The Department of Architecture (the first department of METU) offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Architecture. The undergraduate program is based on a four-year study leading to the Bachelor's degree with emphasis on architectural design studios. The graduate program, leading to the master's degree is offered in the following areas: Master of Architecture in Design, Master of Science in Building Science, Master of Arts in History of Architecture and Master of Science in Restoration and Preservation of Historical Monuments. Graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. degree are offered in Architectural Design, Building Science, Restoration and History of Architecture.

Two undergraduate minor programs are offered; Minor Program in Conservation for undergraduate students of city-planning, and Minor Program in Architectural Culture for students from all departments of METU.

Research Interests and Facilities

Architectural theory, history and criticism and philosophy, theory and methods of architectural education and practice, theory and history of urban space, restoration and preservation of historic work and environments, monographic studies on settlements in Turkey, environmental issues in architecture, building and construction systems, project and construction management, computational technologies and IT in architecture are the major areas of graduate research.

In addition to the studios where undergraduate and graduate design courses take place, there are wood and metal workshops, printing workshop, and photography laboratory. The Photogrammetry Center, the Building Materials Laboratory, The Computer Laboratory, the Slide Archive and Documentation Center, and the Housing Research Center (KAM) support the academic and research activities in the Department.

The Graduate Program in Restoration combines theoretical education with practical work in its two laboratories in the Faculty of Architecture. Both facilities are directly involved in the education program besides undertaking research projects from governmental bodies and individuals. The Photogrammetry Center (laboratory) which was established in 1967 contributes to teaching methods of measured surveys with the aid of instruments. The Building Materials Laboratory was also established in 1967 and aims at teaching methods of analysis in order to determine the properties as well as the problems of deterioration likely to develop in the fabric of historic buildings. The laboratory is related to course work as well as guiding the students in their thesis projects.

The Department of Architecture Information Center (ARCHIC) was established in 1996, to fulfill the information flow to and from the Department, the Faculty, the students, the alumni, practicing architects and architectural offices, architectural materials producers, the construction industry in Turkey, and other institutions of architectural education.