Architectural Design is a Bachelor Degree program (100% Online) offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 120 units to complete, with a total tuition of $163,920.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BA) program provides a robust foundation in architectural design. The ability to define a problem, work through design iterations, and refine solutions are some of the transferrable skills that will prepare you for careers within and beyond architecture.
With an emphasis on building strong portfolios, you can pursue graduate school or careers in architecture and related fields. Curricular flexibility means you can select courses that best meet your career goals.
In California, the BA degree offers a modified path to architectural licensure. This program is not NAAB-accredited and may not be accepted as meeting architectural licensure requirements in other U.S. states.
As a student, you’ll explore the future of architecture through forward-looking design work. You’ll collaborate across disciplines, experiment with emerging technologies, and practice sustainable methods in fabrication labs. Our international community gives you a global perspective, preparing you to lead, innovate, and shape a better world.
On campus and online, studio culture challenges and inspires you. By graduation, you will have built a portfolio that proves you are ready for your career.
What sets this Program apart
Imagine yourself working alongside passionate peers under the mentorship of practicing architects in our NAAB-accredited STEM programs. The School of Architecture is a progressive design lab—where conceptual thinking meets hands-on problem-solving.
You’ll balance theory with practice, gaining a strong foundation in architectural design principles while exploring the expansive history and technical depth of the profession. In studio classes, you’ll work one-on-one with distinguished architects, sharpening your critical thinking, artistic vision, and leadership skills.
If you are interested in becoming a licensed architect, our B. Arch and M.Arch programs integrated with IPAL are the shortest path to architectural licensure in the states that accept the IPAL program. You can simultaneously complete requirements for Education, Experience, and Examination by accruing work experience in architecture and taking licensing exams while enrolled.
Online Learning Program. [img data-src="https://bpiqpjsgebtv-u1573.pressidiumcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ARH-608-Models-768x768.jpg"]
Admission Requirements and Process
Academy of Art University maintains an inclusive admissions policy for all undergraduate programs. Previous experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. Academy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent. The university does not require or administer an ability-to-benefit examination for admission.
State authorization for online education.
Online education providers are required to seek authorization by many U.S. states and territories to enroll their residents and those physically located in their jurisdictions. Academy of Art University restricts enrollment for applicants in and from areas where online programs are not approved. Current and prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s State Authorization for Distance Education Status Table to determine whether the Academy is authorized to offer their degree programs in the state where they will be located while taking online courses.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentAcademy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent.
- Proof of secondary school completionSubmit an official or unofficial high school transcript indicating graduation or GED documentation, a transcript showing a conferred Associate or Bachelor’s degree, a signed Home…
- Application and feeComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee, which is required to process an application.
- Transcript deadlineTranscripts and/or diplomas must be received by the start of the student’s first semester at Academy of Art University.
- No portfolio requiredPrevious experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply.
- Transfer creditTransfer evaluation transcripts must be submitted by the end of the student’s first semester; coursework presented for transfer must be completed with a letter grade of "C" or…
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions SpecialistSchedule a meeting with one of our admissions specialists. They’ll guide you to the school and program that best fits your goals and help you navigate the application process.
- 2Apply for admissionComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. Provide your social security number on your admissions application so your financial aid can be processed.
- 3Submit proof of high school completionSend your high school transcript, GED documentation or other accepted proof of secondary school completion; it must be received by the start of your first semester.
- 4File the FAFSAComplete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov and use Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.FAFSA Code for San Francisco Campus: 007531
- 5Complete your financial aid planMeet with Student Financial Services to review your financial options, then accept or decline your financial aid awards in the Student Portal.
Program Schedule
Start dates. Spring 2027 semester starts 2/3/2027 (application deadline 1/25/2027); Summer 2027 starts 6/21/2027 (deadline 6/14/2027); Fall 2027 starts 9/8/2027 (deadline 8/30/2027).
Undergraduate students must carry a minimum study load of 12 units per semester to be considered as full-time students. Students are expected to attend summer semesters to meet their scheduled completion date.
Our online programs offer immersive classroom experiences both in real time and on demand.
- February 03rd, 2027
- June 21st, 2027
- September 08th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Undergraduate tuition for Fall 2026–Summer 2027 is $1,366 per unit for domestic students ($1,682 per unit for international students); tuition is the same for both on-campus and online classes. This 120-unit program’s tuition is $163,920 for domestic students.
Fees.
- Application Fee: $50 (one-time, nonrefundable)
- Registration Fee: $50 per semester (nonrefundable after the cancellation period)
- Enrollment Fee: $95 for first-term domestic students, charged in lieu of the $50 registration fee ($100 for international students)
- Student Activity Fee: waived for students taking all courses online
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund: $0
- Course fees vary by course; fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections
- Materials/Supplies: $545 average per semester
Estimated program charges for a domestic student taking all courses online: tuition $163,920, application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $550, for $164,615, plus course fees. Course fees vary by course, and fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections (see the Course Fees & Prerequisites list). The university’s published Total Program Cost estimates are for full-time, onsite students.
Payment options. Academy of Art offers many different ways to help you structure your payments, including interest-free installment plans and pre-payment options. The installment plan enables students to pay their tuition in four separate payments during Fall and Spring and two separate payments for Summer.
Financial aid. Aid available to undergraduates includes Cal Grants for eligible California residents, Pell Grants (eligible undergraduate students, first AA/BA/BS/BFA, and eligible education certificate candidates), FSEOG, Federal Work Study, Direct Stafford Loans and Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA using Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.
