The five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) course at Tulane University introduces students to core principles of architecture and offers guidance in developing an established portfolio.

The five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program is a NAAB-accredited professional degree that combines rigorous architectural training with opportunities for liberal arts study and advanced exploration of the discipline. During the first year, students build foundational skills through courses in design, visual and digital media, architectural history and theory, technological systems and writing.

Design studios emphasise spatial, formal and material principles, while electives allow students to pursue subjects such as physics, calculus, foreign languages, or the arts.

In the second and third years, students complete the core requirements of the curriculum. Intensive design studios are supported by studies in history, theory, structures, technological systems, urban studies and digital media.

Second-year coursework emphasises digital design and the integration of social, environmental, historical, and technological considerations. By the third year, students engage in coordinated coursework that culminates in the integrated design of complex architectural projects.

The fourth year focuses on advanced design research, seminars, urban issues, technology and professional practice. Students may participate in specialised programs, design/build projects, or international study opportunities. In the fifth and final year, students complete an advanced thesis, developing a comprehensive research and design project within a specific curricular stream.

School: Tulane University School of Architecture and Built Environment
Course: Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
Type: Undergraduate
Location: New Orleans, USA
Course dates: August 2027 to May 2032
Application deadline: 15 January 2027

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Skills in spatial, formal, and material design principles
– Freehand drawing, descriptive geometry, and digital media techniques
– Architecture's historical development and critical ideas
– Understand structures, environmental systems and construction technologies
– Gain proficiency in digital modelling and design tools
– Combine social, environmental, historical, programmatic and technical considerations in projects
– Explore the relationship between architecture and urban environments at local and global scales
– Conduct design research and apply analytical methods to architectural problems
– Learn about the professional, ethical, and practical aspects of architecture
– Broaden knowledge through electives in the liberal arts, sciences, languages and related fields
– Participate in study abroad and international research opportunities
– Complete a major research and design thesis project in a specialised area of interest

What are the requirements?

– This course is available to undergraduate students at the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment and across Tulane University
– The program also offers a minor in Architecture and a four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture open to all undergraduate students at Tulane University

What facilities and resources are available?

– Fabrication Labs at Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment include the Digital Fabrication Lab, Millhaus CNC-milling, the Woodshop, the Digital Ceramics Lab, the Textile Lab and the Robot Lab
– Fabrication Labs provide students with opportunities to enrich their three-dimensional design explorations while developing their education in fabrication technologies

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

The five-year Bachelor of Architecture is the primary educational pathway to becoming a licensed architect in the United States. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in architectural or related offices.

Who teaches this course?

– Emilie Taylor Welty, program director for architecture
– Sonsoles Vela, associate program director for architecture

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