Architecture, B.Arch Adult Degree

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.

National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Accreditation

In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, eight-year with conditions, or two-year term of continuing accreditation, or a three-year term of initial accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Read Full NAAB Accreditation Information

Transfer Credit Policy

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

Determination of eligibility for the architecture program requirements transfer credit (ARC courses) will be determined by the Chair of the Department of Architecture, based on:

• Alignment of general course content
• Demonstration of achievement of applicable NAAB-defined Program or Student Criteria

Students requesting that courses completed at another institution be considered for Belmont ARC credit must submit to the Department Chair:

• that institution’s catalog description for the course and
• the syllabus for the semester it was taken.

For some courses, the Chair may also request examples of coursework. In most cases, transfer courses proposed for credit for Belmont ARC courses numbered 3000- or higher must be completed in an NAAB-accredited program.

The Architecture Program at Belmont currently has no established articulation agreement with other institutions and does not award credit for other prior learning experience.

The student and advisors submit requests to waive a course or prerequisite requirement to the Department Chair for approval. A University registration form is used for this and the Registrar creates updated records that advisors and students use for meeting degree requirements. The DegreeWorks platform is currently used for University degrees based on each major and minor the student has chosen.

The department chair must make the final decision in approving credit, and the architecture program has not considered transfer credit for any third-year or above course for an architecture major unless it came from a NAAB accredited degree program. Courses prior to the third year in the B.Arch. curriculum map are considered at the student’s request during advising for entrance to the major. The following additional guidelines are considered by the chair in the advising process:

• Students with transfer credits are interviewed by the chair or advising coordinator for possible placement in the second year of the curriculum through transfer credit or waiving courses based on previous learning through education or work experience.
• Students with over 30 transfer credits are interviewed by the chair or advising coordinator and advised of the possibility for waiving courses or taking some prerequisites as corequisites. The chair reviews the course descriptions and student learning outcomes with the students and compares the students previous course performance to make recommendations. An overall grade point average of 3.0 or above for transfer courses is recommended if a student is to consider prerequisites being taken as co-requisites.
• The Adult Degree Program (ADP) students are admitted through the University College and much of their advising process is done through consultation with the department chair. A consistent approval process is achieved through the chair’s oversight and the use of both the review of student work and the interview process.

The program seeks to provide access to the degree path that will accommodate persons from a variety of preparatory backgrounds. We also understand that previous investments in higher education and professional experience require due consideration both for the quality of education we offer and recommend as well as sharing known opportunities to consider for better stewardship of the financial and time investments required for the B.Arch degree and the path to licensure as an architect.

Important note: Up to this point, these processes have been overseen by Prof. Thomas Lowing in his capacity as Department Chair. Beginning in the Spring 2026 semester, Prof. Lowing will transition to the role of Advising and AXP Coordinator, focusing on the reception of incoming and transfer students as well as engagement with our alumni. He will continue to oversee these procedures and provide recommendations to the incoming Department Chair, Dr. Fernando Lima.

2025-2026 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. Students provide supplies and materials used for their individual projects based on assignment parameters and personal preferences.

One-time purchase estimates:

• Laptop Computer: $1,600-2,400
  • We recommend a PC 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 listed below are estimates per semester in addition to the University Cost Estimator:

• 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*

*Variable Expense

• Laptop Computer: $1,600-2,400
  • We recommend a PC 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 listed below are estimates per semester in addition to the University Cost Estimator:

• 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*

*Variable Expense