by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 185 U.S. colleges awarded 10,337 degrees and certificates in Architectural Sciences & Technology. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 49% of graduates. College Factual ranks 144 schools in its 2027 Best Architectural Sciences & Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $55,741 one year after completing, rising to $74,396 after four years.
This major is fun and exciting for those with a love of technology and an interest in architecture. Students will discover the many uses of modern technology in modern architectural development and design. During your time of study you will discover how to use technology to design new buildings and update older buildings. The program can include learning how to operate technology and machines, create eco-friendly buildings, solar design, and building conservation.
Some of the courses most programs offer include graphics, mathematics, drafting, history, physics, and three dimensional modeling. Students will also take computer-assisted drafting and design, environmental systems, some engineering courses, and environmental and sustainability courses.
Concentrations in this major include fields such as Architectural Technology Technician and Architectural and Building Sciences among others. Not all colleges will have these concentrations so make sure that you check if you desire to specialize.
Studying Architectural Sciences & Technology involves the study of Architectural Sciences And Technology.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, architectural sciences & technology is a widely-pursued major, with 10,337 degrees awarded annually. 185 colleges award architectural sciences & technology degrees, an average of 56 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 240.
By level, the 10,337 awards include 126 certificates, 681 associate degrees, 4,406 bachelor’s degrees, 5,058 master’s degrees and 66 doctorates.
Women earned 51% of architectural sciences & technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (5,312 of 10,337). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (4,193) and Hispanic or Latino (2,030), and international students earned 2,182.
College Factual ranks 144 schools in its 2027 Best Architectural Sciences & Technology Schools ranking, including 33 for associate degrees, 72 for bachelor’s degrees, 90 for master’s degrees and 2 for doctorates. It also ranks architectural sciences & technology schools within 36 states. In all, 185 colleges offer architectural sciences & technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Architectural Sciences & Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common architectural sciences & technology credential is the master’s degree: 5,058 of the 10,337 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to architectural sciences & technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Writing, and for knowledge of English Language, Design and Building and Construction, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
As an architectural engineer and technology major you need to have computer and technological skills. Subjects studied in this course are ever changing and expanding to keep up with the rate of technology. Students should have the imagination and creativity for great vision while at the same time focus on details. However, this major also focuses on environmental responsibility.
Like other career paths in architecture, you will need to be persistent and determined. This filed requires long hours of creating designs and plans. As an architect you will exhaust your creative energy making and remaking many designs before constructing. People skills are helpful when working on a team to design projects. Many architects also pull double-duty as a project manager, making leadership skills essential.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an architectural sciences & technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 126 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 681 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 4,406 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,058 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 66 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to architectural sciences & technology, at 29.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 29.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 27.0% |
| Master’s degree | 17.5% |
| First professional degree | 13.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.3% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to Architectural Sciences & Technology, with an average median salary of $85,019; the strongest outlook belongs to Architectural and Civil Drafters, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include University Faculty Member, Architecture Professor, Associate Professor and Architecture Faculty Member.
A degree in Architectural Sciences and Management provides students with a broad set of skills. Students will be able to work on an architectural firm as part of a team, manage a team themselves, or be self-employed. Most careers will be centered around environmentally friendly design and retrofitting. Students will have the ability to specialize in specific areas of interest to them.
The occupation related to architectural sciences & technology with the most projected jobs is Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary, at 489,715.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 489,715 | 11.8% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 114,684 | 13.5% |
Architectural Sciences & Technology graduates earn a median $55,741 one year after completing their program, $74,396 after four years and $73,273 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,741 |
| 4 years | $74,396 |
| 5 years | $73,273 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to architectural sciences & technology is Architectural and Engineering Managers, with a median salary of $101,277.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,757 |
Architectural Sciences & Technology includes 3 concentrations that together award 10,337 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology (9,106), Architectural Technology/Technician (1,217) and Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other (14). It has 8 similar majors in the Architecture/Urban Planning field, which together award 10,872 degrees a year; the largest are Architecture (4,669), City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning (2,179) and Landscape Architecture (1,321). Browse all Architecture/Urban Planning majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology | 9,106 |
| Architectural Technology/Technician | 1,217 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other | 14 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 4,669 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning | 2,179 |
| Landscape Architecture | 1,321 |
| Interior Architecture | 933 |
| Environmental Design | 773 |
| Real Estate Development | 608 |
| Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation | 216 |
| Architecture and Related Services, Other | 173 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
