Bachelor of Science in Architecture

At a glance

Credential: degree
Credits: 120
Next start: monthly

Welcome to Athabasca University's pioneering online Bachelor of Science in Architecture program, created in collaboration with Architecture Canada and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Offering two personalized educational routes and the flexibility to complete your studies at your own pace, this program is your gateway to a fulfilling career in architecture and beyond.

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Employment rate
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Median income
93%
Student satisfaction

Source: 2024 AU institutional data and 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

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About Bachelor of Science in Architecture

In the Bachelor of Science in Architecture program, you'll dive deep into six core areas of study: technical skills, architectural history, theory, communications, professional practice, and hands-on design studios. Our curriculum is designed with a strong focus on environmental and community sustainability, equipping you to be a responsible architect of tomorrow. Whether you're eyeing advanced degrees or stepping directly into the world of urban and construction planning, you'll leave the program with a well-rounded skill set and a robust understanding of the built environment.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements to take this program for general interest. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

RAIC Syllabus route

If you choose to pursue the Architecture Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Syllabus Diploma, there are minimum entry requirements that must be met.

Program details

Overview

Take part in Canada's first online architecture program. Athabasca University and Architecture Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) have formed a partnership to offer the program, which provides 2 routes to your education in architecture.

The traditional route of completing pre-professional training (the Bachelor of Science in Architecture), followed by a masters of architecture (from another university), and internship.
The RAIC Syllabus program, which is a work/study program that ensures you qualify for certification of your education upon completion.

AU's Bachelor of Science in Architecture has a strong focus on environmental and community sustainability. The program includes 6 areas of study:

technical
history
theory
communications
professional practice
design studios

Why take the Bachelor of Science in Architecture?

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a pre-professional program. It will prepare you for AU's Graduate Diploma in Architecture or a master's program in architecture at other institutions.

Routes and options

There are 2 ways to complete this degree - as a general interest student, or as a RAIC Syllabus student. Use the table below to decide which might be right for you.

Which path is right for you
Category	General interest/traditional training	RAIC Syllabus
Credential	Results in a BSc Arch, with an option for further education. Must complete additional education and an internship and exams to be eligible for licensing as an architect	Results in the RAIC Syllabus Professional Diploma in Architecture. May also receive the BSc Arch and the Graduate Diploma in Architecture (GDA). Eligible to apply for certification of education by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. May need to complete additional internship and exams to be eligible for licensing as an architect
Time commitment	Work at your own pace - complete the courses as quickly as you want or as slowly as you need.	Program may take 8-12 years to complete (including required work experience).
Work experience	No work experience required to get your degree.	Must complete 9,800 hours of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Canadian architect.
Studio component	Virtual design studios. (Two intakes a year)	Face-to-face design studios (based on location). Two intakes per year)
Application process	No application deadline, no additional application requirements.	Two intakes a year. Application requirements include letters of reference and an essay.
Registration	Enrol as an AU student and take courses (except for virtual studio) right away.	Register with RAIC before you register at AU.
Transfer academic credit	Post-diploma route grants a minimum of 30 credits toward the degree. Submit transcripts and supporting material to AU.	May apply for Entry Credit Assessment. Submit transcripts and supporting material to RAIC.
Fees	See tuition and fees, below.	RAIC Syllabus fees.

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a 4-year online degree program. If you already have a post-secondary diploma in architecture or architectural technology, you can take the shorter post-diploma route. There are no set start dates for AU courses - you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away (except for the virtual studios which are offered twice a year).

Please note that if you choose the RAIC Syllabus route, there are application deadlines.

Post diploma route

AU’s online undergraduate degree programs allow diploma graduates to upgrade their credentials without starting from scratch. We make it easy to convert your diploma to a degree through flexible, fully online pathways. Our diploma-to-degree programs are designed for students who have completed a recognized Canadian post-secondary diploma and want to seamlessly transition into a bachelor's degree. With generous credit transfer from diploma-to-degree, students can reduce their study time and complete their degree faster.

You must have an approved diploma or related credentials in architecture (such as a diploma in architectural technology) to apply for the post-diploma route. This may grant you a minimum of 30 credits toward the degree.

You may receive additional credits pending review of course content completed through your diploma program.

Please note: If your previous diploma is more than 5 years old, you can't take the post-diploma route. However, if you are working in architecture and can provide evidence of current experience this restriction will be waived.

Completion times

General interest route

Finish this program in as little as 3 years (post-diploma route) or 4 years (degree route) of full-time study. Or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.

