Architects design buildings and environments that are useful, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. This implies an understanding of people's needs, the science and technology of building and the concepts of aesthetics.

The faculty in The Design School offer a BSD in architectural studies. In addition to developing knowledge and skills in architectural design, building technology, landscape architecture and professional practice, students are encouraged to select electives from a broad range of approved courses within the institute and across the university. These electives may be selected to devise a minor, to further professional study or to enrich the student's academic experience in some other fashion.

All students who are admitted to the major must pass a degree milestone to continue in the major at the end of the first year. For more information on the milestone process, students should refer to https://design.asu.edu/resources/students/milestones.

This is an 8-semester program requiring sequential completion of studio coursework (or approved equivalent) at any point of entry.