We all know that architects design buildings and the physical environment. However, contemporary architectural practice often does much more. Architects are concerned with preserving and adapting older buildings; supporting and shaping social interactions that take place among people in buildings, neighborhoods, and cities; using and inventing building technology; and creating a physical world that is rich in diversity, addressing sustainable and urban design issues, and expressive meaning.

To prepare students for this type of work, the Architecture undergraduate curriculum at the College of Design balances specialized architectural studies with a broad general education that includes mathematics, natural science, verbal communications, social sciences and humanities.

The four-year, pre-professional Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture qualifies students to pursue careers in architectural offices, building construction, development and public agencies. To become a licensed architect in North Carolina and other states, the BEDA graduate will have to complete an additional fifth year of study in a Bachelor of Architecture program or a two-year Master of Architecture program. Both of these accredited professional degree programs are offered at NC State University. The final requirements for licensure are a period of professional training and passing the Architectural Registration Examination.

The School of Architecture has separate admissions procedures for the programs of Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture, and Master of Architecture.