Architectural Studies, BFA

Is Architectural Studies Right for You? | What You'll Learn | Program Details | Career Outcomes | FAQ

What Is Belmont's Architectural Studies Degree?

Belmont's Architectural Studies program is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree that provides a four-year foundation in architecture, design and the built environment. You'll build creative and technical design skills while preparing for graduate study and architecture-related careers.

Is Architectural Studies Right for You?

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architectural Studies is designed for students who are passionate about architecture, design and the built environment but want the flexibility to pursue graduate education or interdisciplinary career paths.

This program may be a good fit if you:

Enjoy creative problem-solving and visual thinking
Want to understand how buildings shape communities
Are interested in sustainability, urban environments and human-centered design
Want a foundation in architecture before pursuing graduate study
Prefer a broad design education that combines creativity, technical skills and critical thinking

Why Study Architectural Studies at Belmont?

At Belmont, you'll learn architecture through hands-on studio experiences while studying in one of the nation's fastest-growing cities.

You'll:

Learn through hands-on design studios
Begin creating projects in your first year
Work on real-world design projects that strengthen your portfolio
Build skills in drawing, digital modeling and design communication
Learn alongside students in architecture, interior design and other creative disciplines
Explore sustainability, urban development and the built environment

Students begin making and creating early in the curriculum, developing a strong foundation for graduate study and interdisciplinary design careers.

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Study Architecture in Nashville

Nashville's growth makes it a living laboratory for future architects and designers. You'll see how new development, adaptive reuse projects and community planning shape the places where people live, work and connect.

Belmont's location gives you access to a vibrant design community and a city where architecture continues to influence the future of neighborhoods, businesses and public spaces. City skyline at dusk with a lit truss bridge spanning a river, and a riverboat cruising in the foreground.

What You'll Learn

You will build creative, technical and analytical skills through studio-based learning and hands-on design experiences.

Design & Visual Communication

Develop the ability to communicate ideas through:

Freehand drawing and sketching
Architectural graphics
Digital modeling and visualization
Physical model making
Design presentations and critiques

Architecture & the Built Environment

Build a foundation in:

Architectural history
Design theory
Environmental systems
Sustainable design principles
Building technologies
Spatial thinking and analysis

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Learn how to:

Analyze complex design challenges
Generate creative solutions
Evaluate human and environmental needs
Understand how design affects communities
Balance aesthetics, function and responsibility

Program Details

Curious about your coursework? View requirements for this degree in the course catalog.

This studio-centered degree is built around six progressive design studios.

Studios: Architectural Design Methods, Integrated Design, Collaborative Design and Urban Design
Building science: Materials and Methods, Structures I and Environmental Systems
History and context: History of Architecture and Site Design Seminar
Digital and regulatory: Digital Fluency I and II and Regulations in the Built Environment
Good to know: Prepares you for design careers or graduate study; not a licensure degree

For complete course descriptions, see the current catalog.

Go beyond the classroom and experience architecture for yourself. In Nashville and around the world, you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow.

Experience hands-on architecture work. Nashville has a thriving architecture industry, giving you access to more than 60 firms and the nationally recognized Nashville Civic Design Center.
Explore the world. Experience other cultures and visit iconic structures in India, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom and beyond through study abroad programs.
Join a student organization. Participating in groups like AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) is a great way to meet people and explore your interests.

Each year, the O’More College awards a number of scholarships to incoming fall undergraduates majoring in one of its academic programs. These awards are renewable for four years (five for B.Arch. majors), provided the recipient maintains all required academic and citizenship expectations. To qualify, you must submit your Belmont application by Dec. 1. O’More departmental scholarships are need-based only, so students must also file the FAFSA to be considered.

Learn More about the Scholarship

Architecture Admissions and Placement

A major in architecture is declared by the individual student during the application and admission process to the University. If a student meets the admission criteria of the University, they are accepted for advising in their architecture major.

The Architecture Department does not require a specific portfolio or interview process for admission, but may initiate either of them to determine whether transfer credit or advanced standing in the architecture department curriculum map is a consideration during advising.

Any Advanced Placement (AP) or other transfer course credits are first evaluated by the Office of the Registrar. They are available to advisors after the student is admitted to the University. Courses given specific course credit are designated once the Registrar evaluates official transcripts submitted for each student applicant; the remainder of transferred course credits are considered electives at Belmont.

The Architecture Department Chair and other academic advisors assist the student in preparation for course registration and address specific major curricular requirements in keeping with the following information on the website regarding accreditation standards for the program described here.

Transfer Credit Policy

Determination of eligibility for general education transfer credit will be determined by the Office of the Registrar.

Read Full Transfer Credit Policy

2026-2027 Architecture Additional Program Costs

Below are program-specific items and estimated costs to the student in addition to the University’s cost estimator.

It is our general policy to provide basic tools and supplies needed for instruction within
our departmental budget line. This includes some supplies for students such as plotter ink and paper for large format printing, along with other media available for use in-class.

Student provide supplies and materials used for their individual projects based on
assignment parameters and personal preference.

Laptop Computer $1,600-$2,400 to meet software requirements*

From the second year onward, students will be working with advanced software for design, modeling, and rendering that requires more powerful laptops. Having the right machine ensures smoother performance, fewer delays and the ability to handle complex studio projects with confidence.

We recommend a laptop running Windows 11 (64-bit), with at least an Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 processor at 2.5GHz or faster, 32 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card such as the NVIDIA RTX 4060 (or higher) with 8 GB VRAM or the AMD equivalent. A 1 TB SSD or larger provides enough storage, while a 15-inch or larger screen with 1920x1080 resolution makes design work more comfortable. Wi-Fi, an integrated webcam and microphone, and a three-button mouse are also important.

All costs below are estimates per semester in addition to the University costs.

Textbooks $330 (about $110 per course)*
Digital versions of textbooks can cost up to 50% less

Drawing/Modeling Supplies $40
Project Supplies/Printing $295*
Travel Costs $55*

Total Estimated Costs per Semester $720-880*

*Variable Expense

Career Outcomes

O'More College of Architecture & Design graduates achieved a 100% first destination rate for the Class of 2025, meaning graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other planned opportunities after graduation.

Career Possibilities

Architectural Studies can prepare you for graduate education and careers across the design, planning and construction industries.

Architectural Designer
Support design teams through drafting, visualization, research and project development.

Architectural Technician
Prepare technical drawings, construction documentation and digital models.

Project Coordinator
Help manage schedules, communication and workflow across design and construction teams.

Community Development Professional
Support initiatives focused on neighborhood growth, placemaking and community improvement.

Design Strategist
Apply design-thinking methods to organizational and business challenges.

Real Estate Development Associate
Assist with site evaluation, project planning and development processes.

Assistant Professor of Architecture

Phone: 615.460.8289
Email: anthony.monica@belmont.edu
Office Location: Gabhart 202

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