When to pursue MArch

I am wondering if I can take a few minutes of your time to gain some insight into life after undergraduate school. I am deciding whether or not to go straight into graduate school or to take a year or two off to work.
______

The decision to immediately pursue graduate studies or first go to a firm is the million dollar question. In my opinion, it is a very personal one that you will need to decide on a variety of factors - cost, do you know what you want in a graduate program, location, burnout from school, job market, etc.

When I was your age, I intended to work but I also applied to graduate programs to keep my options open. As it turned out I did have a position in a firm the summer after graduation but it was not too glorious so I headed off to my MArch. I did attend a different school for my graduate studies.

In retrospect, I do wish I had taken a few years off to gain the perspective of working for my studies but if I had done so I may not be where I am today.

Now, the market is still not the greatest and who knows where it will be come next May. My suggestion is to go through the process of applying and make your final decision next April with a variety of options. Many programs allow you to defer your admission if you are admitted allowing you to work for a year. Granted, applying does cost money -- application fees, cost of portfolio, etc., but in this way you have options to choose from in April. If you have a job lined up, you either defer or postpone studies. If you do not, you must make a decision.

Regardless of the decision, you should take the GRE, work on your portfolio, research graduate programs and start a credentials file with the Career Center for your letters of recommendation so you can apply in a few years alot easier.

Talk to professors, talk with current graduate students to gain their insight.

Dr. Architecture

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

Drafting as Preparation

I have just finished reading the ARCHcareers web site and I am very impressed with the information provided!

I am keenly interested in studying architecture. I live in Perth, Western Australia and though the system of gaining a place in college may be different to that in the States, I was wondering your opinion on one thing. I am studying a 2 year course in architectural drafting at a smaller school in order to gain placement in University afterwards. I thought the experience in the technical side of architecture would better prepare me for college. Am I wasting my time to study drafting for so long? Do you think it would be better for me to just plunge myself into an architecture course if I am certain that this is the career I want to take (which I am.)?

I do not want to waste time and money, though I am thoroughly enjoying dratfing! Any insights you may have would be greatly appreciated, no matter how brief. If anything is unclear, please feel free to e-mail me.

Thankyou for your time
______

First, I would suggest you contact the Australian Institute of Architects for additional opinions on your question via the following websites.

http://www.architecture.com.au/

http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=22

From my experience, I would not suggest you are wasting your time, but typically "drafting" is not the ideal preparation for becoming an architect. In other words, drafting is NOT the technical side of architecture. I would suggest you contact some of the schools in Australia to gain some insight from them on your next step.

Do contact me if you have any additional questions.

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

BArch to Urban Design and Architect

I am entering into the last year of my BArch and it is time to decide the direction I want to focus my career. I have a passion for urban design and planning but I would also like to design buildings and get my architecture license. What job opportunities are available for someone who wants to be involved in both urban planning and building design? Given that I want a license in architecture, what direction should I take my education in graduate school? Are there MArch programs that focus on urban design?
______

First, congratulations on your approaching graduation with the Bachelor of Architecture.

Also, I applaud your career goal of becoming an architect and passion for urban design and planning. As you begin to research firms, you will find that many firms provide both building design and urban design services. One such firm is Ayers Saing Gross -- http://www.asg-architects.com/ -- However, please be aware that there is a difference between urban planning and urban design.

While the two fields are closely related, 'urban design' differs from 'urban planning' in its focus on physical improvement of the public environment, whereas the latter tends, in practice, to focus on the management of private development through planning schemes and other statutory development controls.

Which is your passion?

As you are obtaining the professional degree, I would suggest you find employment for a few years before returning to school for a post-professional degree (M.S. in Architecture). If you search ARCHSchools.org, you will find more than 75 programs that have a speciality on urban design but a few programs that immediately come to mind are Notre Dame, University of Miami, and University of Maryland.

Keep talking with your mentors, professors and others to continue to refine your career goals and implementing them.

Lastly, if you are interested in urban planning, but in touch with the American Planning Assn.

