The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (B.A.) is a two-year major that begins in the junior year of residence.

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies introduces the fundamental ordering systems of architecture: form, space, tectonics, and program, and their relationships to political, social, and cultural constructs. Central to the pedagogy are two objectives: the first provides an understanding of architecture and urban design as a humanist discipline, which engages cultural and social studies, and the history of architecture and cities. The second provides, for interested students, preparation for graduate professional studies.

This undergraduate major features coursework in three areas: critical studies, technology, and design. The critical studies sequence builds a foundation in critical thinking that engages historical and contemporary disciplinary contexts. These critical thinking skills drive the technology sequence with assignments that question emerging technologies, conventional and innovative material assemblies, and the role of architectural representation. Critical thinking is also practiced in the design studio with assignments that introduce longstanding disciplinary questions, engage the social role of architecture, and respond to particular audiences, geographic contexts, and programmatic activities.
 

Students will experience the design process in a studio setting developing projects that engage issues raised by the academic coursework. In the studio, students will develop the ability to think critically about their ideas and explore the creative process in architecture and urban design about these ideas. The direct experience of design is crucial to an understanding of architecture and urban design and their relation to contemporary social, political, and cultural events.

The UCLA Architecture and Urban Design community is supportive, intellectually engaging, and highly motivated. Students learn in intimate studio and seminar settings from faculty who are scholars, designers, and practicing professionals. While this program is not NAAB-accredited, it does provide a strong foundation for those students who elect to pursue studies in architecture and related fields such as art history, design, fine arts, engineering, environmental design, and urban studies.