I am currently a senior and will graduate next spring with a B.S. in Architecture from a public institution. I am in the midst of researching graduate programs in architecture.
Can you explain to me the difference between a Masters of Science in Architecture and a Masters of Architecture?
Also, most schools require 3 letters of reference; I have asked a history of architecture professor to be one and my boss from work to be another. Who do you think I should ask to serve as the third? Thanks!
B.S. in Architecture Senior
First, as a soon-to-be graduate of a preprofessional program, you will want to research architecture programs that offer the NAAB Master of Architecture, sometimes referred to as a professional degree.
The Master of Science is not a professional degree and would not allow you to pursue licensure; they are often referred to as post-professional degrees. If interested in a specific topic, you may wish to pursue this degree after receiving your Master of Architecture. Caution: approximately one-third of the architecture programs title their post-professional degree - Master of Architecture; this is NOT the NAAB accredited degree. Be sure to ask questions of the program if not clear.
Second, I would suggest you obtain your third letter of reference from a design faculty. While faculty who teach lecture or elective courses are fine, it is essential to have one, preferably two from design faculty. Graduate programs want to know you as a designer. I would even suggest a design faculty over a former employer.
Dr. Architecture
Monday, September 15, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
High School Summer Architecture Programs
My daughter is interested in architecture and is entering high school next year. At what age do most of the students in your summer architecture program normally enroll (e.g. between freshman an sophomore year or sophomore and junior year, etc.)?
Thanks for letting me know.
Mother of high school student
You would need to check the age requirements with the programs, but most summer architecture programs are geared towards students entering their junior or senior year in high school. Some may allow students entering their sophomore year, but it will vary from school to school. I was involved with two summer programs and our requirement was always a minimum age of 16 because of liability issues.
Below is a website that lists all of the summer programs from summer 2008; we plan to update by late January for summer 2009. You may also visit the main website -- www.archcareers.org -- for a list of career days throughout the country in the fall.
If this coming summer is too early, check with other institutions in your area -- museums, AIA Chapters, schools, etc. For example, the National Building Museum hosts a summer "camp" targeted at children in grades 3-5 and programs for children age 12-18. Also, check your area for the ACE Mentor Program -- http://www.acementor.org/ -- this program is a mentor program that starts with students in high school.
For possible other ideas in your area, contact your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects or area architecture program.
Dr. Architecture
Thanks for letting me know.
Mother of high school student
You would need to check the age requirements with the programs, but most summer architecture programs are geared towards students entering their junior or senior year in high school. Some may allow students entering their sophomore year, but it will vary from school to school. I was involved with two summer programs and our requirement was always a minimum age of 16 because of liability issues.
Below is a website that lists all of the summer programs from summer 2008; we plan to update by late January for summer 2009. You may also visit the main website -- www.archcareers.org -- for a list of career days throughout the country in the fall.
If this coming summer is too early, check with other institutions in your area -- museums, AIA Chapters, schools, etc. For example, the National Building Museum hosts a summer "camp" targeted at children in grades 3-5 and programs for children age 12-18. Also, check your area for the ACE Mentor Program -- http://www.acementor.org/ -- this program is a mentor program that starts with students in high school.
For possible other ideas in your area, contact your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects or area architecture program.
Dr. Architecture
Monday, September 8, 2008
5 Year Master of Architecture - Confusing Degree
I am trying to wade thru all the wonderful information on architectural programs to help my daughter narrow down her search.
Frankly I am a bit confused by the degree programs. I see that many schools offer a 5 year B Arch professional degree for students entering college. However a few such as Tulane offer a 5 year M Arch degree for students in the same situation.
Father of high school student.
A few years ago, NAAB, the accredited agency determined that they should not dictate the degree nomenclature, but rather leave that to the school. For this reason, many schools changed from a 5 year BArch to a 5 or 5+ year MArch. On the surface, they may be the same, but some schools now offer a degree (preprofessional) prior to the accredited degree. For example a 4 year BS in Architecture. This provides an opportunity for the student to leave after four years and also for the school not to admit the student for the graduate program.
Question
And one more question if I may: Do architecture firms regard students graduating with a B Arch 5 year degree similarly to another graduate with a 4 year undergrad degree and M Arch grad degree?
Answer
Ultimately, firms want to know what the graduate can do regardless of the degree however, the firm may have a preference based on the degree of the firm's principal. If I have a BArch, I may prefer a graduate with a BArch or vice versa.
Needless to say, it is confusing to understand it all.
