Study Architecture - NEW

Just this past week, ASCA launched a new website - StudyArchitecture.com

From the home page.  

• Have you ever wondered how you can make an impact? Ever imagined how to create sustainable communities, how to make urban spaces more personal, or how to use design thinking to improve how people work, live and explore? It is simple. Study Architecture. As an architecture student, the built environment is your canvas, and imagination is your only limit. Explore StudyArchitecture.com to find a wealth of resources, including where to learn, what to know, and the latest news in the global architecture community.

Below are the main sections.

Where to Study - allows you to search from the accredited programs that offer degrees in architecture.

What to Know - connects you to a number of resources.

What's New - links to a periodic blog on all topics related to studying architecture.

Your Journey - provides you a road map to becoming an architect and making an impact.

Check it out!

http://www.studyarchitecture.com/

Biology to Architecture

I am a 28 year old professional with a bachelors degree in Biology. I am trying to make a career change and I applied to a M.Arch program this year and unfortunately almost all of the schools rejected me (U. Oregon, U. Washington, U. New Mexico, and Cal Poly Pomona). 

I was, however, immediately accepted into the program at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego after a very informal and un-rigorous (compared to the other schools) application process. My concern is why the NewSchool (which by the way is for-profit) would accept me when all of the other schools wouldn't; and while I'm not hung up on going to a prestigious school, I do want to make sure that if I spend the time and money it will be worth something in the end. 

So I'm wondering what you would make of the situation, if you know anything about the NewSchool or have any insight about for-profit schools, and if, like me, you are suspicious that it sounds too good to be true?

Thank you so much in advance for any help and advice you can offer.

____________

First, congrats on your decision to pursue architecture. 

To learn why NewSchool would admit you and the others would not, I can only suggest that you contact the schools directly to learn more.  Contact each school that did not admit you and ask for feedback on the quality of your application as compared to what they were seeking.  Was it academics, portfolio, statement, etc?

Contact NewSchool to learn more about your admission and their program.  Granted, they are for-profit, but their program is accredited by NAAB.  An accredited degree is necessary to seek licensure.

Unfortunately, I do not have any direct experience with NewSchool and cannot provide any feedback.

If you are not comfortable with your choice, you can stay out a year and apply again with new insight on your application.

Best.

My son has applied for undergraduate admission (major: Architecture) to a number of schools. (We currently live in the ..... area).  ANY & ALL advice or guidance would be GREATLY appreciated as to which would be the "best choice?"

___________

May I suggest that you first determine the criteria by which to select the architecture program - below is an excerpt from Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

Regardless of the degree you may pursue, how do you select an architecture program?  After learning about the many degree programs, choosing among them may seem a daunting task; over 125 institutions in the United States and Canada offer professional architecture degree programs.  However, if you analyze the criteria that are most important, you can quickly narrow your search and manage this process.

You know the degree programs, the list of architectural programs, and the typical courses offered, but what is most important to you?  Think about the criteria listed below in the following categories: You, Institution, and Architecture Program.  Take time to think about answers to the questions posed and write them down.

By going through this process, you will be better matched with your eventual college choice and more confident in your decision.  As you develop criteria on which to base your decision, certain degree programs and universities will surface as logical choices.
 
You
Consider the following attributes prior to selecting a school:
Level of confidence, Personality type, Closeness to home, Budget.
 
Institution
Attributes to consider when selecting an institution include:
Type of school, Locale, Public vs. private, Cost, Financial aid.
 
Architecture Program
Because you will spend the largest portion of your college career within the architecture program, consider the following factors as you make your decision.
Degree, Academic structure, Philosophy/approach, Reputation/tradition, Enrollment, Academic resources, Special programs, Faculty, Student body, Career programs.

Best - If you wish to connect, visit ARCHCareers.org and select Dr. Architecture

Confused!

I am a soon to be junior in high school and am so stressed out on going to college and becoming an architect.  I don't even know where to start.

 

I want to live in a dorm and my choices are Philadelphia university, Cornell, Boston University, Columbia university. I don't know which are NAAB, i dont know what courses i need to take or how i pick them, i don't what a BArch, MArch, BS Arch is.

 

I love math and the idea of doing math and designing together because i love to choose what goes best, what goes with what and i love just staring at the beauty of buildings both modern and old. I was fascinated by both Italy and New York.  I cannot draw though, i am an A student but dont have many extra curricular activities. I am sooo stressed with SAT's and college applications and picking a college.  I love interior desginig as well as exterior but i dont even know what landscaping is 

 

I don't know what an SAT subject test is or how to apply to a university or what the requirements are. I want to go to a university not a college and get a degree and then a master but I'm so confused too with all the options of 5 years and four years and two and internships.

