The architectural studies curriculum at Illinois provides a broad introduction to all aspects of the architectural profession within the framework of a rigorous liberal education. Students in the program benefit from the distinguished faculty and specialized facilities of the School of Architecture and have access to the full range of campus-wide resources supporting intellectual exploration and personal development.

The university provides special support to help new students explore the broad range of opportunities available to them. During the first month of classes, a series of orientation programs provide information about campus safety, academic resources, and adjusting to campus life. First year students also can take discovery courses: small sections taught by top professors and reserved for freshmen. All students experience a variety of subjects while fulfilling the campus-wide general education requirements; these courses are offered in nearly every subject—from accountancy to Zulu—and can be chosen to support individual interests.

Early architecture classes introduce important topics: the profession, architectural graphics, building construction, architectural history, and structural design. Upper-level courses expand upon these introductions. Studio courses provide students an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge from many different fields and consider architecture as an art, science, and business. Our pre-professional curriculum prepares students to think critically and creatively, to work as interns, and to continue their professional education in an M. Arch program at Illinois or elsewhere.