Dr. Architecture
Frankly I am a bit confused by the degree programs. I see that many schools offer a 5 year B Arch professional degree for students entering college. However a few such as Tulane offer a 5 year M Arch degree for students in the same situation.
Father of high school student.
______
Question
Would Tulane's program be a more accelerated one, with a higher level of competence, than say a B Arch program at Cornell?
Answer
No -- You would need to carefully compare the two curricula and not just look at the degree title.
If you visit - www.naab.org -- you can search a list of all accredited programs by the type of degree. Many schools offer the BArch, but just as many offer the MArch.
Question
Would Tulane's program be a more accelerated one, with a higher level of competence, than say a B Arch program at Cornell?
Answer
No -- You would need to carefully compare the two curricula and not just look at the degree title.
A few years ago, NAAB, the accredited agency determined that they should not dictate the degree nomenclature, but rather leave that to the school. For this reason, many schools changed from a 5 year BArch to a 5 or 5+ year MArch. On the surface, they may be the same, but some schools now offer a degree (preprofessional) prior to the accredited degree. For example a 4 year BS in Architecture. This provides an opportunity for the student to leave after four years and also for the school not to admit the student for the graduate program.
Question
And one more question if I may: Do architecture firms regard students graduating with a B Arch 5 year degree similarly to another graduate with a 4 year undergrad degree and M Arch grad degree?
Answer
Ultimately, firms want to know what the graduate can do regardless of the degree however, the firm may have a preference based on the degree of the firm's principal. If I have a BArch, I may prefer a graduate with a BArch or vice versa.
Needless to say, it is confusing to understand it all.
Dr. Architecture
Friday, September 5, 2008
Career and College Expo - Fall 2008
Aside from actually visiting each architecture program, the most efficient way to learn about programs is to visit one of the annual events designed for prospective architecture students. Below are the names, dates, and locations; select the link for more details. For each, you will be able to visit between 25-35 programs and attend workshops as well.
As Dr. Architecture, I will be presenting on the topic of "Selecting an Architecture Program" at the Boston, MA and Washington, DC events.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Architecture.
Architecture College and Career Expo
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Campus of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
2008 BSA College and Career Fair in Architecture and Design
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
2008 Careers in Construction EXPO
November 21, 2008 - 9:00am-7:00pm
National Building Museum, Washington, DC
Forum 2008 College and Career Expo
December 30, 2008
AIAS Forum 2008 - Denver, CO
Dr. Architecture
As Dr. Architecture, I will be presenting on the topic of "Selecting an Architecture Program" at the Boston, MA and Washington, DC events.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Architecture.
Architecture College and Career Expo
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Campus of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
2008 BSA College and Career Fair in Architecture and Design
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
2008 Careers in Construction EXPO
November 21, 2008 - 9:00am-7:00pm
National Building Museum, Washington, DC
Forum 2008 College and Career Expo
December 30, 2008
AIAS Forum 2008 - Denver, CO
Dr. Architecture
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
If you are a current architecture student, have you ever visited another architecture program? Have you ever visited another architecture program in another country?I had the fortune of visiting Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile in Santiago, Chile.
The architecture program is located on its own campus (Lo Contador - left). From my two days meeting with administration, faculty, and students, I was most impressed with the program. It had tremendous resources (shop, library, and classrooms). In addition, there is a strong sense of collegiality amongst the faculty and students.
If you ever have the chance, do visit the Escuela de Architectura at Universidad Catolica. For that matter, visit a school other than your own to gain perspective.
Dr. Architecture
Friday, August 22, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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.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.
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
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Collaterals
What are the collaterals?
The following five associations (AIA, AIAS, ACSA, NAAB, and NCARB) are commonly known as the collateral organizations and represent the primary players with the profession – architects, students, educators, the accrediting agency and the state registration boards.
All are sources of information on your path to becoming an architect. Check out their websites.
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 626-7300
www.aia.org
Comprised of over 58,000 architects in almost 300 local and state chapters, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the largest association for the architectural profession; its mission is to promote and advance the profession and the living standards of people through their built environment.
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 626-7472
www.aias.org
The mission of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is to promote excellence in architectural education, training and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize architecture students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 785-2324
www.acsa-arch.org
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is the membership organization that represents the over 100 U.S. and Canadian schools offering accredited first-professional degree programs in architecture; its mission is to advance architectural education through support of member schools, their faculty and students.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006-5292
(202) 783-2007
www.naab.org
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. While graduation from a NAAB-accredited program does not assure registration, the accrediting process is intended to verify that each accredited program substantially meets those standards that, as a whole, comprise an appropriate education for an architect.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
1801 K St., Ste. 1100K
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 783-6500
www.ncarb.org
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the organization of the 55 states, territorial and district registration boards that license architects, and the preparer of the Architect Registration Examination and the certification process that facilities reciprocity of individual license between jurisdictions.