 

I would love to do a course in italy or maybe do a masters there after i have my degree here.  I am confused what an architect really is but i know i love it.

 

I want to earn money and secure my future. I dont really have money to pay for a university and I don't want to go to a community college i know there are loans, scholarships, and financial aid but i am so confused on that to.  I dont even know who can help me or what to do.  so please help me even if it is one step at a time

__________

First, relax.  Many high school students are becoming to feel stressed about college and the next phase of their life.  The easiest way to become less stressful is to relax and becoming informed of the process.

To start with learning more about becoming an architect, review the entire website -- www.archcareers.org and obtain a copy of Becoming an Architect; both resources outline the process of becoming an architect and highlight additional resources for you.

To discover which institutions have architecture programs, visit NAAB - www.naab.org and ARCHSchools.org.  Both will provide a list of NAAB accredited programs.  To learn more about the degree programs, review the previous entries on the blog -- http://archcareers.blogspot.com/ --.

To learn more about the profession, review the following from the Bureau of Labor Statistics - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm --.

To address many of your other concerns, I would suggest you schedule an appt. with the guidance counselor in your high school or contact a local university in your region.

Feel free to contact me with more questions.

 

Dr. Architecture

Schools of Architecture in Florida

I am very interested in Architecture and i live in Miami,Florida, I wanted to know what are the best schools for architecture in Florida.

________

I can answer and all questions related to becoming an architect, but I try not to speculate on what are the best schools for you.  Below are the six institutions that have an architecture program in Florida. 

Using NAAB - www.naab.org and ARCHSchools - www.archschools.org, you can research the programs to learn more about them.  To determine which is the "best" school, you must first determine what criteria are most important. 

Criteria to consider include aspects of you, the institution, and the academic unit.  I would suggest you consider strongly those criteria on the academic unit because you will spend a large amount of time in the unit.

Best!

Florida A & M University	School of Architecture
Florida Atlantic University	School of Architecture
Florida International University	School of Architecture
University of Florida	School of Architecture
University of Miami	School of Architecture
University of South Florida	School of Architecture and Community Design

Architecture Programs

I know a student (B, average math, no design background, only art is ceramics) who wishes to enter an architecture program. He could obtain an internship with an architectural firm in India first semester and enter college in the spring. He'd like to attend a college next fall where he can transfer into a pre-professional architecture program if he cannot be admitted to one directly. He lives in Virginia, and certainly cannot get into VPI or UVa. Any suggestions?
________

I would suggest you focus on programs that offer the four year pre-professional degree. These degrees would be most flexible if he pursues the internship or is not directly admitted. You could pursue any program in the country, but programs in the near region include the following:

Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)
Cincinnati, University of (Cincinnati, OH)
Clemson University (Clemson, SC)
Hampton University (Hampton, VA) - 5 1/2 Master of Architecture, but in Virginia
Kent State University (Kent, OH)
Kentucky, University of (Lexington, KY)
Maryland, University (College Park, MD)
Memphis, University of (Memphis, TN)
Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD)
North Carolina at Charlotte, University of (Charlotte, NC)
Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

Another option would be community colleges that have articulate courses with an architecture program. For many 4+2 programs, the first year or two is mainly general education courses which would allow him to take these courses and transfer after his first year.

Dr. Architecture

Architecture Later in Life.

I have a question about pursuing architecture later in life.

I am 25 and I have an undergraduate degree in Anthropology. I've never taken any design courses in school and my math background is weak.

I have become interested in architecture since building wooden boats with my father. I found the process of drafting boat plans eminently satisfying and I have found the math less intimidating than I ever thought. So, I want to evaluate my prospects in design fields.

I was hoping you might be able to share with me some advice. I understand many NAAB schools offer three year MArchs to people with non-architectural degrees but I still lack the basic pre-reqs like physics: mechanics or calculus. Do any schools offer a one year 'make up' program or provisional acceptance? Or would I have to start at square one with a five year undergraduate degree? Am I hopelessly behind?
_________

Congrats on your interest in pursuing the career of architect. You are NOT behind!

As you note, you are well-suited to pursue the accredited Master of Architecture at any number of architecture programs given your previous degree in anthropology.

You are correct in that most graduate programs do require calculus, physics and some may require a freehand drawing. If you do not have these, you will need to complete prior to enrollment. The most effective way to fulfill these requirements is to attend an area community college.

