Architectural Degree Programs by Program Level
The study of architecture exists at the crossroads of science and art. Individuals pursuing a degree in architecture study not just the engineering but also the aesthetic principles behind designing and constructing houses, building and other structures. Degree programs in architecture are available at the associate's, bachelor's and graduate degree levels.
Associate's Degree in Architecture
Associate's degree programs in architecture are designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue entry-level positions in the architectural services industry. Coursework emphasis is placed on the practical side of architecture, with classes covering building materials and codes, CAD drafting principles and environmental issues. These 2-year programs are often offered at technical or vocational schools in the Associate of Applied Science format.
Educational Prerequisites
Individuals applying to an associate's degree program in architecture typically must submit high school transcripts or their equivalent. Other requirements, such as standardized test scores, are usually not required by technical or vocational schools.
Program Coursework
The curriculum of an associate's degree program in architecture is topically focused, with few or no other elective requirements. Sample core courses are included below:
- Surveying
- Building technology
- Introductory technical drafting
- Cost analysis
- Estimating
Popular Career Options
If you want to be a professional architect, you'll need more than an associate's degree. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of job opportunities for graduates of an associate's degree program in architecture; the following are sample job titles:
- Surveying assistant
- Drafting technician
- Assistant CAD designer
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture
A bachelor's degree program in architecture is the most common path to becoming a professional architect. These 5-year programs are designed to provide the education and studio lab experience needed for apprentice architect positions. A bachelor's degree program in architecture relies on an interdisciplinary academic approach, with classes from various departments. Degree candidates enroll in numerous lab studio courses, in which students apply the technical skills learned in the classroom.
Educational Prerequisites
Individuals applying to a bachelor's degree program in architecture often submit high school transcripts, an admissions essay, standardized test scores and recommendation letters. Admission to some programs may require submission of an artist's portfolio, highlighting any design work done to date. A small number of programs feature math and engineering competency exams as admission requirements.
Program Coursework
In addition to a core architecture curriculum, degree candidates enroll in a set number of liberal arts electives. The architecture curriculum may cover the following course topics:
- Structural design
- History of architecture
- Computer-aided design
- Site selection criteria
- Construction technology
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for architects are expected to increase by 16% between 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). The median salary for architects was $70,320 as of May 2008. New York and California offered the most employment opportunities for architects, as reported by the BLS.
Master's Degree in Architecture
Master's degree programs in architecture are typically designed for individuals who want to pursue an architectural career but are in possession of an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field. Individuals study the theory and practice of building and infrastructure design, along with the aesthetic principles behind contemporary architecture. Nearly all master's degree programs in architecture feature a master's thesis or research project as a graduation requirement. The coursework of a master's degree program in architecture can usually be completed in 1-3 years, depending on the program and the emphasis of study.
Educational Prerequisites
To be admitted to a master's degree program in architecture, individuals must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other admissions requirements include standardized graduate test scores, such as GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
Program Coursework
The curriculum of a master's degree program in architecture is designed to provide comprehensive instruction in all relevant areas of architecture theory and practice. Course content may include the following:
- Design theory
- Building theory and analysis
- Resource management
- Construction synthesis
- Fundamental structures
Continuing Education Information
Graduates of a bachelor's or master's degree program in architecture need to be licensed before offering their services professionally. This licensing or registration process is administered at the state level. The licensing procedures vary between states but generally include completion of an architectural degree program from an accredited institution and a certain amount of field work completed under the supervision of a licensed architect. More information about the licensing process can be obtained from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (www.ncarb.org).
Doctoral Degree in Architecture
Doctoral degree programs in architecture are most often offered in the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) format. Doctoral degree programs in architecture are designed to prepare individuals for advanced research and teaching positions in the architectural and urban planning fields. Degree applicants select a concentration or topical focus for their studies, such as sustainability or cultural landscapes, and a curriculum is designed around this focus. Doctoral degree programs in architecture feature the completion and defense of a doctoral thesis as degree requirements.
Educational Prerequisites
Most doctoral degree programs in architecture require applicants to have a master's degree in architecture or a related field, such as urban planning. A smaller number of programs admit candidates who have a graduate degree in an unrelated field. Some schools offer supplemental architecture courses that candidates must complete before being officially admitted to the doctoral program.
Program Coursework
The curriculum of a doctoral degree program in architecture depends in large part on the academic concentration chosen by the student and his or her advisory committee. Sample core areas of study are included below:
- Building types and settings
- American regional architecture
- Architectural research methods
- Environment-behavior relationship theory
- Urban design
Popular Career Options
Doctoral degree programs in architecture are designed primarily for individuals desirous of a career in research or teaching. Job titles for graduates may include those listed below:
- Urban planning consultant
- Professor of architecture
- Sustainability researcher
Architectural Design Training Programs
The most common architectural design training programs are 5-year bachelor of architecture programs that include coursework in visual communications, building design, computer aided design (CAD), environmental systems and urban design. Architects are required to pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) after graduating and completing an internship in order to be licensed in this field.
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5 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
School locations:
- Alabama (3 campuses)
- Arkansas (1 campus)
- Arizona (3)
- California (14)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (8)
- Georgia (3)
- Iowa (2)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (5)
- Kansas (1)
- Kentucky (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (5)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (3)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (6)
- South Carolina (2)
- Tennessee (5)
- Texas (7)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (3)
- West Virginia (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Construction Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Computer Drafting and Design
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- Associate in Construction Technology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Florida (1)
- Illinois (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must hold a bachelors degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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School locations:
- Alabama (1 campus)
Online Programs
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Associate
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- Diploma - Computer Aided Design and Drafting
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate - AutoCAD Essentials
Other Recommended Schools:
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School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Rochester Institute of Technology include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
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School locations:
- Indiana (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at Indiana University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- Mechanical Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- Missouri (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Southeast Missouri State University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Industrial Engineering
- Math
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School locations:
- Alaska (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Alaska include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Civil Engineering Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Surveying