Dr. Architecture

Transfer or pursue MArch later

I knew at an early age that architecture was the career for me. (However, things didn't go as they should have and now I'm currently going into my second year of college at a small liberal arts school.) Since I must officially decide on a major this year, I am just wondering if you have any advice on the best path to take for someone who knows for a fact that they want to become an architect but goes to a college that doesn't offer it.

Should I stay here or try to transfer? I like my school but I'm scared I'm just wasting money. The one possible plan I have would be to major in art history (because it is the only other thing that interests me, and it has some architectural history) and maybe minor in art, then study abroad next year and take some architecture classes, maybe do a summer program, amass a portfolio, then eventually apply for the M.Arch after college. This isn't out of the ordinary or looked down upon in any way, right? Is there anything else that I could be doing?

______

Your decision will depend on how quickly you wish to directly pursue architecture. As you are only a second year student, you may be able to easily transfer to an architecture program at some institutions but you should contact potential programs now for what courses are important -- possibly calculus, physics, drawing, etc.

But if you enjoy your institution, you would not be wasting your money; it is simply a different path to the same end goal - architect. Individuals pursuing an undergraduate in another discipline with the MArch is quite common and would not be looked down upon by employers. In fact, some employers prefer this route because graduates are more mature and have a different perspective.

As you suggest, you should seek experiences that will help you transition to architecture -- drawing, study abroad, etc.

To research programs visit -- www.naab.org -- and -- www.archschools.org --. Also, you may wish to obtain Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design.

Dr. Architecture

Areas to pursue with architecture degree.

Dr. Architecture,

I have a 5 year degree of Architecture from Tuskegee University. I have been practicing in the field now for a little over three years. What other areas can I take my career? (i.e - fashion, automobile design)

Thanks,
______

Your own imagination is your own limit. The following portion of the ARCHCareers.org website has a beginning list for you to consider.

Basically, think about the skills within architecture that you enjoy that could translate to another career field. Recognize that some new disciplines may require additional education or training.

Also, think about why you are wishing to explore other career fields. Is it because of the discipline of architecture or your employer. Sometimes, it is the work environment not the discipline.

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

Dr. Architecture

Dentistry to Architecture?

Dr. Architecture,

I graduated from Belmont University in May 2008 with a Bachelors of Science. I majored in Exercise Science and was planning on attending physical therapy school. However, as soon as I graduated I decided to pursue dentistry. My father and grandfather are both dentists. So for the past year, I have taken more science courses and the DAT hoping to enter a dental program in the fall of 2010. During the past year, I have questioned my desire to be a dentist but I really didn't know what else I wanted to do. I have always been intrigued by design and I have recently realized that I have love for designing homes.

In the past few months I started researching architecture. I didn't know that so much school was involved! Knowing what I know now,I wish I would have studied architecture in college. But in all honesty, I went to college to play golf and didn't start thinking about a career until my junior or senior year. I'm sorry this is way too detailed for you! But since dental school takes 4 years!! why not go to school to be an architect! That was my fear all along was that it would take forever....but I do have my whole life ahead of me and I want more than anything to do something that I will love!

So my question to you Dr. Architecture is:

Where do I start?? do I get my bachelors first? Will i have to take the full 5 years? or how many will it take since I have a BS already. I really have no clue as to what my first step would be. And can I become certified after I get my BS or after I get my masters? I'm confused.

Thanks!
_______

First, start with reviewing the archcareers.org blog which includes answers to previous questions --

http://archcareers.blogspot.com/

In addition, I encourage you to obtain Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design, a book that will address many of your questions.

Given that you have an undergraduate degree, you may pursue the professional Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for individuals that have a degree in another discipline. These degrees are targeted for individuals like you. Visit -- www.naab.org -- and -- www.archschools.org -- to research possible programs to attend for 2010.

Recognize that most programs require calculus, physics and freehand drawing. Plus, you will be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application.

Bottom line, you will need to obtain a professional accredited degree (BArch vs. MArch), fulfill IDP (www.ncarb.org/IDP), and pass the Architect Registration Exam (www.ncarb.org).

My best to you. Feel free to contact me again with more questions if desired.

