Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Take part in Canada’s first online architecture program. Athabasca University and Architecture Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) have formed a partnership to offer the program, which provides 2 routes to your education in architecture.

• The traditional route of completing pre-professional training (the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch)), followed by a Masters of Architecture (from another university), and internship.
• The RAIC Syllabus program, which is a work/study program that ensures you qualify for certification of your education upon completion.

AU’s BSc Arch has a strong focus on environmental and community sustainability. The program includes 6 areas of study:

• technical
• history
• theory
• communications
• professional practice
• design studios

Why take the Bachelor of Science in Architecture?

The BSc Arch is a pre-professional program. It will prepare you for AU’s Gradate Diploma in Architecture or a master’s program in Architecture at other institutions.

Completing the BSc Arch alone will be beneficial for careers in urban and construction planning and design, as well as studies of the built environment.

The Syllabus program is an alternative pathway to becoming a licensed architect in Canada. Together, the studio and work experience (offered by RAIC) and the academic components (offered by Athabasca University) fulfill the requirements of the RAIC Syllabus Professional Diploma in Architecture. This diploma has been accepted for certification by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates of the Syllabus, however, will still need to meet the requirements of licensing in their province which may include exams and additional work experience

The BSc Arch program, which has a strong focus on environmental and community sustainability, will also be beneficial for public and private careers in urban and construction planning and design, as well as studies of the built environment. To progress to licensing as an architect, however, graduates would need to be accepted and graduate from a Masters of Architecture program in Canada and then meet the requirements of licensing in their province which may include exams and additional work experience.

More information

• RAIC Syllabus website
• RAIC Centre for Architecture website

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

How to apply

General interest route

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

RAIC Syllabus route

If you are applying to the RAIC Syllabus program, you should apply through RAIC first. Then you should review AU’s application process for RAIC Syllabus students. There are application deadlines for the syllabus program.