RAIC Syllabus route

As the RAIC Syllabus is an extensive work/study program, some students may take 10 years or more to complete all program requirements.

RAIC Syllabus route

If you are applying to the RAIC Syllabus program, you should apply through RAIC first. Then you should review AU's application process for RAIC Syllabus students. There are application deadlines for the syllabus program.

Transfer and advanced credit

If you don't qualify for the post-diploma route, you may be eligible for credit for courses at other institutions. However, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU. More about transfer and advanced credit at AU

You will not receive transfer credit for science courses that were completed more than 10 years ago. Computer science courses (COMP and CMIS) older than 5 years will be stale-dated if you are not currently working in the field of architecture.

If you would like to transfer credit for previous RAIC Syllabus course work, you can check the AU course equivalents.

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Tuition and fees

Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.

Estimated program costs are available in the Calendar.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Explore financial aid and awards

0 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
0 credit total	$906	$906	$844	$844

1 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$219	$219	$203	$203
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
1 credit total	$223.50	$223.50	$207.50	$207.50

3 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
3 credit total	$921.50	$921.50	$859.50	$859.50

4 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$876	$876	$812	$812
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
4 credit total	$1,145	$1,145	$1,067	$1,067

6 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,314	$1,314	$1,218	$1,218
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
6 credit total	$1,592	$1,592	$1,482	$1,482

9 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,971	$1,971	$1,827	$1,827
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
9 credit total	$2,262.50	$2,262.50	$2,104.50	$2,104.50

0 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
0 credit total	$1,093	$1,093	$1,031	$1,031

1 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$219	$219	$203	$203
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
1 credit total	$223.50	$223.50	$207.50	$207.50

3 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
3 credit total	$1,108.50	$1,108.50	$1,046.50	$1,046.50

4 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$876	$876	$812	$812
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
4 credit total	$1,332	$1,332	$1,254	$1,254

6 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,314	$1,314	$1,218	$1,218
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
6 credit total	$1,779	$1,779	$1,669	$1,669

9 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,971	$1,971	$1,827	$1,827
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee (*exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
Out of Province Fee	$187	$187	$187	$187
9 credit total	$2,449.50	$2,449.50	$2,291.50	$2,291.50

0 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
0 credit total	$1,690	$1,690	$1,628	$1,628

1 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$219	$219	$203	$203
Students' Union Fee ($4.50)	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50	$4.50
Out of country fee	$261	$261	$261	$261
1 credit total	$484.50	$484.50	$468.50	$468.50

3 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$657	$657	$609	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($13.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50	$15.50
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
3 credit total	$1,705.50	$1,705.50	$1,643.50	$1,643.50

4 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$876	$876	$812	$812
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($18) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$20	$20	$20	$20
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
4 credit total	$1,929	$1,929	$1,851	$1,851

6 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,314	$1,314	$1,218	$1,218
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($27) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$29	$29	$29	$29
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
6 credit total	$2,376	$2,376	$2,266	$2,266

9 credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a student living outside Canada in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
	Faculty of Business courses	Faculty of Health Disciplines courses	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences courses	Faculty of Science and Technology courses
Tuition fee	$1,971	$1,971	$1,827	$1,827
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$177	$177	$163	$163
Course Materials Fee ( *exceptions apply)	$72	$72	$72	$72
Students' Union ($40.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50	$42.50
Out of country fee	$784	$784	$784	$784
9 credit total	$3,046.50	$3,046.50	$2,888.50	$2,888.50

Courses

In this degree program, you'll engage with a comprehensive curriculum that covers six key areas: technical aspects, history, theory, communications, professional practice, and immersive design studios. These courses not only offer you a strong foundation in architecture but also emphasize environmental and community sustainability, preparing you for a responsible and impactful career.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Science, plus those specific to your major, minor or concentration.

Our program course plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program requirements

Program course plan

Calculate course fees

Additional links

Requirements: Bachelor of Science, Architecture Major post-diploma degree

Program plan: Bachelor of Science, Architecture Major post-diploma degree

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

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Career options

Completing the Bachelor of Science in Architecture alone will be beneficial for careers in urban and construction planning and design, as well as studies of the built environment.

Some possible career options:

architect
architecture and science manager
architectural technologists and technician
architectural illustrator
architecture professor
architectural journalist
architectural critic
environmental impact analyst
sustainable design consultant
historic preservationist
urban designer
green building architect
architectural historian
building conservation specialist

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

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