<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>I'm interested in getting an M.Arch...and I was wondering if anyone knew of any programs/schools/community colleges where I might get some guidance in applying for an M.Arch..??</p>
<p>I did my undergrad in a completely different field and was wondering how I may go about making a portfolio, applying, taking basic arch courses, etc...</p>
<p>Thanks a million!</p>
<p>What area are you in?</p>
<p>As far as getting a jumpstart on portfolio and basics, many people in your situation do one of several summer programs (hosted by UCLA, USC, SCI-Arc, Cornell, Harvard GSD, probably tons more I don't know about...) that are like a month-long bootcamp for architecture. Another option is to find a local school that offers evening classes. Even if you can't find too many architecture specific classes, drawing and graphic design are very helpful for the portfolio. </p>
<p>In terms of finding out about the application process, I would look at the NAAB website to find the list of schools that are accredited, maybe the Design Intelligence rankings just as a jumping off point (don't take them too literally though), and just start looking at schools' websites. You'll want to look at the M.Arch I programs.</p>
<p>archW0n, Most of the big name M.Arch programs offer information sessions -- usually in the Fall -- wherein they answer questions just like yours.</p>
<p>If you peruse any of the Architecture Department websites you will also find very specific information on their admissions requirements. </p>
<p>It's not as unusual as you might think for people with BA's or BS's in unrelated fields to go on to get an M.Arch. The basic requirements are:
a portfolio (more on that), some classes in art and art history, some classes in physics and calculus (though that requirement is variable depending on the college) plus the GRE, recommendations, essays.</p>
<p>The portfolio is of utmost importance. There are books on the subject. The M.Arch programs themselves offer advice. Perhaps your undergraduate college has an architecture advisor who could help you.</p>
<p>As larationist mentioned many Architecture colleges offer summer programs along the line of "so you think you want to be an architect." These are available in day and evening programs. My son did one at Columbia which was very beneficial.</p>
<p>Oooh~ thank you for the info!!!
I did my undergrad in the sciences (psychology+biology field) so this is a whole new venture for me...
I'll definitely look into the summer programs...are there any specific programs/schools that anyone would recommend?</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>I would highly suggest the Harvard GSD Career Discovery program. There, you'll work on three projects (last summer, we did an extension to the Carpenter Center, a house shared by two people, and a multi-use bridge). Great way to become introduced to the vernacular of architecture, as well as have some drawings down for your portfolio. Also, I've actually known at least 4 scientists in their 50s-60s who decided that studying epidemiology or working in a lab (or what have you) wasn't their "thing", consequently moving on to apply for an M. Arch. So it's definitely not uncommon to see bio majors (or majors other than arch) apply for an March.</p>
<p>for someone looking at grad school I would take a hard look at Harvard GSD and at Cornell's summer programs. Some of the others tend to attract more high school kids than older people, and I think I've heard that GSD even specifically limits theirs to people with or in the process of obtaining a bachelors.</p>
<p>Also, the average age of a Career Discovery program participant is 27, which nicely correlates with the average age of March students at Harvard</p>
<p>For summer programs, I'd add Columbia to the list. Being in New York is a plus.</p>
<p>As a side note, my son attended information sessions at several top M.Arch programs. One, I can't remember which one, told him that the average age for M.Arch students is 28. So as quatsch reiterates, being older is not necessarily a detriment.</p>
<p>M.Arch programs also like some hands-on experience so you might think about trying for an entry level job or internship at an architecture firm. I don't know how long you've been out of college or what your financial situation is, but I'd suggest you go back to the career counseling service at your undergrad school and talk to them about architecture.</p>
<p>"I think I've heard that GSD even specifically limits theirs to people with or in the process of obtaining a bachelors."</p>
<p>That is not true. There were two recent high school graduates in last year's program, a guy who is now attending Brown and myself, a freshman at USC. In my studio, there were 2 high school graduates(our photos are featured in this year's brochure), 5 college students and 3 college graduates. Each of us has a very interesting background, that's why our studio is always a magnetic place which inspires people to try something bold and daring. (Usually are not common during the regular school year, at least according to studio instructors) We had folks that are sturctural engineer, mathematician, political campaign manager as well as architectural studies and art history majors. I think the diversity makes the graduate school experience outshines the undergraduate one. Not to mention the hectic schedule which is really ass-kicking. </p>
<p>I would highly recommend the CDisco to those who want to pursue architecture in graduate school. But I have to say that summer has changed me forever. I am no longer the kid who just want to finish a five-year BArch program and join the workforce. For the first time in my life, I sense the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of architecture.</p>
<p>yeah, that's why I put the "I think I've heard..." qualifier on. Now I'm wondering which school is was that I'd heard that about!</p>
<p>larationalist, are you thinking of the SciARC summer program? I think they only allow bachelors-in-process students</p>