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Building Performance
Bachelor of Science in Building Performance (BP)
Our mission is to educate the next generation of Architects skilled in high performance building design. Using iterative, data informed methodologies, program graduates apply their in-depth understanding of the California Building & Energy Codes for the creation of decarbonized, net-zero architecture, including projects pursuing LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge certifications.
In recognition of the advanced curriculum and practicum completed by program graduates, the College of the Canyons Bachelor of Science in Building Performance degree has earned the Zero Energy Design Designation granted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The 4-year Bachelor of Science in Building Performance degree satisfies the state license educational requirement of the California Architects Board. Please refer to this Licensure Overview for more information. College of the Canyons strives to provide students with an effective and affordable path to architectural licensure in California.
BP graduates are also well positioned to enter an M.Arch program at local universities such as Cal Poly Pomona, Woodbury, and USC.
How To Apply Sign up for an Info Session
Why Building Performance?
The wide range of crises being experienced due to the effects of climate change are well understood scientifically; yet the impacts of these crises on the built environment still remain largely unaddressed for communities in which we reside. Creating high performance buildings is important because more thoughtful planning, design, and construction of the built environment can help meet the objectives and performance targets necessary for achieving resiliency and developing sustainable architecture. Building Performance focuses on improving the measurable ways architecture can be resource efficient (energy, water, waste) in addition to improving environmental quality for building occupants.
Preparing for professional practice and licensure
College of the Canyons' Architecture program, with its established expertise in sustainable design education through studio and hands-on lab courses, provides an ideal community for students seeking an opportunity to develop professional skills for a career in Architecture. The BP degree offered at COC provides highly specialized, technical coursework that blends applied science and professional skills development for direct application in the field of high-performance building design. Additionally, the BP program includes strong instructional support for students in their pursuit of architectural licensure, including free access to preeminent resources that help prepare candidates for passing the California architectural license exams (ARE/CSE).
What will I learn and what courses do I need to complete?
The Building Performance major available through the COC Architecture program provides graduates with a multidisciplinary understanding of sustainable building design and construction.
Please refer to this 4-Year Roadmap for a sample pathway through the entire 120-unit Bachelor of Science in Building Performance degree program. Students can begin taking lower division courses (ARCHT 1xx, ARCHT 2xx) immediately at College of the Canyons and prior to being admitted into the upper division BSBP program in their 3rd year of study (ARCHT 3xx, ARCHT 4xx).
Students who earn the Bachelor of Science in Building Performance degree will:
- Examine the effects of environmental factors and resource consumption on the performance of building projects using a variety of analytical and simulation methodologies.
- Evaluate the suitability of resilient/sustainable building strategies relative to code compliance documentation and regulatory approvals for projects.
- Analyze the use and effectiveness of passive and active environmental control systems and resource conservation strategies for building projects.
- Utilize advanced Building Energy Modeling (BEM) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques to facilitate Integrative Process methodologies for residential and nonresidential building projects to achieve code compliance, improved building performance, and sustainable rating system certification.
- Apply vocational skills and competencies during required Project Based Learning internship to demonstrate technician employment readiness for the A/E/C industry.
Application, Dates, Cost
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Applications Accepted Year Round
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Priority Application Deadline
March 31, 2026
Applications will be accepted after the Priority Deadline up to the start of the Fall semester, should any remaining seats be available. -
If Accepted, You Will Start
August 24, 2026 -
Estimated Graduation
June 2028
- Estimated Cost
For students who have already completed an Associate's degree related to Architecture, the remaining tuition for coursework required to earn the BP degree, not accounting Financial Aid assistance: $6,500.
The entire 4-years of tuition for coursework required to earn the BP degree, not accounting Financial Aid assistance such as Canyons Promise: $9,500.
- Application Fee None
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
Available through the College of the Canyons Financial Aid Office.
Please carefully review:
- the BP Admissions Checklist and the BP Student Handbook to ensure you have completed all of the required courses and preparation necessary prior to beginning an online BP Admissions Application.
- Learn more about the BP program - Sign up for an Info Session.
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Contact Us!
Building.Performance@Canyons.edu
A program representative will get back to you as soon as possible