by our College Data Analytics TeamArchitecture is a huge field with many different concentrations and specialties. You can take the traditional path and become an architect working in a firm, or you can specialize and become an architectural engineer or an architectural teacher. There are many different careers that you can choose in this field.
Courses will vary depending on what you decide to specialize in, however there will many general classes that you will take in the architectural field. Some general courses may include three dimensional modeling, engineering, physics, drafting, mathematics, and working drawings.
Architecture (Other) was the 326th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 202 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 15.3% reduction in architecture degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 233.
Our 2023 Best Architecture (Other) Schools ranking analyzes 8 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for architecture (other) students. Explore this or one of our many other custom architecture rankings further below.
As someone who wants to become an architect, you should be creative and determined. You need persistence when working with measurements and drawings, and patience with your teammates, your clients, or even your students. Architecture can be very tedious work, but it is very rewarding when it is finally accomplished.
Strong math skills are needed along with a clear understanding of physics and engineering. Students will need to conceptualize space and be alert to even the tiniest error. An architect should be ready to put in long hours. Though not an easy field, architects learn to appreciate the small break through moments. It is important to be self-confident in this field and to be able to take criticism in order to grow and develop as a professional.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific architecture careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Architecture degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in architecture (other) to something that takes less time like a . How long it takes to complete some common architecture degree levels is shown below.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
There are many different career paths that can be chosen. Less traditional paths can include careers like teaching and architectural engineering. These careers allow for the incorporation of architecture to be taken in a more personal direction. Explore the options available to you and be sure to choose a school that has the program you desire.
An advanced degree may be necessary depending on your chosen career. It is important to know what you want to specialize in because some degrees are only available at a handful of U.S. colleges. This is a very rigorous and competitive field of study, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Depending on what you specialize in, employment opportunities can be high, such as in the field of Architectural Engineering. In other fields competition for jobs may be fierce. Salary will depend on your field, and whether you are self employed or work for an architectural firm.
Architecture (Other) graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $42,351 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $32,135 to as high as $49,733. As you might expect, salaries for architecture graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
One of 8 majors within the Architecture & Related Services area of study, Architecture (Other) has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences & Technology | 6,781 |
| General Architecture | 4,982 |
| Urban & Regional Planning | 2,419 |
| Landscape Architecture | 905 |
| Environmental Design | 741 |
Image Credit: By Lorenzo Cafaro under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
