The School of Architecture proudly welcomed the inaugural cohort of its Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies program this fall. The pioneering group of students marks a significant milestone, forming a new chapter in undergraduate architectural education at the University of Utah.

Designed to broaden access and enhance academic flexibility, the BA pathway allows for more tailored minor selections and introduces a wider range of coursework outside the school. The program has already made a measurable impact, boosting the school’s retention rate to an impressive 91%, a notable improvement in its 35-year history.

About the Program

The introduction of the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (BAAS) offers an alternative to the long-established Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS). While the BSAS remains a pre-professional degree designed to prepare students for direct entry into the two-year Master of Architecture programs, the new BAAS provides a more liberal arts-oriented approach. It’s tailored for students seeking broader interdisciplinary exploration and potential advanced placement into 3+ Master’s of Architecture programs as well as alternative careers in related fields. This shift allows architectural education to be more flexible, creative, and enables cross-disciplinary paths. The BAAS empowers students to shape their architectural journey towards even more career possibilities.

To learn more about the program, visit their undergraduate page here.