Boston Architectural College
School of Architecture
The School of Architecture’s Mission
Emerging from design practice, the BAC’s School of Architecture educates students to become citizen architects who learn from faculty, professional, and one another to envision a more equitable, ecological, social, and beautiful built environment. We believe that resilient works of architecture integrate personal expression, theoretical frameworks, and building technology; design practice is a tangible form of applied research which accelerates change in society and in the design professions. The BAC is committed to design practice and to its community of students, educators, and professionals who work and build collectively. The School of Architecture brings together diverse individuals to create a dialogue to transform place and the larger world.
Setting
We are an independent college in an urban context in dialogue with the design professions. Such independence enables the BAC and the School of Architecture to move nimbly – and in response to curricular and shifting student needs – to hire qualified adjuncts with evolving expertise. These professionals both educate and mentor our students. We are able to be responsive to student interests in elective offerings and to faculty innovation in all courses. Boston provides not only an ecosystem for developing excellent full-time and adjunct faculty, but also opportunities for students and alumni to join firms that have a global reach.
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. Materials and Construction
3. Building Technologies
4. Community Design
5. Resilience
6. Industry Collaborations
7. Digital Design & Visualization
8. Sustainability & High-Performance Built Environments
Opportunities
Co-Op / Work Placement
IPAL
Online Courses
Summer Program
Facilities
Large-format Printer
Laser Cutter
Woodshop
3D Printing
CNC Milling
Fabrication Lab
Policies
Transfer Policies
We generously grant transfer credit to make each student appropriately challenged. We aim to garner credit for students in a personalized way to accelerate their studies.
