Bachelor of Architecture: Degree Overview
The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) is the first professional degree in architecture and can be a step towards building a career as an architect. These programs will help prepare individuals to qualify for licensure.
Bachelor of Architecture
A Bachelor of Architecture degree program takes five years to complete. This program is one of three professional architecture programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the only architecture program-accrediting agency in the United States. Most B.Arch. programs teach students about architectural theory, history and practice. Aspiring architects will develop their drawing and design techniques. They'll also learn how to consider the community and environment surrounding their designs. The fifth year of the curriculum involves professional practice, allowing students to get hands-on experience in the field and put their skills into action.
Educational Prerequisites
Applicants interested in a Bachelor of Architecture program will need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. They may need to submit a portfolio of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional work. The portfolio can demonstrate the student's ability to work with a variety of media.
Course Topics
The first year of study requires foundational courses in architecture, and the next three years involve professional core classes. During this time, students will learn about various design and structural concepts, and they'll apply what they've learned to their final year. Common course topics may include:
- Visual communications
- Design theories
- Architecture history
- Building materials
- Construction
- Structural elements
Career Outlook and Salary Info
To become licensed as an architect, individuals must complete a professional degree program in architecture, such as the B.Arch., and pass the Architect Registration Examination. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects can expect an employment growth of 16% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). Median annual earnings for architects were $72,550 in May 2010.
Continuing Education
Some states may require architects to maintain their licensure by taking annual classes or attending regular seminars, workshops and conferences. Professionals may choose to continue their education in architecture by pursuing a Master of Architecture or Doctor of Architecture. These professional architecture degree programs are also accredited by the NAAB.
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Construction
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
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School locations:
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- Arizona (2 campuses)
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
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School locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
