Architecture

Create the blueprints for a great career.

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.

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.

How does Architecture 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 2 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.

About the Architecture program

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Architecture admission requirements

• Ontario students: 6 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 averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s
• An Admission Information Form is required
• Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements

First-year Architecture courses

After first year

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

Sample upper-year Architecture courses

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Gain relevant work experience through co-op

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.

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Careers in architecture

• Intern Architect, Levitt Goodman Architects
• Junior Architect, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
• Associate, Garwood-Jones and Hanham Architects
• Intern Architect, James K.M. Cheng Architects 
• Project Manager, Designstor.com 
• Design Associate, Fisher Weisman Interior Design & Decoration
• Intern Architect, Parkin Architects 
• Intern Architect, CS&P Architects

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Learn more about Architecture

• Visit the School of Architecture website
• Related programs: Architectural Engineering, Planning