During the first year(s), students will complete a series of prerequisite courses exploring architecture, design, and urban planning concepts while building the necessary skills to be successful in future classes. Students complete lecture, studio, and workshop courses while building relationships among their future cohorts and college faculty. Upon completion of the prerequisite courses, students apply for placement into either the BA or BS programs. Applications for placement into both programs are open once per year, in the spring semester, with decisions being released by the end of May. Students may apply to both programs as long as all necessary prerequisites are complete.

Transfer students to the School of Architecture are eligible to apply for placement into the M1 (sophomore) or M2 (junior) BA or BS cohorts based on their prior completed coursework. Students from Salt Lake Community College who have completed the AS in Architecture are automatically eligible for application into the BS M2 cohort. Students transferring from SLCC who have not completed the AS, or students transferring from other institutions, should contact Sam Dalton, Architecture Academic Advisor, to discuss a transfer evaluation. Students should reach out regarding transfer no less than 1 month before the application deadline for assistance.