Overview

The Architecture programme at Columbia University provides a comprehensive liberal arts foundation that prepares students to interpret the complex social, cultural, and environmental processes of design. Administered through Barnard College, this undergraduate major encourages students to think critically about how architecture alters the world and shapes human experience.

Why Architecture at Columbia University?

Students benefit from the immense intellectual resources of a world-class research institution, including superb libraries and specialized research centres. The curriculum is uniquely positioned in New York City, allowing the programme to use the urban landscape for design projects that explore diverse histories and global design thinking. The faculty consists of dedicated educators who are also leaders in professional practice and architectural research. Graduates are highly successful in gaining admission to competitive graduate programmes and pursuing careers in design, urban planning, and related fields.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances studio-based experimentation with theoretical and historical inquiry. Students progress through a sequence of design challenges while developing a thematic specialization. Modules may include:

Architectural Design: Systems and Materials
Architectural Design: Environments and Mediations
Advanced Architectural Design
Modern Architecture in the World
City, Landscape, & Ecology
Design Futures: New York City
Make Lab
Abolition Architecture

Careers with Architecture

The programme equips graduates with integrated design thinking and visual communication skills applicable to numerous professional paths. Many alumni continue their education in professional graduate architecture programmes or pursue advanced degrees in Urban Planning, Law, and Medicine. Graduates also find success in creative industries such as Industrial Design, Fashion Design, and Media and Communications. The department's location in a global design hub facilitates internships that often lead to leadership roles in architecture and design firms worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Architectural Design: Environments And Mediations

Advanced Architectural Design

Modern Architecture In The World

Architectural Elective: History

Architectural Elective: Society, Environment, And The Global

Architectural Elective: Design, Media, And Technology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Architecture View 315 other Bachelors in Architecture in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information
Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed midyear report

Columbia requires two teacher recommendations
An $85 nonrefundable application fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Architecture.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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