Overview

The low student-to-faculty ratio of the Architecture program at California Polytechnic State University, opportunities for real-world learning experiences around California, and direct exposure to the other disciplines in the planning, design and construction industry give you a depth of knowledge into the industry.

Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and makers. Guided by a faculty of highly trained professionals, you will develop the design skills and technical expertise that are sought after by the world’s top architecture firms. The five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), and prepares you for the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).

Learn By Doing

The architecture program main focus is hands-on learning. Starting your first quarter, you will participate in studio practice and continue a studio sequence until you graduate. Each year the level of detail in the projects progresses as you understand more about the design process.

During your fourth year, you are encouraged to engage the world beyond campus through our metro programs in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Alexandria, VA, through study abroad, or through internships with professional offices. You will spend your final year completing a year-long research and design project that will culminate with a final exhibit to showcase your architectural creativity.

Career

Graduates are sought after by the world’s top architecture firms.

Although most students move into key roles in architecture firms, others are highly successful in other design fields such as animation, film making, furniture design, graphic design, fashion design, digital fabrication, facility management, community activism or sustainable practices. Regardless of where you land, you will be prepared to imagine and shape a better built environment.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Survey of Architectural Education and Practice

Architectural Technology Fundamentals

History of World Architecture: Prehistory - Middle Ages

Architectural Design

Architectural Systems Integration

Seminar in Architectural History, Theory and Criticism

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

225 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Architecture View 313 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

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

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

28359 USD / year

≈ 28359 USD / year
Out-of-State

28359 USD / year

≈ 28359 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15039 USD / year

≈ 15039 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 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

Learn By Doing

Career

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

San Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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