UT Austin · School of Architecture
UT Austin School of Architecture
Top 10 undergrad architecture program. BArch (5-year professional), BSAS (4-year science), Interior Design, Urban Studies. Portfolio-required admissions.
Cites Texas Education Code §54.052Last reviewed 2026-06-23Not affiliated with UT or THECBPublished by Luke Allen, TREC #788149
UT Architecture at a glance
UT Austin School of Architecture ranks top 10 nationally for undergrad architecture. Two main tracks: BArch (5-year NAAB-accredited professional degree) and BSAS (4-year science-focused). BArch acceptance rate ~10-15%; BSAS ~20-25%. Portfolio required through SlideRoom. Starting salary: $55K-$70K post-grad; $80K-$120K after licensure.
Program tracks
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) - 5-year professional
- NAAB-accredited professional degree
- Direct path to architectural licensure (after apprenticeship + ARE exam)
- Cohort size: ~50 direct admits per year
- Acceptance rate: ~10-15%
- Intense studio-based curriculum
- Best for: students committed to becoming licensed architects
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS) - 4-year
- Non-professional undergraduate degree
- Preparation for MArch graduate program or architecture-adjacent careers
- Cohort size: ~100 admits per year
- Acceptance rate: ~20-25%
- Studio-based but less intense than BArch
- Best for: students exploring architecture, planning MArch, or design-adjacent careers
Interior Design (BS)
- 4-year professional degree in Interior Design
- Accredited by Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
- Studio-based curriculum
- Career: interior designer at firms or corporate clients
Urban Studies (BA)
- 4-year Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies
- Interdisciplinary: architecture, planning, sociology, public policy
- Preparation for graduate urban planning or public policy programs
Portfolio requirements
- Submitted through SlideRoom during application
- 8-15 pieces typical
- Content: any creative work (drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, digital design, models, sketchbooks)
- Does NOT need to be architecture-specific
- Reviewers look for: creative thinking, technical ability, design potential, work ethic
- Deadline: same as UT application (December 1)
Curriculum highlights
- Design studios (core): 12-20 hours/week per semester across all years
- Architectural history: Western, non-Western architecture surveys
- Structures and construction: structural engineering for architects, materials, building technology
- Environmental systems: HVAC, lighting, sustainability
- Drawing and representation: hand drawing, digital tools (Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp)
- Professional practice (BArch): contracts, ethics, business of architecture
- Thesis studio (BArch senior year): extensive independent design project
Career outcomes
- Starting salary (BArch): $55K-$70K
- Post-licensure (3-5 years): $80K-$120K
- Senior architect (10+ years): $100K-$180K
- Principal or firm owner: $150K-$500K+
- Top employers: Foster + Partners, Perkins & Will, Gensler, HOK, SOM, regional Texas firms (Overland Partners, Lake|Flato, Michael Hsu, Cottam Hargrave)
Facilities and location
- West Mall Office Building (WMB) and Sutton Hall on UT main campus
- Design studios open 24/7 for enrolled students
- Fabrication lab: CNC, laser cutters, 3D printers, wood shop
- Materials library, design library
- Adjacent to Blanton Museum for design inspiration
Frequently asked questions
What is UT Austin's architecture school ranked?
UT Austin School of Architecture ranks top 10 nationally for undergraduate Architecture programs (DesignIntelligence, other rankings). The BArch (Bachelor of Architecture) 5-year professional degree is particularly well-regarded. UT Architecture graduates place at top firms across the US.
What programs does UT Austin Architecture offer?
UT Austin School of Architecture undergrad programs: (1) Bachelor of Architecture (BArch, 5-year professional degree accredited by NAAB); (2) Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS, 4-year non-professional); (3) Interior Design (BS); (4) Urban Studies (BA); (5) Landscape Architecture (offered at graduate level). BArch is the professional path to become licensed architect.
What is the acceptance rate for UT Austin Architecture?
BArch program acceptance rate approximately 10-15% (small cohort of ~50 admits per year from ~350-450 applications). BSAS acceptance rate approximately 20-25%. Highly competitive due to small program sizes and requirement for portfolio review.
Does UT Austin Architecture require a portfolio?
Yes. BArch and BSAS applicants must submit a portfolio of creative work through UT's SlideRoom portfolio submission. Portfolio can include: drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture, digital design, models, other creative work. Portfolio does not need to be architecture-specific; committee looks for creative thinking, technical ability, and design potential. 8-15 pieces typical.
What is the difference between BArch and BSAS at UT Austin?
BArch (Bachelor of Architecture): 5-year NAAB-accredited professional degree; directly qualifies graduates to sit for architectural licensure exam (ARE) after apprenticeship. BSAS (Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies): 4-year non-professional; graduates typically pursue MArch graduate degree to become licensed, or work in architecture-adjacent fields (development, construction, design). BArch is faster to licensure but more intense; BSAS more flexible.
What careers do UT Architecture graduates pursue?
BArch graduates typically become licensed architects at architecture firms (Foster + Partners, Perkins & Will, Gensler, HOK, SOM, plus regional Texas firms). Starting salary: $55K-$70K post-graduation; $80K-$120K after licensure (3-5 years). BSAS graduates may pursue MArch, architecture-adjacent careers (development, construction management, interior design, urban planning), or non-architecture careers requiring design thinking.
What is UT Austin Architecture curriculum like?
Highly studio-based. Design studios each semester (freshman through senior) are the core; students spend 12-20 hours/week in studio in addition to coursework. Other required courses: architectural history, structures, environmental systems, building technology, drawing, digital tools (Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD). Rigorous workload; typical students spend 40-60 hours/week on architecture work total.
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