Architecture

Create the blueprints for a great career

Students in the Architecture program at the University of Waterloo.

In one of North America’s top schools of architecture, you’ll get a broad education that covers everything from building materials and construction techniques to cultural history, social context, green architecture, and more. Not to mention you can combine it all with co-op.

However, the core of pre-professional program is design courses, starting right in year one. You’ll get your own dedicated space in our studio where you’ll develop your ideas and skills through a series of hands-on projects.

Learn about society and culture, the principles of physics, materials and techniques of construction, human interaction with the natural and built environment, critical thought, and the diverse forms of creative expression.

It all happens in a beautiful historic building in the city of Cambridge, about 30 kilometres south of the main Waterloo campus, complete with labs, exhibition galleries, and a world-class design library.

in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2020)

briefcase Gain two years of experience in the co-op program

98% Co-op employment rate

Architecture degree admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

English (ENG4U) (A minimum final grade of 75% is required)
Advanced Functions (A minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Calculus and Vectors (A minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Physics (A minimum final grade of 70% is required)

Recommended courses: Grade 11 or 12 M Art courses, independent art studies, creative and cultural studies such as visual arts and history

Admission average: Individual selection from the mid-80s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

Build your Architecture degree at Waterloo

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The School of Architecture at the University of Waterloo is a leader in design education and research. All students gain valuable paid co-op work experience and the program has been rated the greenest architecture curriculum in Canada.

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First-year courses and beyond

September to December

ARCH 192 - Design Studio
ARCH 110 – Visual and Digital Media 1
ARCH 120 - An Introduction to Architectural Ideas and Communications
ARCH 142 – Introduction to Cultural History
ARCH 172 - Building Construction 1

January to April

ARCH 193 - Design Studio
ARCH 113 – Visual and Digital Media 2
ARCH 126 – Environmental Building Design
ARCH 143 – Ancient Worlds and Foundations of Europe
ARCH 173 - Building Construction 2

After first year

See the range of all Architecture courses at Waterloo or view the courses required to earn your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

ARCH 246 – Pre-Renaissance to Reformation
ARCH 327 – Architecture of the Urban Environment
ARCH 212 – Digital Fabrication
ARCH 442 – Contemporary Architectural Theory

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

Architectural assistant
Architectural student
Intern architect
Architectural designer
3D architectural visualization artist

Sample co-op employers

Arquitectonica International
Whiting Design
AODBT Architecture & Interior Design
Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.
Bryden Wood Ltd.

What can you do with a degree in architecture?

Graduates commonly pursue careers in architecture, design, consulting, and project management. They often work in architectural firms, construction and design firms, engineering and manufacturing companies, and more.

Recent graduates

Associate Architect – Altius Architecture
Project Manager – Millworks Manufacturing
Architectural Design – Whiting Design
Urban Designer – Stantec Architecture
Product Designer – Facebook
Architectural Assistant – Stantec Architecture
Intern Architect – Levitt Goodman Architects

Learn about the future of careers in engineering.

How does the program relate to Architectural Engineering?

If you're strong in artistic and creative abilities and have a background in math and science, Architecture is for you. You'll focus on design that applies social and cultural aspects as well as science and engineering to construction projects, ranging from accessible public space to environmental approaches to sustainable building and landscape and urban design.

Architectural Engineering is closer to Civil Engineering than it is to Architecture. Students will cover mechanics, structural analysis, structural design, and in the first two years, a lot of math. You'll learn about the science and engineering behind good building design – not just the structural aspects, but also energy efficiency, sustainable building design, and smart/green building design.

Gears Offered by the Faculty of Engineering

mouse Apply directly to Architecture on your application

grad cap Earn a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree

Ready to learn more?

Visit the School of Architecture website
Related programs
- Architectural Engineering
- Planning

Study in Rome

The Coliseum is calling! You’ll spend the fall of your fourth year at our studio in Rome, one of the world's great cities for culture and architecture.

Kick start your career as an architect

This is the only school of architecture in the world where you’ll get two years of paid co-op work experience in Canada and abroad.