Is an Architecture Degree Right for Me?

Architecture is a field in which art and science are combined to design and create buildings and structures. Architects can envision their ideas and bring them to life through their designs.

Becoming a licensed architect typically involves the completion of one or more degrees, gaining experience through internships and entry-level roles, and achieving licensure.

For high school students, first-year college students, and beyond, deciding if architecture is the right career path can be challenging. They must consider their strengths, weaknesses, what they want from a degree and career, and other factors.

Here, we will dive into the field of architecture, what it's like to study it, reasons to consider it, potential architecture careers, and more.

What Is an Architecture Degree?

An architecture degree will help students develop the skills needed to work in architecture while also educating them in the history and theory of design. To become licensed architects, students usually pursue two types of accredited degrees.

The first is a Bachelor of Architecture degree, or BArch, which is a five-year-long bachelor's degree that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, or NAAB. There are options for undergraduate degrees in architecture that take the standard four years to complete, but these degrees will not earn a graduate licensure. Students who intend to continue their studies with a graduate degree commonly enroll in these types of programs.

The second type of architecture program that leads to becoming a licensed architect is a Master of Architecture degree, or MArch. These programs typically take two years if a four-year undergraduate degree in architecture has already been completed; however, they will take about three years if an MArch student studies a different subject for their bachelor's degree.

What Does an Architecture Major Study?

In architecture school, students study the history and theory of the field and the technical skills needed to succeed. Students will be immersed in the world of design and focus on skills like planning, problem-solving, and project management.

Some classes students should expect to see when completing their undergraduate architecture coursework include:

• fundamentals of design
• architecture media and modeling
• construction technology
• history of architecture
• structures
• environmental systems

Students also study subjects like algebra, calculus, and physics. They often earn real-world experience through internship programs.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Architecture

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for architects is projected to grow faster than the national average in the next decade. In addition to the high salaries and thriving job market, there are many other, more specific reasons to consider a degree in architecture.

Detail-Oriented

Throughout the design process, from initial concepts to ensuring adherence to building codes, attention to detail is key. This makes the field particularly suited to detail-oriented people. If you have an eye for the small details and get satisfaction from ensuring everything is just so, architecture could be a potential path for you.

Involves Many Skills

Architectural design involves the use of many different skills; graduates will be adept in each of these. The varied skill set of those who study architecture includes drawing, mathematics, computer science, visualization, communication, and leadership. These skills can also transfer to many different environments and roles.

Focused on People

Architecture isn't solely about buildings; it is also about the harmony between these structures and their environment. Part of this will certainly include people, making architecture ultimately a human-centered craft. Architects dream not just of buildings but also of how humans will interact with them and the moments they will remember in them.

Combines Art and Technology

Architecture can be a great degree choice for those passionate about art and technology. Architects bring the designs they imagine to life through their artistic ability and their technical skill. They must be skilled in working with a variety of media as well as with computer systems.

All About Creation

Ultimately, architecture is about a passion for buildings and the desire to create. Do you feel the urge to create something new? Do you have the drive to complete building designs and see them come to life? If so, architecture may be the right career for you.

Job Opportunities for Architecture Degree Majors

Architecture degrees open many career path options. This education can help you begin your architect career.

Other potential careers for architecture majors include:

• structural engineer
• project manager
• urban planner
• landscape architect
• architectural historian
• professor
• interior designer
• graphic designer
• industrial designer

Architecture Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

There is a lot to keep in mind when choosing a degree. Let's consider a few questions when deciding if architecture is the right degree for you.

Am I Passionate About Design?

This is the most essential question prospective students should ask themselves. A passion for the field is necessary to put in the hard work required. A passion for design, buildings, environments, and people is central to many successful architects.

Am I a People Person?

Working in architecture requires talking with many people daily, from clients to managers to construction workers. It involves much face-to-face interaction. Architects must be able to communicate clearly to ensure they are delivering exactly what is wanted.

Do I Want To Work in an Office?

For architects, a lot of time is spent in the office. They also visit construction sites and oversee projects, but long hours are spent working on plans, meeting with clients, and other tasks in an office setting. If spending most of your day at an architectural firm's office sounds unappealing, this degree may not be for you.