BArch vs. MArch: Pros and Cons

My daughter and I are becoming more and more confused with the positives and negatives of a professional BArch vs. non-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture. She would most likely follow up with the MArch, so which one would be more beneficial? We live in the State of CT, and the only 2 schools that offer (accredited) architecture programs are Yale and Univ. of Hartford. Both only offer the MArch though. It looks like several east coast schools are getting away from offering the BArch (Roger Williams for example). Can you offer any pros and cons?

I have a few more questions...hope you don't mind. In looking at some of the non-professional degrees, I have seen (so far) Bachelor of Fine Arts, as well as Bachelor of Science. Is one better than the other when going on for the MArch?

Also, do you have a list of schools that offer the co-op program? We visited Northeastern and Drexel, and both offer the co-op. In the Northeastern paperwork, it says that the 1 year of internship can apply towards some of the required IDP requirements. How many hours of IDP are required before one can sit for the test?

Thank you for your time.
______

First, the different degrees - BArch vs. MArch.

NAAB accredits three professional degrees in architecture - Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Doctor of Architecture. With due respect, compare the BArch and MArch not the BArch and the Bachelor of Science in Architecture because it is not apples vs. apples.

An overview -- the Bachelor of Architecture is the quickest way to an accredited degree (5 years) and students typically begin taking design studio courses immediately upon entry from high school. The BArch has been around for over a century is well-suited if your daughter is very confident about becoming an architect.

The MArch approach with the previous B.S. degree typically known as a 4+2 has its advantages in flexibilty. The 4+2 allows students to attend one program for their undergraduate degree and a different program for their graduate program; as well, if students choose not to pursue a graduate program in architecture, their B.S. degree is excellent preparation for employment in the field or attending a graduate program in another discipline. Students can also take time between their undergraduate and graduate degrees if desired to work, travel, etc.

Also, the 4+2 programs typically start with general education courses allowing students to transition to architecture and truly decide if architecture is for them. It also provides a better overall education than a BArch (my opinion).

You are correct in that many programs around the country have recently switched from the BArch to the MArch.

As for programs with coop, there is not a list but many programs do require work as part of their curriculum. In addition to those you mentioned, consider

Boston Architectural College (the ultimate)
University of Detroit - Mercy
University of Cincinnati
Rice University
Ball State University

There are others, but I do not know have them all memorized. To research programs visit -- www.naab.org -- and www.archschools.org -- As well, I encourage you to attend the Boston Career Day for Architecture scheduled for Saturday, October 3 held at Wentworth Institute of Technology (next to Northeastern). You can visit with about 35 programs in one morning. http://www.architects.org/programs_&_education/index.cfm?doc_id=103 --

To learn the details of IDP, visit NCARB -- www.ncarb.org/idp -- For the most part, IDP requires about three years of experience with specific requirements.

Finally, I strongly encourage you to obtain Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design, a book that outlines the full process of becoming an architect. The first edition is available now and the second edition is coming out in December.

Dr. Architecture

Career Change -- Too Old?

Hello Dr. Architecture,

I have always like architecture and seriously considered it as a career back in high school but ultimately went to college for Mechanical Engineering. Now I am looking for a change in my career and I am once again looking at architecture. My research shows that I should be able to get a Masters of Architecture degree in 3 to 4 years. Which would have me graduating and looking for an internship at age 42 or 43. Realistically how would my age compared to the twenty somethings graduating at the same time be viewed negatively by perspective employers? Am I too late in life in to be considering such a change?
_______

While it is true that most graduating students with a degree in architecture are of traditional age, there are a number of graduates that are older. Rather than seeing your age as a negative, think of your previous experience as a positive for prospective employers. Remember, you would have a degree in mech. engineering and architecture. Would not such a combination be an advantage for an employer.

Philip Johnson, one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, became an architect at age 39 and practiced architecture until his death in his nineties. Frank Gehry is currently practicing architecture and turned 80 this year. You have plenty of good years to practice architecture.

The question is your commitment for the field and situation in life. Can you commit to the education of an architect?

You are not too old! Start the process of researching programs through -- www.naab.org or www.archschools.org --.

Dr. Architecture