Architectural Studies, BS

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 and scholarship essay by December 1.

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

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