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Architectural Studies

College of Fine & Applied Arts

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What is Architectural Studies?

Architects conceptualize and construct physical structures like buildings. In this major, you’ll receive a foundation in 2- and 3-dimensional design. You will focus on both aesthetics and technology. This major will prepare you to be a creative thinker and create inventive solutions to social, political, economic, and environmental problems.

Career Options

  • Architecture
  • Contracting
  • Conservation
  • Drafting
  • Industrial design
  • Inspection
  • Interior design
  • Landscape architecture
  • Planning & surveying
  • Product design

Post-Graduation Success1

95% employed or continuing education

19% employed after graduation

76% attending graduate school

$53,355 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Abbott Laboratories (1), Architectural Design Collaborative (1), ARCON Associates (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Michigan View All

Program Resources

College of Fine & Applied Arts Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong math coursework and performance
  • Calculus track preferred (if available at high school)

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

73% four-year graduation rate

78% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $14,620
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $38,558

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $34,972
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $59,250

International

  • Tuition: $35,966
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,244

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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