Undergraduate Program

Students at the University of Notre Dame's unique School of Architecture immerse themselves in the principles of traditional and classical architecture and its application in the modern world. That means learning more than the basics of design and construction. It means developing an understanding of society itself and how the buildings where people live, work and worship facilitate a sense of community. To that end, Notre Dame has developed an extensive five-year program to prepare students to become licensed architects and engaged citizens committed to the greater good of cities large and small.

• First Year - Students receive a challenging introduction to architecture and drawing skills in addition to the university's universal first-year requirements.
• Second Year - Permanence, long-term function, accessibility and beauty of buildings are examined from social and environmental viewpoints. Students also begin studio work and study Italian in preparation for their third year in Rome.
• Third Year - As part of the Rome Studies Program, students see first-hand how enduring structures blend with the modern, how the interconnected network of streets and squares contribute to the communal life of one of the world's greatest cities.
• Fourth Year - Principles studied in Rome are applied to the American city and its architecture with an emphasis on regional characteristics.
• Fifth Year - Individual thesis projects dominate the final year as students apply knowledge and skills gained over the previous four years to a topic of their choice, many of which are published and win national and international competitions.

Click here to view the Bachelor of Architecture Curriculum (total of 163 credit hours)

Click here to learn about the Furniture Design Concentration

An active chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students enlivens the educational and social life of Notre Dame's close-knit "Arkies." In addition to two galas - the Beaux Arts Ball, a Halloween costume party, and the Vitruvian Ball, a spring formal - AIAS sponsors trips to national meetings of the organization and coordinates an annual career day. The School of Architecture offers its students a diverse and lively educational experience that benefits them both professionally and personally with a nationwide network of job contacts and active alumni available to them, along with enduring friendships made during five challenging but rewarding years.

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