Introduction to the Major
The Architecture(link is external)major 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
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
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Pursue either the Design Research Track or the Studio Track.
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Apply to the Design & Innovation for Sustainable Cities (DISC(link is external)) program to develop creative solutions to the urgent challenges facing global cities today.
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Consider following a Course Thread(link is external) such as Human-Centered Design or Historical and Modern City.
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(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit ced.berkeley.edu/news-events(link is external) 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(link is external) 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(link is external) 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.