Military and veterans. The Academy processes the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Yellow Ribbon Program, Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31), DEA (Chapter 35), Military Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your cost with the Academy of Art University Net Price Calculator: https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/academyart
Living expenses. The cost of attendance budget includes the costs of tuition and fees, books, supplies, monthly allowances for room and board, transportation to and from school, and personal expenses such as clothes. Estimates of (Monthly) Living Expenses, 2026-2027:
- Food & Housing: $1,393 (student living with parents); $2,729 (student not living with parents); $4,133 (student living on campus, avg.)
- Personal Expenses: $507; $634; $441
- Transportation: $134; $184; $154
Federal student loan debt. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet:
- Most recent three year cohort default rate, as reported by the United States Department of Education: 2023: 0%; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of enrolled students in 2023/2024 receiving federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 51%; 2024: 54%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 0%; 2024: 50%.
- The average amount of federal student loan debt of 2023/2024 graduates who took out federal student loans at this institution: 2023: $14,395; 2024: $14,864.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree – Core Classes.
This program is available online and on campus.
Unit Requirements.
- Core: 18 units
- Sophomore Portfolio: 6 units
- Senior Portfolio: 6 units
- Major: 39 units
- Liberal Arts: 42 units
- Elective: 9 units
- Total: 120 units
BA Architectural Design Degree Requirements.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and the following Liberal Arts courses:
- LA 115 Natural Systems in the Landscape
- LA 219 History of the Built Environment 1: Ancient to Gothic
- LA 249 History of the Built Environment 2: Renaissance to 1900
- LA 255 College Math
- LA 271 College Algebra with Geometry
- LA 292 Programming & Culture
- LA 296 Applied Physics
- LA 319 History of the Built Environment 3: 1900 to Present
- LA 359 Urban Sociology
- LA 429 Architecture Theory
- LA 485 Tell your Story: Personal Statement, Portfolio, Resume
- And the following general education requirements:
- 3 History of the Built Environment courses
- 1 Written Communications: Research and Analysis course
- 1 Art & Design Communication course
- 1 Ecological Systems course
- 1 Fundamental Math course
- 1 Applied Math course
- 1 Applied Physics course
- 1 Cultural Influences & Human Behavior course
- 1 Historical Awareness course
- 1 Architecture Employment Communications & Practices course
- After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Program Learning Outcomes.
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Design Process & Critical Thinking
- Use an iterative design process to incorporate feedback and refine proposals
- Articulate and extend conceptual thinking through diagrams
- Develop criteria to generate and evaluate organizing principles
- Communicate critical analyses of precedent buildings and built environments
Architectural Design
- Develop architectural proposals appropriate for site context in scale and program
- Organize efficient floor plans to meet user and program requirements
- Produce accurate orthographic, isometric, and perspective drawings to convey design intent
- Develop fluency in using digital and analog tools in combination for ideation and iteration
- Construct drawings and models with a high level of craft and attention to detail
Presentation
- Explain and defend design decisions in verbal and written presentations
- Create visual presentations with logical sequencing, layout composition, and hierarchy of information
Leadership & Community
- Protect life safety and provide equitable access in built environments
Environmental Stewardship
- Analyze site climate data to determine passive heating and cooling strategies
- Compare environmental impacts of design options using energy modeling tools
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduate with the design skills, technical knowledge, and professional insight to step directly into the field. You will be prepared to shape the built environment and move confidently toward licensure or related career paths.
- City and Urban Planner
- Construction Manager
- Design Consultant
- Project Architect
- Self-employed Architect
- Sustainable Design Consultant
Program performance. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet filed with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (calendar years 2023 & 2024, revised November 25, 2025):
- On-Time Completion Rate: 2023: 23% (11 of 48 students available for graduation); 2024: 4% (2 of 57 students available for graduation).
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: 0% (0 of 2 graduates available for employment); 2024: 10% (1 of 10 graduates available for employment).
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
- Annual salary and wages reported for 2024 graduates employed in the field (1): $70,001 - $75,000: 1.
Graduation and retention rates (university-wide).
- 2026 Graduation Rates: Of the 437 students who entered the University during the fall 2019 semester as first-time, full-time freshmen in either the Bachelor, Associate, or Certificate programs, 146 or 33% completed the entire program within 150% of the normal time.
- Retention Rates – 2024 Cohort: All full-time first-time undergraduate students (134) in Fall 2024 re-enrolled in Fall 2025: 56%.
Professional licensure.
The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BA), the Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA) Track 1, and the Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA) Track 2 programs are not accredited by NAAB and may not be accepted as meeting architectural licensure requirements in many U.S. states.
What to expect as a Academy of Art University student
Guest Speakers
On campus or online, you’ll hear directly from architects and leaders around the world. Guest speakers show how architecture addresses today’s biggest challenges. They’ll answer your questions about the field, careers, and the paths into practice.
Real-World Impact
Here in San Francisco, in our B-LAB studio class, you’ll have the chance to volunteer your skills on active projects. It’s real work with real impact—strengthening your portfolio while giving you the satisfaction of shaping a better world, even before graduation.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Academy of Art University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), currently on warning; its accredited status continues during the Warning period.
This program is not NAAB-accredited and may not be accepted as meeting licensure requirements in many U.S. states.
Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the San Francisco Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 910 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 83.4% rather than 100%.
Testimonials
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