Here is a list of commonly asked questions from parents of prospective students. For any other additional questions, please contact us here or at cua-architecture@cua.edu.

  • What is the internship process like for current students?

    The School of Architecture holds its own annual career fair in the Spring semester. Around 50 firms, many DC metro area-based, attend it. Students share their portfolios and start networking conversations with the firm for internship opportunities and jobs. The students also receive frequent notices from the school's career advisors about internship offerings, particularly in the D.C. metro area. The nature of the studio reviews also allows the students to network with practitioners that come to the school as guest jurors to see their work. Many of the internship opportunities come after attending these reviews and seeing the specific work produced by the students and their way of presenting their projects.

  • What are job placement prospects for graduates of the Architecture School?

    Even before finishing school, over half of our graduates have already secured a job position. The graduates who have not are successfully placed in jobs within the following three months. With help from the school's career advisors, faculty advice and portfolio workshops, students receive assistance in preparing for interviews.

  • Can you tell me about the faculty and their experience?

    Most of our faculty members are also practitioners, bringing their experience in the field to our school. For example, Prof. James McCrery is the founding principal of McCrery Architects, PLLC, a firm committed to the design of churches, civic and university buildings. Prof. Jason Montgomery is the Principal of Truong Montgomery Architect PLLC, located in New York City, an architectural practice with a wide range of expertise ranging from residential to institutional, architectural to urban planning. Other faculty have prolific ongoing research on a varied range of expertise. Prof. Julio Bermudez is conducting research on neuroscience which studies the effect of architecture in the brain. Prof. Patricia Andrasik's main focus is on sustainability and NetZero design. Prof. Tonya Ohstadt studies and builds construction systems in collaboration with the Smithsonian, like one of the trusses of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the reconstruction of the “Weatherbreak” – the first large-span geodesic dome to be erected in North America. The lessons and expertise of these professors provide students with the view of the wide scope and influence of architecture in people's lives.

  • How much does it cost to attend the School of Architecture & Planning?

    University Costs: The cost of attending the Catholic University of America (CUA) varies widely depending on lifestyle and individual choice. However, we want to give you a snapshot of a typical architecture student's costs!

    According to the Office of Student Financial Assistance, undergraduate students living on campus can expect to pay roughly $83,882* per year, while graduate students living on campus can expect to pay $79,290* per year. This is without scholarships, financial aid, or assistance.

    Additional Architecture Costs: 

    There are a few estimated additional costs for students in the Architecture program:

    • Laptop: $1,000 - $3,000 (one time purchase)
    • Software: It is recommended to have this software installed in the personal laptop, although all the school computers have it available for the student’s use
      • AutoDesk - Free Student Version
      • Rhinoceros - $200 (one time purchase)
      • SketchUp - Free Basic Version / $55 Studio Version (one time purchase)
      • AdobeCloud - $20 /month ($240 / year)
    • Analog supplies: $200 (one time purchase)
    • Portable Drawing Board with Straightedge (24” x 36” or larger): $150 (one time purchase)
    • Storage Trunk for Equpment, with lock (Suggested size: 15” wide X 30" long X 12" high): $40 (one time purchase)
    • Printing: Each student has a budget that should cover the whole semester. Additional printing will be charged to the student’s account ($3.50 to $6.50 per large format boards, $0.10 to $0.39 per 8,5x11” sheets)
    • Models’ materials: Costs vary from instructor to instructor. It could be around $100 per semester ($200 per year)
    • 3D printing: The use of the 3D printers is free; the students only have to provide the PLA filaments for their model. The cost of this material can vary between $90 and $200 per model.
    • MetroCard for occasional travels: $30/semester

    * Tuition, living, and other costs are subject to change year to year and only represent an estimate of cost without scholarships or financial aid.

    Learn More about our school's technology resources.

  • Is the School of Architecture accredited?

    Yes! Catholic University's professional program in architecture is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. The school received the maximum term of accreditation during its last review in April 2015.

    Learn More about the NAAB and our accreditation.