To learn more about the entire process, visit http://archcareers.blogspot.com/; to learn about programs, visit www.naab.org and/or www.archschools.org. Finally, obtain Becoming an Architect, 2nd edition available from Amazon.

As well, I am available for consulting via phone. Do let me know and I wish you the best.

Dr. Architecture

Associates of Arts

I am a college student majoring in architecture and I wanted to know if you recommend getting an AA and if you can recommend any universities that have undergraduate.
___________

First, congrats on your choice to pursue architecture.

Next, to become an architect, you must eventually obtain a professional accredited degree in architecture - Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Doctor of Architecture. How you pursue the degree is completely up to you.

Some architecture programs do have articulated agreements with community colleges with associate's degree. It allows you to begin your studies at the community college first and transfer to an architecture program.

For a list of architecture programs, visit -- www.naab.org -- or -- www.archschools.org --

Dr. Architecture

Pursuing a Career in Architecture - Age Limit?

I am an undergraduate student who will be graduating in May 2010 with a Bachelor's of Business Administration Degree. I have always wanted to pursue a career in Architecture and am considering earning a MARCH degree. Is there an age limit on who old you must be to start a career in Architecture? I am 27 years old and would be in my early 30's by the time that I would earn my Masters in Architecture. I would like to start working in this industry sooner than later and also wanted to know if there was anything I could do to get my foot in the door with my current business experience.

Lastly, I live in Texas and have noticed that there are not a lot of schools that offer the MARCH degree. Would it be better for me to relocate in order to earn this degree and get by career started as well? Thank you for your time and assistance.

An Inquiring Student
______________

There is certainly no age limit when you must start in architecture. While there are certainly a number of individuals that pursue an architectural education from high school, there are also a number that do not pursue architecture until later in there life. Philip Johnson, one of the most well-known architects in the 20th century, became an architect at age 39 and practiced until he passed away at age 93.

With your business degree, I would suggest you focus your efforts on pursuing the Master of Architecture for those that have an undergraduate degree in another discipline. You may certainly approach architecture firms about possibly employment, but your skill set may be limiting.

You must decide on which program is best for you be it in Texas or elsewhere. Consider -- www.naab.org -- and -- www.archschools.org --.

BA Art History to MArch

I am a returning student (been out of school for five years) and want to finish my degree in Art History, which I am only 20 credits away from achieving. I attended Indiana University in Bloomington and I am returning to Indiana University/ Purdue University which offers an Architectural Technology program. I discussed my plan with an Architectural Tech. advisor and she told me that she didn't see a correlation between the two study programs. I intend to take the courses necessary for this program, however she advised me that I am unable to declare it as my minor/ concentration since it is only offered as an A.S. degree. My goal is to work in structure/ design and become an architect; my question is- When I graduate with my BA in Art History do I apply to undergraduate programs in Architecture? or am I eligible to apply to a Masters program?

I appreciate your time and help in this matter.
_____

When you complete your BA in Art History, you will be eligible to apply to a Master of Architecture (3-4 years) at one many architecture programs in the country. You would not need to apply to an undergraduate program.

Two resources to consider include the following:

www.naab.org -- list of accredited NAAB programs; search by degree or region of the country.

www.ARCHSchools.org -- list of programs with more detailed information.

As you will need to submit a portfolio, I suggest you consider taking a freehand drawing course as part of your undergraduate Art History degree. Courses in Architectural Technology will probably not be helpful in applying to graduate programs; the curriculum for the MArch will teach you what you need to become an architect.

Dr. Architecture

Resources - Architecture Programs

For those seeking to apply to architecture programs (U.S.) for fall 2010, there are many resources to research.

NAAB -- www.naab.org -- The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) website has a limited search engine to search all accredited programs in the U.S. You can search by region and degree type. It provides full contact information along with the program's term of accreditation and website address.

ARCHSchools -- www.archschools.org -- A resource of ACSA, ARCHSchools provides more descriptive information on each accredited program including both narrative and demographic information. You can search on many more criteria including specialty. ACSA also pubishes a book, Guide to Architecture Schools with the same information -- https://www.acsa-arch.org/store/guide8.aspx

ARCHCareers -- www.archcareers.org -- A resource of AIAS and AIA, ARCHCareers.org provides critical information on the process of becoming an architect. It has an entire section on Education and provides links to other resources.

