Architecture Degrees

Overview

If you are creative, innovative, and love construction, then you should consider architecture degree programs. You can go in for a two-year associate degree or study in four-year colleges. After completing bachelor's degree, you can also pursue a master's degree program in architecture. Some colleges also offer five-year degree programs in architecture.

The curriculum of architecture degrees includes computer designing, architectural history, building science, calculus, physics, and computer aided drafting. Other courses in architectural programs are designing and building, lightweight structures, community design, sustainable design, historic preservation, and behavioral aspects in design.

Benefits

There are plenty of job opportunities for skilled architects. You can choose to work in a company specializing in architecture and construction or choose to start your own firm. The average earning of trained architects is about $65,000 per annum. Once you complete the course in architecture, you can choose from many careers including interior designing, landscape designing, building contractor, industrial engineering, or mechanical engineering. Your job titles could be draft person, architectural journalist, surveyor, art director, urban planner, technical illustrator, set designer, or cartographer, based on the job profile you take up.

Costs

Tuition costs depend on the school you choose to study at and the program that you select. Fees for master's degree program may range from $2,000 to $11,000, based on the number of credits or units. The fee for in-state students is less than out of state students' fees.

Schools

Clemson School of Architecture, University of Arizona, Cornell University, Kansas State University, College of Design, and Pratt Institute are some of the well known schools that offer bachelors and master's degree programs in architecture. National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) offers certification courses in architecture that you can pursue.

Testing & Preparation

Students who want to study architecture should have a strong knowledge of physical sciences and mathematics. They should be proficient in oral and written communication. Some schools may ask you to submit your portfolio for admission. Above all you should be creative and have a flair for drawing. Admission to undergraduate courses is based on Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and/or American College Test (ACT) scores. Students are admitted to postgraduate programs based on their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Students are also required to have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.7 for studying architecture.

Financial Aid

Clemson School of Architecture and Arizona University offer financial assistance to students studying in their colleges. The American Institute of Architecture and the College of Design offer scholarships to deserving students pursuing architecture. American Institute of Architecture Studies offers scholarships to financially challenged, meritorious students.