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B.S. in Architectural Studies

Program at a Glance

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Overview

The B.S. in Architectural Studies at Biola University is a pre-professional degree that prepares you for a career in architecture or further study in the field. You will gain a focused foundation in architectural design, including sacred architecture, contemporary problems in housing, and educational environments from elementary schools to higher education architecture, while exploring how faith can shape the way you design and serve others. With an emphasis on theological formation, Biola helps you develop the creative and technical skills to pursue architecture with a sense of purpose.

  • Study alongside an all-Christian cohort. Develop your architectural skills within a close-knit cohort of Christian students, creating a unique environment where faith is a shared foundation for design, collaboration and community. Work together in a dedicated studio space throughout the semester to develop projects, collaborate with classmates and build lasting relationships.
  • Learn from architecture around the world. Explore the built environment through site visits and fieldwork across the greater Los Angeles area and the Southwest. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad in Rome, where you can further develop practical skills to explore and engage with architecture, history and culture firsthand.
  • Explore sacred architecture. Study the history and traditions of sacred architecture and apply them to design meaningful and functional houses of worship for today.
  • Gain real-world experience. Build practical skills through internships and employment opportunities while exploring architectural excellence.
  • Connect faith and design. Explore how your Christian faith can shape the way you approach architecture, and create community through design by employing your God-given talents.

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Courses

What will I study as an architectural studies major?

Through courses in architectural design, history, technology and the built environment, you’ll develop the skills needed to pursue further study or a career in architecture. Studio courses and hands-on experiences will give you opportunities to apply what you learn while exploring architecture through a Christian perspective. Course highlights include:

Design Studio: Urban Rome (ARCH 3110)

This intensive design studio explores the intersection of historical preservation and contemporary architectural intervention within Rome's dense urban fabric. Students will engage with the city's layered architectural history while proposing bold, culturally responsive additions that address 21st-century programmatic needs. Working on a historic building fronting a Roman piazza, students will conduct a comprehensive survey and analysis of the piazza and an existing structure before designing an adaptive reuse proposal that includes a contemporary addition that both respects and challenges its context. The project requires careful negotiation between preservation and innovation, asking: How can new architecture enter into dialogue with the old without mimicry or erasure?

Rome Visualization Studio (ARCH 3500)

An immersive drawing course focused on architectural visualization and drawing through direct engagement with Rome’s urban and architectural fabric. Students develop skills in measured drawing, freehand drawing, diagramming, and perspective, augmented by digital media like photography, photogrammetry, and emerging media, while analyzing scale, proportion, light, and materiality in historical and contemporary sites. Fieldwork and studio exercises cultivate visual literacy, conceptual clarity, and the ability to communicate architectural ideas effectively.

Design Research (ARCH 3600)

Design Research invites students to investigate a self-chosen topic within the architecture, art, and urban culture of Italy and/or Italian culture and its environs. Working independently under faculty mentorship, students formulate an original research question, engage primary and secondary sources, and conduct sustained on-site fieldwork throughout the semester abroad. Through archival study, measured observation, and/or disciplined inquiry, students practice the habits of independent scholarship — curiosity, evidence-gathering, and clear communication — that underlie both professional specialization and future graduate study. The course culminates in a public Expert Symposium at which each student presents original research to the Rome program community.


Bible and Theology Coursework

As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies?

The architectural studies degree at Biola positions students for a variety of paths after graduation, including graduate studies toward a professional architecture degree or related design discipline, direct entry into an architecture practice, or missionary work in building design and construction. Students interested in becoming licensed architects can also explore state-specific licensure requirements after graduation. With many architects from the Baby Boomer generation retiring, there may be continued demand for architects and opportunities for growth in the field.

  • Architect
  • Designer
  • Planner
  • Construction Manager
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Product Designer

4% job growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for architects is projected to be as fast as average between 2025 and 2035.

BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.

Admissions

Admissions Process

Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.

Schedule a Visit

Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.

Faculty


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Learning Opportunities

  • Focus on specific building types, including houses of worship, education and learning environments, and a full spectrum of housing needs.
  • Study abroad for an entire semester in Rome, Italy.
  • Extensive field studies in and around Los Angeles and Southern California.
  • Prepare for immediate practice in architecture upon graduation or graduate school opportunities around the country and in Southern California.

FAQs

What is a pre-professional degree in architecture?

The pre-professional B.S. in Architectural Studies is a four-year degree designed to prepare students for graduate study toward a professionally accredited M.Arch. degree. Biola’s program provides students with a strong foundation in architectural design, history, theory and technical skills, preparing graduates to pursue master’s programs at leading universities across the country, including Yale, USC, the University of Texas system and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Advanced placement opportunities may also be available at select Christian universities, including California Baptist University, Judson University and Samford University.

Why should I pursue a pre-professional architecture degree at Biola University?

The Biola architecture degree prepares graduates for graduate study in architecture at a diverse range of universities. Students enjoy a full Biola experience, including a biblical studies minor, access to the Torrey Honors Program and the opportunity to learn alongside Christian peers. A semester in Rome offers an immersive study of architecture, history and culture, while the program’s focus on sacred architecture and design solutions for housing and education provides distinctive opportunities to connect faith, design and service.

With a B.S. in Architectural Studies degree, what are some options after I graduate?

A B.S. in Architectural Studies can prepare you for a variety of paths in architecture and design. After graduation, you may choose to:

  • Pursue graduate school to earn a professional accredited architecture degree and continue toward becoming a licensed architect.
  • Enter the architecture field directly in a variety of design and architecture-related roles.
  • Pursue graduate study in an allied design discipline, such as planning, landscape architecture or another related field.
  • Serve through missionary work in building design, construction and community development.

Depending on your interests and experience, potential career paths and job titles include designer, architect, planner, construction manager, real estate developer and product designer.

How should I choose between architectural studies and interior design at Biola University?

The two programs work closely together but focus on different parts of design. Architectural studies focuses on buildings, structure and space, while interior design focuses on what happens inside those spaces, including the volumes, materials, finishes, furniture, color and lighting.

If you’re interested in designing buildings, the B.S. in Architectural Studies may be the better fit. If you’re more interested in creating the look, feel and function of interior spaces, consider the B.S. in Interior Design.

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Format

You'll study in person at Biola University's campus in Southern California.

Total Credits

Total program credits include major-specific courses and Biola's core curriculum.

Standard Completion Time

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.