Architecture Colleges

Architecture majors learn how to design homes, buildings, hospitals, hotels, rooms, industrial parks and urban centers taking factors like safety, budgets and functionality into account. Students study design, engineering and business to prepare for a career as an architect. In this major you’ll need to be creative, artistic and a good problem solver. For most projects during your career you’ll work with other architects and professionals so you should be a team player.

Typically, Architecture majors enroll in a 5-year bachelors degree programs at a college, university or technical school. Masters degrees are popular for students who already have a bachelors degree. Certificate and associates degrees are also available through technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities.

If you’re considering the Architecture major, explore other related majors in the field including Architectural History and Criticism; Architectural Technology/Technician; Architecture (BArch, BA/BS, MArch, MA/MS, PhD); Architecture and Related Services; City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning; Environmental Design/Architecture; General Historic Preservation and Conservation; Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture (BS, BSLA, BLA, MSLA, MLA, PhD).

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Choosing an Architecture School

Whether you want to attend a technical school, community college, career college, 4-year college or university, you’ll have no problem finding a reputable Architecture program nearby. Nearly 400 schools across the country offer the major. Before you select a school, learn more about each program—some focus on the engineering side while others focus on the studio-art side of architecture. You’ll also learn a lot about a school by looking at student work and the careers of recent graduates. As the industry relies more and more on computer-aided design and drafting, the amount of computer training is important to consider.

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Architecture Degree Programs

Architecture certificate and associate career training degree programs offered at technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities will prepare you for entry level careers in field working in construction, planning, drafting or inspection. They may also provide expertise to students with previous architectural training.

College, university and technical school Architecture bachelors degree programs are the industry standard. These 5-year programs are designed to prepare students for a 3-year training period assisting architects before taking a licensing exam. Some students seek a masters degree in Architecture after earning a bachelors degree in another field. These programs take anywhere from 1 to 5 years to complete.

In any Architecture degree program, students can expect courses in computer-aided design, drafting, architectural history, building methods and materials, structural design, construction technology, site design and architectural theory.

Architecture Degree Programs:

Online Architecture Degree Programs at Online Schools

If you want to study on a flexible schedule, you’ll find a handful on online schools with Architecture online degree programs. While some students may prefer having a professor at their side to critique their work, others will have no problem completing assignments at home and submitting work over the Internet for feedback. Most online degree programs won’t prepare you for an architect career, but they can provide valuable skills for those already in the field or those wanting to work in other aspects of the industry.

Online Architecture Degree Programs:

Online Architecture Schools:

High School Preparation

Future Architecture college majors should build a foundation of art and design in high school. Take drawing and computer design courses and consider the AP Art History exam. Math, including calculus, and physics will both come in handy during your career. You should also expose yourself to local architecture and read architecture magazines to learn about different styles and industry trends.

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Popular Careers in the Field of Architecture

Architecture career opportunities are expected to grow faster than average, but scoring a job at one of the most prestigious firms will be tough. A strong portfolio of work demonstrating your creativity can get you in the door. LEED certified architects who can create green designs will have an edge in the job hunt.

On average Architecture careers are associated with salaries in the $53,000 to $92,000 range, but entry-level architects can expect to earn considerably less. With experience and talent, Architecture majors can move into top level and supervisory positions. Jobs are found with architecture firms, engineering services, building construction firms and government agencies. Many architects are self-employed. During a career, architects work with Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, Engineering Managers and Urban and Regional Planners to complete jobs.

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