by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 115 U.S. colleges awarded 4,669 degrees and certificates in General Architecture. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 81% of graduates. College Factual ranks 82 schools in its 2027 Best General Architecture Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $50,115 one year after completing, rising to $69,347 after four years.
Architects employ creativity, artistry and technical know-how to dream up and plan buildings and environments. As an architect you will be able to leave your mark on the physical environment, implementing plans to improve the health and well-being of entire communities.
You must be determined and focused in order to succeed in this major. This is a competitive field that combines both art and engineering, requiring you to not only make aesthetically pleasing structures, but also safe and functional structures. Architecture is not easy, but this could be an excellent major for someone with technical skills, artistic vision and a competitive drive.
Studying General Architecture involves the study of Architecture.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, general architecture is a popular field of study, with 4,669 degrees awarded annually. 115 colleges award general architecture degrees, an average of 41 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 209.
By level, the 4,669 awards include 1 certificates, 123 associate degrees, 3,805 bachelor’s degrees, 674 master’s degrees and 66 doctorates.
Women earned 55% of general architecture degrees and certificates in the latest year (2,580 of 4,669). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (2,027) and Hispanic or Latino (1,240), and international students earned 341.
College Factual ranks 82 schools in its 2027 Best General Architecture Schools ranking, including 73 for bachelor’s degrees and 19 for master’s degrees. It also ranks general architecture schools within 32 states. In all, 115 colleges offer general architecture programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value General Architecture Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common general architecture credential is the bachelor’s degree: 3,805 of the 4,669 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to general architecture 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 architect you must be able to do more than draw precisely and to scale. It is important to accurately focus on small details, while still having the big picture in mind. Use creativity and imagination in order to distinguish your style when designing physical structures. Students will learn how to analyze problems using critical thinking skills, as well as learn to understanding scientific theories and work through difficult math problems. Communication skills are highly important in order to communicate your vision. Architects in the field will encounter a range of tasks from designing a building to acting as a project manager.
Architects need to understand historical, modern and contemporary designs. Your skill set will not stop merely at design talent, but you will also take into account environmental and social concerns. As an architect, you will need clear engineering ability. An architect also needs to be business savvy and communicate effectively in order to be successful.
Work experience is required in order to become a licensed architect. Students need to complete the Intern Development Program (IDP) which is a minimum of three years of professional experience. This includes a variety of tasks that allow you to smoothly transition from student to professional.
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How long a general architecture degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 123 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 3,805 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 674 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 66 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to general architecture, at 34.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.8% |
| Master’s degree | 19.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 18.6% |
| First professional degree | 15.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to General Architecture, with an average median salary of $93,502; the strongest outlook belongs to Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary, at 11.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Architectural Design Professor, Architecture Instructor, Instructor and Landscape Architecture Professor.
A degree with architecture will leave students with a broad set of skills. Students will be able to work for architectural firms, though some may prefer to be self-employed so that they can have as much creative freedom as they want.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to general architecture, 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% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 362,012 | 1.0% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
General Architecture graduates earn a median $50,115 one year after completing their program, $69,347 after four years and $70,654 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $50,115 |
| 4 years | $69,347 |
| 5 years | $70,654 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to general architecture is Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, with a median salary of $116,710.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $116,710 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,757 |
General Architecture includes 4 concentrations that together award 4,669 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Architecture (4,553), Architecture (82) and Architectural Design (20). It has 8 similar majors in the Architecture/Urban Planning field, which together award 16,540 degrees a year; the largest are Architectural Sciences and Technology (10,337), 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 |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 4,553 |
| Architecture | 82 |
| Architectural Design | 20 |
| Architecture, Other | 14 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | 10,337 |
| 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.
