Design of Built Environments is an Associate Degree program offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 60 units to complete, with a total tuition of $81,960.
Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Design of Built Environments offers an interdisciplinary approach to design and environmental stewardship in architecture or landscape architecture. Students create proposals that protect ecology, reduce environmental impacts, and benefit the community. Evidence-based iterative design processes serve as the foundation for developing proposals for built environments that address diverse needs. Emphasis is placed on clear communication from professional presentations to detailed construction documents. Guided by faculty actively practicing in architecture and landscape architecture, students acquire design and technical skills needed to enter the profession.
In California, the AAS degree offers a modified path to architectural licensure. This program is not NAAB-accredited and may not meet 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.
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.
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.
On-site classes are offered Monday through Saturday in time blocks of 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm and 5pm-8pm, with Saturday classes from 9:30am-12:30pm and 1pm-4:30pm.
- 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 60-unit program’s tuition is $81,960 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: $30 per semester, on-site only; 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 total program cost for a full-time, onsite, domestic student (effective fall semester 2026): application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $250, student activity fees $180, estimated course fees $1,845–$4,733, for an estimated $84,380–$87,268 due for the entire program.
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: *; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: *; 2024: 0%.
- 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
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree – Core Classes.
This program is available online and on campus.
Unit Requirements.
- Core: 18 units
- Sophomore Portfolio: 6 units
- Major: 15 units
- Liberal Arts: 21 units
- Total: 60 units
AAS Design Of Built Environments Degree Requirements.
- Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework, LA 115, and LA 117.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 1 Art & Design Communication course
- 1 Applied Math course
- 1 Fundamental Math course
- 1 Ecological Systems course
- 1 History of Built Environments 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
Presentation
- Explain and defend design decisions in verbal and written presentations
- Create visual presentations with logical sequencing, layout composition, and hierarchy of information
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
Landscape Architecture
- Conduct and graphically communicate a site inventory and analysis, including physical, environmental, and cultural conditions, to inform design decisions
- Identify and evaluate plant material based on its form, texture, color, and environmental characteristics for use in a design
- Apply grading and drainage principles to site design problems and translate solutions into accurate construction documentation
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: *; 2024: *.
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: *; 2024: *.
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
* = This program is new. Therefore, the number of students who graduate, the number of students who are placed, or the starting salary you can earn after finishing the educational program are unknown at this time. Information regarding general salary and placement statistics may be available from government sources or from the institution, but is not equivalent to actual performance data. This program began on 3/5/2025. As of 12/01/2028, two full years of data for this program will be available.
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%.
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.
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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