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Jun 15, 2026
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Design in Architecture B.Des.
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TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120
Plans of Study
The Bachelor of Design in Design in Architecture (B.Des.) program provides a comprehensive and rigorous “pre-professional” curriculum centered within design studio courses. Courses in visual communication, history and theory, and technology inform students’ design studio learning. Urban architecture and related topics are emphasized to take advantage of the diverse and growing metropolitan setting in Florida’s Tampa Bay area.
Through completion of the USF B.Des. degree program, students develop a strong foundation of qualities important for architects. These include creativity, visualization skills, analytical skills, communication skills, organization skills, and technical skills. The B.Des. degree program prepares students to enter a two-year, accredited M.Arch. degree program.
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University Admissions - College of Design, Art, and Performance
Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following links: State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Design in Architecture B.Des.
Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.010, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program. Transfer students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering USF. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted. Successful completion of common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program. Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade in common course prerequisites. Major Core Courses: 10 courses; 42 credit hours
Major Elective Courses: 3 courses; 9 credit hours
ARC 3000-level or 4000-level courses taught within the School of Architecture and Community Design. Additional Information - Design in Architecture B.Des.
GPA Requirements
Major GPA: 2.5 based on highest attempt on each ARC course. Grading Requirements
The minimum acceptable grade in all ARC Common Course Prerequisites, Major Core Courses, and Major Elective Courses is a C or higher (C- is insufficient).
The minimum acceptable grade in the following ARC design studio courses is a B or higher: Residency Requirement
School of Architecture & Community Design and College of Design, Art & Performance Major Academic Residency Requirement - 50% of the total Major courses (including ARC Common Course Prerequisites, Major Core Courses, and Major Elective Courses) must be completed at USF. USF Academic Residency Requirement - 30 of the last 60 hours earned must be from USF. Internship Opportunities
To earn academic credit for professional internships, please contact Architecture Advising and the Architecture Internship Academic Advisor prior to beginning the internship.
To become a licensed architect, licensure candidates must earn an accredited degree and gain a minimum number of hours earned in particular areas of experience under the supervision of a practicing architect. The National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s (NCARB’s) Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) may be used to report hours. An NCARB Record must be initiated in order to participate in AXP®. Visit NCARB’s web site for more information about AXP® and establishing an NCARB Record. Individuals may begin reporting hours after completing a high school diploma. AXP® hours may be earned for professional work and academic internships completed under the supervision of a licensed architect while earning the B.S. Architecture degree. Other Information
Portfolio Review The SACD utilizes portfolio reviews in its B.Des. and M.Arch. programs in order to assess overall student learning and to assess each student’s preparedness to proceed at key stages within each program. In the B.Des. program, a comprehensive portfolio of work completed in ARC studio courses is conducted after completion of ARC 3320 Architecture Design Five. A student’s grades are not considered during portfolio reviews, but only students with at least a 3.0 GPA (based on highest attempt) in studio courses qualifies to submit. The portfolio assessment is conducted by a committee of faculty and is focused on 1) quality of learning within the portfolio contents and 2) quality of the design and craft of the portfolio itself. Students who do not earn a passing or better portfolio evaluation will be required to retake a design studio course identified by the faculty review committee. Student portfolios are also referenced by the faculty for granting scholarships and awards and aid students in obtaining part-time and long-term employment. Accreditation Information
USF’s four year, Bachelor of Design in Design in Architecture (B.Des.) degree prepares students to enter a two-year, accredited M.Arch. degree program. USF undergraduates in the B.Des. Design in Architecture program may apply to USF’s accredited M.Arch degree program in the spring of their senior year. Acceptance is based on a faculty committee evaluation of each applicant’s portfolio, undergraduate transcript(s), GRE scores, statement of intent, and references. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredits five year Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degrees. A NAAB-accredited degree meets the education requirement for registration in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions. Research Opportunities - College of Design, Art, and Performance
All undergraduate students in any degree program can participate in undergraduate research. There are a number of options to receive academic credit for a mentored research experience and to have the experience show on the official transcript. Students who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 2912 , IDS 4914 , or IDH 4910 courses. These courses will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Student Engagement in Research and Innovation (SERI) will assist students in understanding the various course options. Advising Information - Design in Architecture B.Des.
USF students schedule advising appointments online through USF Archivum Platform. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss course planning, degree progression, and career preparation. Architecture Advising Plans of Study - Design in Architecture B.Des.
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