Boston Career Day -- www.architects.org/programs_&_education/index.cfm?doc_id=103 -- Held each fall, the Boston Career Day will be held on Saturday, October 3 at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. It is an opportunity to visit with representatives from over 35 programs in architecture on a Saturday morning.

Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design -- he-cda.wiley.com/WileyCDA/HigherEdTitle/productCd-0471709549.html -- Published in 2006, Becoming an Architect is a highly visual career guide for those who are considering, or embarking upon, a career in architecture. It includes an entire chapter on how to select and decide upon an architecture program. The 2nd edition will be published this December.

Architecture Program Open Houses -- Many programs will host open houses for prospective students to learn more about their program, visit with current students and faculty, and tour their facilities. www.ARCHCareers.org will post a list of Graduate Open Houses by mid-September.

If you know of other resources, please share.

Dr. Architecture

Biology major wishing to pursue architecture

I will a be a third year student at Eastern Michigan University in the Fall of 2009. Currently I am majoring in Biology, but recently I have decided to pursue a career in architecture. I am totally lost as what I should so and where I should start. There is so much information and different types of architecture degrees and many ways of going about earning them that I don't even know where to begin. I was thinking about changing my major to engineering or maybe major in Computer Aid Design. What I'm basically trying to ask is what is the best route to take. Would it be okay to major in CAD with maybe an art minor and then go on to graduate school and get my MArch or is there a better way of doing this? Thank you for taking the time to read this and for all your help :)
_______

Given that you will be a third year student, I highly suggest you finish your degree in biology and pursue a Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for individuals with a degree in a discipline other than architecture. Of course, this assumes that you still have an interest in biology and can complete the degree. At minimum, you should ensure that you have calculus, physics, and a freehand drawing course to best prepare for your graduate studies.

Or you could change majors which may postpone your graduation, but I would not change to CAD. Perhaps, interior design or product design which would be helpful in the concept of DESIGN. A minor in ART would also be helpful, but not CAD.

I would begin the research of possible MArch programs; in fact, visit UMichigan to see architecture firsthand. Talk to students, meet with faculty, etc.

Visit -- www.naab.org -- and -- www.archschool.org -- for a list of accredited programs.

Dr. Architecture

I am interested in going into architecture, but I do not know where to even look to pick a good program. I have been to the NAAB site a long time ago last year, and contacted a few people and they told me of a few colleges I should look into. Unfortunately I felt a bias in their response. I have looked at an article and a good architectural design school in the United states was Cincinnati, Ohio. Any suggestions on where to look for the right college for me.
_____

If your desire is to be an architect, you will want to pursue the professional degree in architecture accredited by NAAB. To determine which program is best for you, you must determine which criteria you will use to make your decision. For me, the criteria fall into three categories -- You, Institution, and Program. Refer to following for some ideas.

http://www.archcareers.org/selectschool.html

In my opinion, you should place most of your criteria into the actual program as you spend most of your time in the architecture program, but geographic location may also be important. You decide.

Aside from the NAAB website, consider visiting -- www.archschools.org -- for a list of programs.

Dr. Architecture

Green Architecture Schools

Can you recommend any specific architecture programs for Green Architecture? Or are most schools incorporating it into their curriculum?


In one sense, most schools are developing courses in sustainability or determining ways that their degree programs can incorporate this hot topic, but the profession is quickly recognizing its importance. As a result, all programs must address it. However, if you search programs on -- http://www.archschools.org/ -- through the advanced method that allows you to select Environment/Sustainability, the result reveals 72 programs. You will need to establish a few other criteria to further narrow your search.

Schools to Research:
Arizona State University - School of Sustainability
Ball State University - College of Architecture and Planning

Resources:
Solar Decathalon
U.S. Green Building Council
Green Building Links
AIA Committee on the Environment

Dr. Architecture

English degree holder to pursue MArch

Dr. Architecture:

I have an interest in architecture however I have already graduated with a four year degree in Liberal Arts; specifically in English literature and a minor in history. I am wondering if I am able to attend a master's program in architecture instead of starting from the beginning. Thank you.

---

Absolutely! In the past 20 years, institutions have created Master of Architecture degree programs that are designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than architecture. You would be well-suited for pursuing this Master of Architecture.

Visit the following websites to determine which programs exist --

http://www.naab.org/

http://www.archschools.org/

Also, be aware that you may wish to consider taking an ART course at a area community college to help you produce work for a portfolio that most programs require when applying. In addition, many require prerequisites of calculus, physics, and freehand drawing.

Given your interest, consider obtaining Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design to learn more about the process of becoming an architect.

Dr. Architecture