Is it possible for undergraduate students to double major in Architecture and another field?
Yes, it is possible for students to double major in Architecture and another field. Our students study in a variety of fields, such as Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, and Spanish, to name a few. However, it would be difficult to graduate in four years if you choose to double major in Architecture and Studio Art, as both programs hold required studio courses at the same time.

You can minor and/or pursue a second major in the following fields within the School of Architecture:

• Architectural History (minor, double major)
• Historic Preservation (minor)
• Landscape Architecture (minor)
• Urban and Environmental Planning (minor, double major)
• Global Sustainability (minor)

What is the difference between a four year degree program and a five year degree program?
Some schools offer a four-year undergraduate program in architecture leading to either a BA or a BS in architecture. This four-year degree is a “pre-professional” degree and is not adequate for a license. The student seeking a license will then continue for two more years and receive an M.Arch (a "first professional degree"), either from the same institution or at another. Often the two programs of study are interrupted by a period of professional experience. This path is often referred to as a "4 + 2" program.

Schools that offer a five year program provide a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree. This is a "professional degree", one which satisfies the academic requirements for a license. After earning the degree, the aspiring architect must work in a licensed office as an intern, and is then eligible to sit for the licensing exam. Five year programs are for those who are 100% certain they want to become architects, as there is not as much of a liberal arts emphasis.

 If you think you may be interested in pursuing other career paths, it is highly recommended that you follow the four year degree program in order to obtain knowledge and skills applicable to other fields.

Please note that with either program, you will study for at least 6 years if you want to obtain a Master’s degree (M.Arch).

What is the average class size?

• The introductory undergraduate lectures [ARCH 1010, ARCH 1020, AR H 1010 & PLAN 1030] have enrollments exceeding 100 students, but most of these include smaller group discussions of 15-20 students each.
• Upper-level undergraduate lectures range in size from 10-90 students.
• Graduate level lectures range in size from 5-30 students.
• Studio classes generally have 12-14 students.

What types of jobs can students work with a four year unaccredited Architecture degree?
Students with four year unaccredited Architecture degrees go on to work in a variety of professions, some in Architecture, others in completely unrelated fields. One great aspect of earning a four year Architecture degree is that there is a liberal arts emphasis to the course of study, so students graduate with skills of quick, abstract thinking, strong artistic ability and creative expression, which can be applied to numerous career paths.

Does the School of Architecture have a certain emphasis (i.e., classical architecture, sustainability, green design, etc.)?
Sustainability, green design, and design/build are the main emphases.

How many UVa School of Architecture students go on to earn their Master’s?
It is hard to track our alumni, but as far as we can tell, roughly 50% of the School of Architecture students continue to graduate school to earn their Master of Architecture degree.

Is it possible for students to play varsity sports if they are enrolled in the School of Architecture?
In the past, Architecture students have found it very difficult to balance the requirements of a varsity sport, especially due to the 9 hours/week of required studio time. However, we have had several varsity athletes in our Urban and Environmental Planning and Architectural History programs.