Architecture Schools

Architecture schools attract people who are both creative and logical, which is a rare combination for any profession. Most aspiring architects attend one of the 117 (as of 2011) architecture schools nationwide that are accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).in order to earn an undergraduate degree in architecture. After attending one of these schools, architects must work several years as an intern for a more experienced professional or an architectural firm. In addition, architecture program graduates must also pass the Architect Registration Exam to become fully licensed.

Many students at architecture schools want to earn the Bachelor of Architecture degree, which takes approximately five years to complete. In the undergraduate program, they study all aspects of their field, including technical drawing, the history of architecture, construction methods, math and the physical sciences. Students also learn to draw and construct three-dimensional models of their designs and how to communicate with both colleagues and clients. Because architecture is a highly collaborative endeavor, successful architects need to be able to convey their ideas in order to get commissions.

Students who apply to architecture schools after completing a bachelor's degree in another subject usually earn a master’s degree in architecture. Whether graduates have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, most states will require them to do a three-year internship before taking the licensing exam, making this a lengthy course of study. Once their training is completed, graduates from architect schools have many exciting prospects, from designing a simple addition to a home or building to creating an entire neighborhood—an entire city. Architects may also design and/or oversee the construction of skyscrapers, smaller buildings, bridges and many other structures.

Architecture Schools & Goals

Most architecture schools provide students with the foundation of art, technology, cultural, and environmental sensitivity needed to make positive architectural contributions to society.

There are approximately 70 accredited architecture schools in the United States. Choosing a good architecture school involves matching interests with the school’s offerings. This can be attained by evaluating the school’s faculty, technology, curricula, and ability to provide placement opportunities.

If a student’s ultimate goal is to become a licensed architect, he must be a graduate of an accredited architecture school. The National Architectural Accrediting Board administers the accreditation process.

Most accredited architecture schools offer degrees of varying intensity. For example, many offer an associate’s degree in architecture. This is typically a two-year program that will prepare the student for an entry-level architectural support and administrative position. Most architecture schools offer bachelor’s degrees in a number of specializations, such as urban design, landscape design, and community planning.

Some students choose to get an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as math, engineering, or art; and then attend an architecture school for a technical certificate or a master’s degree in architecture.

If a student’s career goals do not include becoming a licensed architect, there are a number of technical or art schools that offer architectural training programs. These training programs focus on disciplines such as drafting and digital design.

Confirm the architecture school has internship or co-op opportunities. These programs typically grant students college credit in exchange for working in an architectural setting. The work experience and contacts made during internships and co-ops can be invaluable at securing that first position as a full-time architect.

A valuable resource for a student to find the best-suited architecture school is ‘America’s Best Architecture and Design Schools’ guidebook. This guidebook ranks the schools according to various criteria.