Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Architectural Studies
With an annual tuition of $33,500, Merrimack’s new architectural studies major launching Fall 2026 is an interdisciplinary degree that blends art and design.
A degree built for students who want to make a lasting impact—
through thoughtful, collaborative design, purpose-driven leadership and environmental responsibility.
MC Webinar Series: BS in Architecture and
BA in Architectural Studies
Learn about the differences between these degree options and which one is right for you!
Architectural Studies Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-op/
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Launching
Fall 2026
Cost
$33.5K
Tuition & Aid
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Architectural Studies Major
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Fall Open House
Sunday, December 7, 2025
from 10:30 am
to 3:30 pm
Learn more about our academic schools and programs, take an in-depth campus tour and meet members of our community! Open House attendees are eligible for on-the-spot admission decisions and an automatic $1,000 visit grant.
The Architectural Studies Major
Interested in the art and science behind how spaces are designed and used? Merrimack’s architectural studies major allows students to pursue a flexible liberal arts degree with an architectural focus, preparing them for careers in digital design, architectural drafting, visual communication and beyond.
What You'll Study
Learn both hand and digital drawing and modeling. Explore real world challenges through community-engaged design and learn to design and draw according to your imagination by developing your artistic abilities and communication skills.
Architectural studies students may choose to apply to graduate programs in architecture and design, but will need to complete additional coursework prior to entry.
Studio Foundations
Architectural and Urban History
Senior Portfolio
Ecological Design
Visual Communication
Hybrid 3D Fabrication
Skills You'll Learn
Urban planning and historic preservation is just the start to a career in architecture – this degree prepares you for a multide of professional pathways post-grad.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Design Thinking
Writing and Oral Presentation
Visual Communication
Architectural Research
2D & 3D Visualization
Architectural Studies Courses You'll Take
Design for
Tomorrow
DES 1230
Site Planning & Seasonal Use
ARC 2020
Architecture and the Human Condition
ART 2245
See All Courses & Options Available to Architectural Studies Majors
Architectural Studies Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Choose between a B.A. in Architectural Studies vs. a B.S. in Architecture.
B.A. in Architectural Studies | B.S. in Architecture |
|---|---|
Degree Overview A studio-based liberal arts program with an architectural focus, offering flexibility for careers in digital design, spatial planning, visual communication and beyond. | A rigorous, pre-professional program that leads directly to a master’s degree and prepares you for licensure in architecture. |
Courses You May Take:
| Courses You May Take:
|
Career Path Careers in architecture-related industries such as architectural drafting and rendering, studio design, spatial planning and visual communication. | Career Path Prepare for roles in architectural design, digital design and fabrication, urban research and development, and public policy and community engagement—or continue directly on the path of accelerated graduate study at Merrimack. |
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies?
The architectural studies major is an interdisciplinary program that explores the history, theory and practice of architecture within its cultural, environmental and technological contexts.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES
Architectural studies curriculum features project-based design courses where students work on spatial problems, model-making and conceptual development.
INTERDISCIPLINARY FOCUS
You'll take classes in creative arts and design, architecture and visual storytelling that connect you to an array of design careers.
BOSTON-AREA PARTNERSHIPS
Merrimack's proximity to Boston and diverse network allow students access to a world-class architectural hub for co-ops, internships, design-build initiatives and industry collaboration.
Career Outlook: Where Can an Architectural Studies Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
93% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2024 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with an Architectural Studies Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in architecture and related disciplines. Think careers in architecture-related industries such as architectural drafting and rendering, studio design, spatial planning and visual communication. Positions may include:
- Architectural Designer
- Landscape Designer
- Set/Exhibition Designer
- Architectural Photographer
- Architectural Journalist
- Architectural Researcher
- Architectural Renderer
- Building Materials Representative
Where Merrimack [PROGRAM NAME Graduates Work & Intern
Boston Children's Hospital
Postdoctoral Researcher
Brookhaven Hospice
Social Worker
Harvard Business Publishing
Client Services Specialist
Fulbright Scholar Program
Fellowship, Nepal
Northeast Arc - Andover
Internship - Disabilities
St. Ann's Home - Methuen
Internship - Disabilities
Windrush Farm - Boxford
Internship - Equine Therapy
Crest Collab. - Andover
Internship - Inclusive Ed.
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Humanities Faculty & Staff
Our faculty members are dedicated to student success. They bring their real-world experience into the classroom and offer personalized academic support.
Programs Related to the Architectural Studies Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
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