across the built environment, including architectural design, urban design, planning, construction, sustainable design, historic preservation, digital visualization, community development, project coordination and related creative or technical fields. 

No. You don’t need to arrive as an accomplished artist or draftsperson. You’ll build drawing, hand drafting, digital modeling, visual communication and design skills throughout the program. Curiosity, persistence, creativity, critical thinking and a willingness to revise your ideas are more important than previous drawing experience. 

Yes. You can complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture at U of I’s Boise Center before transitioning to the Moscow campus for advanced studios and upper-division coursework. You may also complete all four years in Moscow. Both options prepare you for the next step into the Master of Architecture program.