BS in Architectural Studies

Degree Program Description

Architectural Studies promotes connections between people and place, interior design and architecture with the intention of preparing graduates to become lifelong designers of the built environment. Students in this program conduct systematic inquiry into the design process, sustainable products and practices, the interaction between people and the built environment, and digital technologies. The program highlights research as it advances the interdisciplinary interaction between interior design, architecture, the human sciences and aesthetics to improve quality of life for the public good. Following every year students must submit a portfolio of their work for continuing through the professional phase of the program.

Major Program Requirements

The BS in Architectural Studies connects interior design, architecture, the human sciences, and aesthetics to improve quality of life for all people. Students are engaged in the processes, procedures, observations, and techniques of design and construction.

The BS is offered with three emphasis area options: Design Studies, Interior Design, and Architectural Studies. Each emphasis area focuses on the development of the built environment to creatively support health, safety, and welfare through evidence-based design and cutting-edge practices. All students begin the program with a Design Studies emphasis, which is a flexible interdisciplinary education for students pursuing a career outside traditional commercial licensure in architecture or interior design. Admission into the Interior Design Emphasis after year two, Architectural Studies Emphasis after year two, and Master of Architecture program after year three are competitive. A series of required benchmarks are assessed by faculty via portfolio review at the end of each Spring Semester. The Interior Design emphasis results in a terminal bachelor’s degree accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The Architectural Studies emphasis is a pre-architecture bachelor’s degree or pre-professional program (All degrees in architecture are a minimum of 5 years long). Both Architectural Studies and Interior Design emphases can pursue the Master of Architecture terminal degree with our accelerated professional program.  

Some courses in the Professional Program area double count for General Education requirements. See degree information at the emphasis level.

In addition to University, general education, and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must also meet the following major program requirements. All major requirements must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated. A program introductory course such as a Freshman Interest Group (FIG) is highly recommended for all students.

Semester Plan

The BS in Architectural Studies has emphasis areas in Architectural Studies, and Interior Design. Please see the individual emphasis area pages for degree requirements and admissions information.

Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • Change your Major. If you are considering changing your undergraduate major or are choosing between several majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573) 884-9700 or through the Discovery Center service in your MU Connect success network.
  • Decided on a Major. If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring that major.
  • Identify your Interests and Strengths. If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values, and talents, visit the staff at the MU Career Center. No appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.
  • Explore MU Majors. If you would like information about MU majors and degree programs, visit Majors at Mizzou or the Degrees, Majors (Degree Programs), Emphasis Areas, Minors and Certificates page in the catalog.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.