Dr. Architecture
The following five associations (AIA, AIAS, ACSA, NAAB, and NCARB) are commonly known as the collateral organizations and represent the primary players with the profession – architects, students, educators, the accrediting agency and the state registration boards.
All are sources of information on your path to becoming an architect. Check out their websites.
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 626-7300
www.aia.org
Comprised of over 58,000 architects in almost 300 local and state chapters, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the largest association for the architectural profession; its mission is to promote and advance the profession and the living standards of people through their built environment.
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 626-7472
www.aias.org
The mission of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is to promote excellence in architectural education, training and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize architecture students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 785-2324
www.acsa-arch.org
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is the membership organization that represents the over 100 U.S. and Canadian schools offering accredited first-professional degree programs in architecture; its mission is to advance architectural education through support of member schools, their faculty and students.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006-5292
(202) 783-2007
www.naab.org
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. While graduation from a NAAB-accredited program does not assure registration, the accrediting process is intended to verify that each accredited program substantially meets those standards that, as a whole, comprise an appropriate education for an architect.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
1801 K St., Ste. 1100K
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 783-6500
www.ncarb.org
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the organization of the 55 states, territorial and district registration boards that license architects, and the preparer of the Architect Registration Examination and the certification process that facilities reciprocity of individual license between jurisdictions.
Dr. Architecture
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Degree Programs - Accredited
Below are the traditional professional degrees accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE (B. ARCH.)
The bachelor of architecture is an undergraduate five-year degree selected by students coming directly from high school. It is the oldest professional degree offered at the university level in the United States.
At most schools, enrolled students begin intensive architectural studies in the first semester and continue for the duration of the program. If you are highly confident in your choice of architecture as your academic major, pursuing a B.Arch. may be the ideal choice. If, however, you think you may not ultimately choose architecture, the five-year program is not forgiving, meaning that changing majors is difficult.
Recently, a handful of institutions began offering a five-year master of architecture. How are these degrees different than the traditional bachelor of architecture? Contact each institution and ask.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) AND MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (M. ARCH.)
Sometimes known as a 4 + 2, this path to the accredited degree involves first obtaining a pre-professional architecture bachelor of science (B.S.) degree followed by the professional master of architecture (M.Arch.). Pre-professional degrees are four-year degrees that prepare candidates for pursuing a professional degree. The amount of architectural work in the program varies from school to school and determines the length of time required to complete further professional architectural studies, the M. Arch.
Another viable option for this particular route is to begin your studies at a community college. Often, the first two years of a B.S. degree are predominately general education courses that can be taken at a community college. However, it is important to be in touch with the institution at which you plan to continue studies about what courses to take and when to apply. Depending on the institution, it may be worth transferring early rather than receiving an associate’s degree from the community college.
Note that if you graduate with the pre-professional degree, you may not be eligible to become licensed in most states. Therefore, if you desire to be a licensed architect, you should continue your studies in the professional M.Arch. degree program. There are a few states in which you can pursue licensure with a pre-professional undergraduate degree, but you would not be able to obtain the NCARB Certificate necessary for reciprocal licensure.
The professional M.Arch. is a graduate-level degree that typically lasts two years and offers a comprehensive professional education. The combination of the B.S. degree with the M.Arch. offers flexibility, as you may take any number of years off to gain experience between the two degrees. Plus, you may choose to attend a different institution for your graduate studies.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES (B.A./B.S.) IN FIELDS OTHER THAN ARCHITECTURE AND MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (M. ARCH.)
A master of architecture program is available for candidates with an undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture. It offers a comprehensive professional education. Depending on the institution, this accredited M.Arch. will take between three and four years of study to complete. Some institutions require that calculus, physics, and freehand drawing be taken before admission. Depending on your particular educational background, you may need to fulfill these prerequisites.
Some of these programs have the student begin work in the summer before the first semester, while others require full-time study during a later summer semester. Be sure to explore the curricular differences among the programs you are considering.
DOCTOR OF ARCHITECTURE (D. ARCH.)
