Hello, I’m rising sophomore at Connecticut College, and I want to go to graduate school in architecture.
Connecticut College has “Architectural studies” major but does not have an architectural program with a lot of studio works. Is there any chances for me to go to top graduate schools for architecture from Connecticut College? Or, should I transfer to other university which has strong programs?
Thank you.
Why don’t you talk to someone in the architectural studies dept at your college? They would know best. Even if school is out for the summer I would contact the dept. head or a prof. you took a class with.
You may get admitted to a 3 year MArch program. That is a lot of years and a lot of money!
@re0x0er, You can get into a good Master of Architecture program with any undergraduate degree from any undergraduate college. You do have to fulfill the program’s admission requirements which usually include a portfolio, some art studio and art history courses and depending on the program some physics and/or calculus. You also need to take the GRE.
The portfolio is paramount in admissions. It doesn’t have to be architecture driven, but it has to demonstrate creativity, skill and talent. MArch programs also look for a balanced class across gender, race, ethnicity, age, undergraduate school and work experience.
The time (and consequently cost) involved in getting an MArch depends on both your undergraduate degree/courses and the structure of the MArch program. 3.0 years wouldn’t be unusual, but you may be able to find a program that could be completed in less. They are all somewhat different. Many architecture schools have information sessions (usually in the Fall) where you could gain more information on how to prepare.
Conn College’s interdisciplinary architectural studies major is comprehensive and while it focuses on art history and theory, it also includes a reasonable amount of studio time. I see no reason why it wouldn’t prepare you for an MArch. Maybe you’d prefer a more design intensive experience.
I would agree that you should talk to the department head about what their majors have done after graduation, and specifically which MArch programs they have been admitted to.
If you’re not satisfied with the school or the program, transferring is certainly an option; however, you should consider your financial options carefully. You may need an extra semester or a year to catch up with the class that you transfer into. Plus, the MArch is an expensive degree and architecture is relatively underpaid (in relation to the cost of education).
Thank you everyone for the comments! They are all very helpful. I am an international student, so I don’t really know how the U.S. graduate schools work, but I think that I should research more before I decide anything. I will definitely email my professor and ask what other people have done after graduation and about March programs.