Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences @ UWindsor

Program Overview & Highlights

  • Honours 4-Year Program
  • B.F.A.
  • B.Sc.

Plant your feet in two cities in this incredibly unique joint program with the University of Detroit Mercy. Receive a Visual Arts B.F.A. degree from UWindsor, and a B.Sc. in architecture from UDM in this combined program. Courses are taught by architects in this close-knit, niche program. You’ll have lots of hands-on learning opportunities through internships and projects for non-profit groups. Then there’s the option to get your master’s from UDM in just one additional year!

cross-border experience prepares you for a career in architecture and design in Canada and the United-States
1:23 faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention from your world-class professors
a unique blend of architecture and visual arts education

Learn More About Our Program

1800
hours of studio time every year
100%
of our graduates are employed within 2 years1
1 (OUGS Creative Arts, 2020)
>60%
of time is spent in studios

What Lancers Are Saying

Amanda Gatto - Alumni
VABE has been the best university experience I could ask for. The VABE program offers opportunities to learn in so many different ways, from tactile and experience based learning to theory and calculus, and allows for students to work one-on-one with professors to develop their skills. Being able to use my passion for art as well as my love of math and problem solving to design for the future is something that could only happen in the VABE program.

Amanda Gatto

Alumni
Visual Arts and the Built Environment

Admission Requirements

High School Student from Canada

Course Requirements: Physics/SPH4U, Advanced Functions/MHF4U. English/ENG4U (min. avg. 60% [70% for Fall 2026])
Recommended: Calculus & Vectors/MCV4U
Note: The VABE program is open to Canadian citizens legally permitted to commute to the United States
Minimum Average: 75%
Mean Average: 82%

High School Student from Outside Canada and the United States (International)

You must be a Canadian citizen to take part in this program.

Language Requirements

To review the most up-to-date information on Language Requirements: See language requirements.

Academic Calendars

The University of Windsor Academic Calendar is your source for official information about academic programs and regulations of the University of Windsor.

Career Tracks

  • Architect
  • building/interior designer
  • urban planning and revitalization co-ordinator
  • project and facilities manager
  • building restoration specialist

Contact A Recruiter

Do you have questions about this or one of our many other programs? Send us a message and we’ll answer any questions you have!

Connect With Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Plan Your Program

June 8, 9 & 10  5PM | 8PM

The University of Windsor’s Student Recruitment & Academic Advising Teams are collaboratively hosting online sessions to help first-year, first-term students plan their program for Fall 2026.

If you have questions about what courses you should take, how you register for your courses, or anything else UWindsor related, be sure to join us!

Register Now