As a professional degree, the doctor of architecture (D.Arch.) is currently available only at the University of Hawaii. The program is seven years in length and is unique in that it allows the graduate to fulfill the education requirement for taking the licensing exam, whereas the post-professional doctoral degrees do not. As the D.Arch. is an accredited degree, you are encouraged to contact the University of Hawaii if you are interested in this route.
Dr. Architecture
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE (B. ARCH.)
The bachelor of architecture is an undergraduate five-year degree selected by students coming directly from high school. It is the oldest professional degree offered at the university level in the United States.
At most schools, enrolled students begin intensive architectural studies in the first semester and continue for the duration of the program. If you are highly confident in your choice of architecture as your academic major, pursuing a B.Arch. may be the ideal choice. If, however, you think you may not ultimately choose architecture, the five-year program is not forgiving, meaning that changing majors is difficult.
Recently, a handful of institutions began offering a five-year master of architecture. How are these degrees different than the traditional bachelor of architecture? Contact each institution and ask.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) AND MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (M. ARCH.)
Sometimes known as a 4 + 2, this path to the accredited degree involves first obtaining a pre-professional architecture bachelor of science (B.S.) degree followed by the professional master of architecture (M.Arch.). Pre-professional degrees are four-year degrees that prepare candidates for pursuing a professional degree. The amount of architectural work in the program varies from school to school and determines the length of time required to complete further professional architectural studies, the M. Arch.
Another viable option for this particular route is to begin your studies at a community college. Often, the first two years of a B.S. degree are predominately general education courses that can be taken at a community college. However, it is important to be in touch with the institution at which you plan to continue studies about what courses to take and when to apply. Depending on the institution, it may be worth transferring early rather than receiving an associate’s degree from the community college.
Note that if you graduate with the pre-professional degree, you may not be eligible to become licensed in most states. Therefore, if you desire to be a licensed architect, you should continue your studies in the professional M.Arch. degree program. There are a few states in which you can pursue licensure with a pre-professional undergraduate degree, but you would not be able to obtain the NCARB Certificate necessary for reciprocal licensure.
The professional M.Arch. is a graduate-level degree that typically lasts two years and offers a comprehensive professional education. The combination of the B.S. degree with the M.Arch. offers flexibility, as you may take any number of years off to gain experience between the two degrees. Plus, you may choose to attend a different institution for your graduate studies.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES (B.A./B.S.) IN FIELDS OTHER THAN ARCHITECTURE AND MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (M. ARCH.)
A master of architecture program is available for candidates with an undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture. It offers a comprehensive professional education. Depending on the institution, this accredited M.Arch. will take between three and four years of study to complete. Some institutions require that calculus, physics, and freehand drawing be taken before admission. Depending on your particular educational background, you may need to fulfill these prerequisites.
Some of these programs have the student begin work in the summer before the first semester, while others require full-time study during a later summer semester. Be sure to explore the curricular differences among the programs you are considering.
DOCTOR OF ARCHITECTURE (D. ARCH.)
As a professional degree, the doctor of architecture (D.Arch.) is currently available only at the University of Hawaii. The program is seven years in length and is unique in that it allows the graduate to fulfill the education requirement for taking the licensing exam, whereas the post-professional doctoral degrees do not. As the D.Arch. is an accredited degree, you are encouraged to contact the University of Hawaii if you are interested in this route.
Dr. Architecture
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Resources - Architecture Programs
The two best online resources for searching/researching architecture programs are the following --
www.naab.org - Maintained by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), their website links to the list of accredited programs. You can search by both geographic region and type of degree program (BArch, MArch). Once you choose a program, it provides the full contact information along with the URL of that particular school.
www.archschools.org - Launched in February 2008, this new website is maintained by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). Parallel in content to Guide to Architecture Schools, the website provides the ability to search programs on a number of criteria. The program listings also provide narrative and enrollment statistics to learn more detail about each program. Some programs also have images posted.
Of course, the very best resource online is the actual program's website, but the two cited websites above will help you search the architecture programs.
Dr. Architecture
www.naab.org - Maintained by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), their website links to the list of accredited programs. You can search by both geographic region and type of degree program (BArch, MArch). Once you choose a program, it provides the full contact information along with the URL of that particular school.
www.archschools.org - Launched in February 2008, this new website is maintained by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). Parallel in content to Guide to Architecture Schools, the website provides the ability to search programs on a number of criteria. The program listings also provide narrative and enrollment statistics to learn more detail about each program. Some programs also have images posted.
Of course, the very best resource online is the actual program's website, but the two cited websites above will help you search the architecture programs.
Dr. Architecture
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