Frequently Asked Questions
Our department is the home of undergraduate studies in architecture at Columbia University and is jointly shared by multiple colleges.
Students enrolled at any of the undergraduate colleges, including Columbia College, Barnard College, and The School of General Studies, can declare a major or minor in architecture through our department, while those at Columbia Engineering can pursue a minor.
When applying to study architecture at Columbia University, prospective students can apply to whichever undergraduate college they prefer. Upon admission, they can begin taking courses in our department and pursue a major or minor in architecture.
Questions regarding your application or the admissions and financial aid processes can be directed to the following offices. Our department does not review applications or play a role in admissions.
Columbia College: Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Barnard College: Office of Admissions
The School of General Studies: Office of Admissions
Columbia Engineering: Office of Admissions
Those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in architecture should visit the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation website instead.
Students at Barnard College and Columbia College typically graduate with their Bachelor's Degree after completing four years of study. Students at The School of General Studies have a more flexible timeline for completing their degree.
Architecture majors typically complete the major requirements across two to four years of study. At a minimum, our major requirements take two years to complete.
For more information about our major requirements, please visit this page of our website.
We do not play a role in the admissions process so we cannot advise you on the application requirements for whichever school you are applying to.
However, in case this information is useful, included below are the admissions webpages that address the submission of "supplementary" or "optional" materials, and whether or not they are accepted:
Columbia College Office of Undergraduate Admissions Contact Information
CC Admissions Website: First Year Admissions (See Supplementary Materials —> Creative Portfolios —> Architecture)
Barnard College Office of Admissions Contact Information
BC Admissions Website: The Application Process (See Optional Application Materials —> Supplementary Portfolios)
School of General Studies Office of Admissions Contact Information
Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information about submitting supplementary materials.
If you have any further questions, please contact the appropriate admissions office.
Our department does not offer departmental tours or facilitate campus visits, but prospective students are welcome to sign up for a campus tour with whichever college they plan to apply to.
To learn more about our department, prospective students are encouraged to attend our Virtual Information Sessions, sign up for a Chat with a Current Student, review our website, and follow us on Instagram @bcarchitecture.
Our department only serves undergraduate students who are earning their Bachelor's Degree. If you're interested in pursuing a Master's Degree in Architecture, please visit Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation, and Planning website.