Boston Architectural College

As Gustave Eiffel reimagined the iconic Paris skyline and Van Gogh put vision to the magic of a Starry Night, the spirit of inspiration so alive in 1889 also gathered in Boston as the city’s architects launched a bold experiment set to redefine the very heart of education. No entrance exams; no pedigree required. Just a passion for design, for people, and grand potential. An idea and spirit that continues to define The Boston Architectural College (BAC).

Today, the BAC offers over 20 degrees and certificates across Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Design Studies. From day one, students blend classroom learning with professional practice at leading design firms—so, by the time they graduate, they’ve already built careers.

We’ve ranked in Niche’s Top 10 architecture schools in the U.S. two years in a row—the only independent design college alongside giants such as MIT and Yale. Our global community of 800 students and more than 10,000 alumni spans 54 countries—reflecting a deep, rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences. We’re proudly an inclusive institution, welcoming many first-generation college students, working professionals, and career changers—all with the same spirit and passion for design.

Design literacy fuels everything we do. Our Continuing Education program is open to anyone ready to grow, and high schoolers worldwide explore design through our pre-college programs, among the largest and oldest in the country, 50 years and counting. Our honorary alumni include industry leaders—Tatiana Bilbao, Balkrishna Doshi, Daniel Libeskind, Benedetta Tagliabue, and Billie Tsien—and changemakers like Maya Bird-Murphy (M.Arch ’17), who transformed her thesis into a nationwide nonprofit.

This is the BAC—where inclusive excellence thrives in the heart of Boston, the hub of the universe. A place to learn by doing, where design meets purpose, where potential meets opportunity. Open to all and always driven by passion.

Who We Are

• Founded: 1889
• Location: Boston’s Back Bay
• Mission: To offer accessible, practice-integrated design education that diversifies the next generation of designers and leaders.
• Model: Education embedded in professional practice

Academic Offerings

• Undergraduate: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Design Studies
• Graduate: Architecture (online & onsite), Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Design Studies
• Continuing Education: Certificates, courses, workshops
• Pre-College: Summer Academy, Urban Design and Planning, CityLab
• Formats: Onsite, hybrid, and fully online

Practice-Based Learning

• Students work in paid professional roles while studying
• Integrated reflection, mentorship, and career coaching
• Connections with 350+ design firms and organizations

What Makes the BAC Different

• Education Embedded in Practice
  Students engage in real design work from the start. Practice is integrated into the curriculum—not added on—so students graduate with meaningful portfolios, field-tested skills, and strong industry connections.
• Flexible, Purpose-Built Programs
  BAC meets students where they are. With evening, online, and hybrid options, the College supports working professionals, career-changers, and first-generation students without compromising rigor.
• A Culture of Seriousness and Intentionality
  BAC students arrive with purpose. Many balance jobs, family, and study—creating a culture grounded in focus, resilience, and ambition.
• Faculty Who Practice What They Teach
  Courses are led by working professionals who bring current industry insight into the classroom. The result is an education that’s aligned with how the profession actually works.
• Career Integration, Not Career Services
  Career development is woven into every stage of the student journey. Advising, professional placements, and reflective practice prepare students for the realities of the field—many begin working before they even graduate.

The Boston Architectural College has a policy of open admissions for all of our onsite degree programs, supporting our mission of diversifying the design profession by providing an exceptional design education to many talented students who would not otherwise have such an opportunity. Many of our students are first-generation college students as well as members of underrepresented groups, which encourages a positive and inclusive learning environment on our campus in downtown Boston.

You may apply to the BAC’s on-campus programs at any point throughout the year as we review applications and offer admissions decisions on a rolling basis. (Please note that the College’s highly selective online programs have different admissions parameters and deadlines.)

However, if you would like to be considered for scholarships and awards for our programs, please apply by these scholarship deadlines:

• February 15 = fall semester
• October 15 = spring semester

Please contact us for more information regarding the application requirements.

• Ranked top 10 two years in a row by Niche for Best Architecture Colleges (2024, 2025)
• Honorary alumni include Daniel Libeskind, Balkrishna Doshi, Billie Tsien, Moshe Safdie, Benedetta Tagliabue