Architecture

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Architecturemajor seeks to familiarize students with the production of the built environment in historical, critical, technical, and social dimensions. The courses develop a broad and critical thinking of conceptual and methodological understanding and technical skills of the planning and design of buildings, cities, environments, across a wide range of scales.

The program comprises a rigorous approach to the discipline of architecture within a liberal arts education. Architectural design, history, theory, and technology is established addressing fundamental challenges of the XXI century engaging in architectural frontiers in:

  • Nature, Built Environments & Ethics
  • Equity, Justice, & Design Activism
  • Fabrication, Materials, & Technology
  • Critical History

"Berkeley Architecture was founded on strong principles of multidisciplinary collaboration and respect for experimentation."

- Renee Chow, Dean, CED

The Major Curriculum 

Scholarship is fostered through courses and campus-wide seminars and activities that contribute to the architect’s knowledge and vision within a liberal arts framework. In preparation for a fluid and evolving contemporary design practice and scholarship students explore new frontiers in theory, prototyping, simulation, and architectural representation. The breadth of subjects capitalizes in the long tradition of environmental design of CED.

Students are encouraged to explore the potentials and responsibilities of design and ecosystems as a cohesive physical and social dimension across multiple research platforms and instruments rigorously prepared to engage in future work and academia.

Amplify Your Major

  • Pursue either the Design Research Track or the Studio Track.

  • Apply to the Design & Innovation for Sustainable Cities (DISC) program to develop creative solutions to the urgent challenges facing global cities today. 

  • Consider following a Course Thread such as Human-Centered Design or Historical and Modern City.

  • Explore Berkeley Art + Design programs.

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

  • Review the Architecture Major Handbook for degree requirements, sample study plans, and student resources.

  • Enroll in ENV DES 1 Intro to Environmental Design (Fall)  and ENV DES 5 Cities and Sites (Spring).

  • Sit in on public studio reviews.

  • Connect with a CED advisor in 250 Bauer Wurster Hall or virtually via Zoom.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Explore volunteer opportunities on campus.

  • Engage in community service through the Public Service Center

  • Ask an advisor as early as possible about CED-specific summer study abroad opportunities.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

  • Develop a plan for getting career ready.

  • Learn about the role architects play in the design industry and different fields you can explore.

  • Take advantage of CED Career Services, including resources for Architecture students.

Second Year

Explore Your Major

  • Enroll in ARCH 11A (Fall) and ARCH 11B (Spring) as introductions to architecture studios.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

  • Consider which track you will choose: Design Research Track or Studio track

  • Enroll in ARCH 130 Intro to Arch Design Theory and Criticism or ARCH 112 The Social Life of Building in the fall, and in ARCH 140 Energy and Environment or ARCH 160 Intro to Construction in the spring.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

  • As you start your own studios, visit the CED online gallery to see what other students have done before.

  • Think of upper division CED courses outside of Architecture that pique your interest. You must choose three upper division courses in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, and City and Regional Planning to meet graduation requirements.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

  • Prior to enrolling in the fall, choose Design Research Track or Studio Track.

  • Studio Track: Choose studios based on interest in the subject matter.

  • Design Research Track: Work with your instructor to choose courses  that will help support and define your research topic.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

  • Enroll in non-major courses which spark your interest.

  • Develop your own research through the Design Research track.

  • Choose a project that addresses a building typology or drawing style that interests you with Studio track.

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Pick a studio or research topic that solves an issue in a community with which you are connected.

  • Pursue fellowships as an option after Berkeley.

  • Explore gap year opportunities that you may wish to pursue before your next big adventure.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

  • Attend the CED Career Fair and other events.

  • Ask other students, career counselors, and instructors to review your portfolio.

  • Learn more about the licensure process (accreditation) in different states.

  • Utilize job board tools in your job search.

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Architect, Studio Subtractive
  • Architectural Intern, Field Paoli Arch.
  • Associate Architect, WJE Associates
  • Business Developer
  • Designer, CAW Architects
  • Designer/Drafter, MBH Architects
  • Field Engineer, Hensel Phelps
  • Higher Education Lecturer
  • Junior Architect, Design Draw Build
  • Junior Architect, Hart Howerton
  • Junior Designer, BDE Architecture
  • Jr. Designer, Butler Armsden Arch.
  • Project Engineer, Swinerton Builders
  • Researcher

Graduate Programs

  • Architecture
  • Construction Management
  • Education
  • Graphic Design
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Real Estate Development
  • Sustainable Design
  • Urban Design

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates

Learn More

Connect With Us

Cal Day

Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.

Events

Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit ced.berkeley.edu/news-events for news and updates.

Advising

Advising for prospective and current students is available in-person at the CED Office of Undergraduate Advising in 250 Bauer Wurster Hall and virtually via Zoom See ced.berkeley.edu/advising/connect-with-advising for the advising schedule.

Advising Drop-In Hours

Fall/Spring: Monday - Friday, 10am-12pm, 1-4pm

Summer: Monday - Friday, 10am-12pm, 1-4pm

Visit ced.berkeley.edu/students/undergraduate-advising for more information or with advising questions.

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.

Topics

Major Maps topic page, College of Environmental Design topic page
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