Boston Architectural College
School of Architecture
Founded 130 years ago, The Boston Architectural College is a recognized institution providing excellence in design education to members of diverse communities―with students representing 35 countries. Ranked No. 1 by GradReports for Best Architecture School for a Master's Degree and No. 1 Best Graduate School for Earning Potential, the BAC offers on-site and online bachelors and graduate degrees in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, design studies, and continuing education. The BAC upholds the importance of inclusive admission, diversity, innovation, dedicated faculty, and the intrinsic value of both academic and experiential education.
https://the-bac.edu/academics/school-of-architecture
Setting
The BAC is an independent design college right in the heart of Boston's historic Back Bay. Boston is one of the youngest, most innovative cities in the US—you can walk everywhere, and it's packed with notable architecture, museums, music venues, restaurants, colleges, universities, and public green spaces. Boston is a leader in education, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Boston is home to significant international architectural firms. It's an ideal place to study architecture and design.
School Philosophy
Education at the BAC results from concurrent academic and practice-based learning that takes place in both the classroom and in the design workplace. Students learn their profession by being mentored by and working for practicing architects. The BAC views architecture as the art of making places for sustainable human habitation. Concurrent degree students work in the design profession during the day and attend classes that begin in late afternoon. This interplay of education and practice provides graduates with solid preparation for careers in design with a strong professional network and the opportunity to complete the internship requirements for NCARB licensing before graduation. The BAC has been accepted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for participation in its inaugural Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL), which significantly shortens the time it takes to attain licensure. As the first school in New England—and one of only 21 in the nation—chosen to be part of this innovative program, the BAC offers both Bachelor and Master of Architecture students the opportunity to earn licensure immediately upon graduation. The IPAL program is a structured experience that allows students to complete the requirements for architectural licensure while earning their degree.
Programs
B. Arch: The Bachelor of Architecture is a 5 ½ year professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board that prepares students to earn licensure. Our innovative approach to education integrates ongoing, real-world design practice with traditional classroom learning. By engaging in professional practice and enrolling in NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP), students may be eligible to take their licensing exams while they earn their degree. The BAC partners with over 350 firms that hire students to work while they study. Progress is evaluated through portfolio reviews that prepare students to present their work. Students complete their program with a degree project to explore an idea that reflects their personal design values and methods.
B.S. in Arch: The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a 4 ½ year pre-professional undergraduate degree that leads to the BAC's accelerated 2-Year Master of Architecture. Our innovative approach to education integrates ongoing, real-world design practice with traditional classroom learning. Students begin their degree with a Foundation year, learning the fundamentals of design in multidisciplinary studios with students from across the BAC’s four schools.
M. Arch.: The Master of Architecture is a first professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) that prepares students to earn licensure in as little as 2 years. Our innovative approach to education integrates ongoing, real-world design practice with traditional classroom learning. Placement in the program is based on your individual experience level, so you may be able to graduate in less time.
Qualified students can enter the 2-year or online track, which is a flexible program ideal for working professionals. By engaging in professional practice and enrolling in NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP), students may be eligible to take their licensing exams while they earn their degree. The BAC partners with over 350 firms that hire students to work while they study. Instructors are professionals and scholars in the field and bring current perspectives into the classroom. Progress is evaluated through portfolio reviews that prepare students to present their work. Students finish their program with a thesis of personal significance and larger value to the community and the discipline of architecture.
of Focus
1. Digital Fabrication & Technology
2. Building Technologies
3. Historic Preservation
4. Community Design
5. History | Theory | Criticism
6. Design/Build
7. Interior Design
8. Digital Design & Visualization
9. Sustainability & High-Performance Built Environments
Opportunities
Co-Op / Work Placement
Cross-disciplinary experience
IPAL
Teaching / Research assistantships
Online Courses
Summer Program
Study Abroad
Facilities
Large-format Printer
Laser Cutter
Woodshop
3D Printing
CNC Milling
Fabrication Lab
Policies
Transfer Policies
The BAC welcomes transfer students for both the fall and spring semesters. Many of our most successful students have transferred from other schools, and we are happy to help with this process. Transfer students are not required to have a specific educational background, although many transfer after finishing an associate’s degree or from other design programs. The BAC’s open and rolling admissions policy also applies to transfer students.
For more information or assistance, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@the-bac.edu or 617.585.0123.
School Showcase
- https://the-bac.edu/events-index/grad-exhibit-2021
- https://the-bac.edu/news-index/bac-launches-cloud-canopy
- https://the-bac.edu/areas-of-study/architecture/accelerated-architectural-licensure
- https://bac.canto.com/v/2021Gradexhibittest3/folder/KURTE?viewIndex=2&gOrderProp=uploadDate&gSortingForward=false&from=fitView&display=fitView
