Architecture Degree or Masters in Architecture?

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>I have a few questions about architecture, if anyone could kindly help me it would be appreciated! </p>

<p>1) What can I do with an Architecture Degree?
2) Can I pursue an Architecture Degree, but also minor in Business?
3) Difference between Bachelors and Masters in Architecture and Science in Architecture?
4) Is UC Berkely and UCLA good choices for a degree in architecture and a minor in business?</p>

2

<p>To be a LICENSED architect, you need to graduate from a NAAB accredited program. This is either a Bachelor of Architecture (5-yr program) or a Master of Architecture (after getting a BS or BA degree in architecture or something else). The list of accredited programs can be found on the NAAB website. It looks like the 2 schools you mention have the MArch (accredited) degree, not the BArch. To become licensed, you also need to complete an internship period and pass all of the licensing exams.
A 4-year BS or BA in architecture, architectural studies, etc. alone will not allow you to become licensed–you need to complete the MArch afterwards. The Bachelor of Architecture degree is very intense and focused–not a good choice unless you are certain that you want to be an architect. If you have any doubts, you may want to consider going for a 4-year degree followed by a MArch–it will give you some flexibility to explore other majors and take those business courses. The BArch program will probably not leave room for the business minor unless you take summer courses or extra semesters.
Also, you can work at an architecture firm without getting licensed, but your opportunities may be limited. </p>

3

<p>In response to your questions

  1. The obvious answer is “practice architecture.” If this isn’t your intention then we’d need to know more about your long term goals in order to chart a course to achieve them. I’m not an architect, but my observation is that successful architects have followed many different educational paths. It’s confusing because there are so many ways to achieve the same end.</p>

<p>Architecture is a business, of course, and business education is helpful, but there are different aspects to the business side of architecture. For example, you could get an MBA, a law degree or a real estate development degree either in addition to or instead of an architecture degree. Urban planning is also closely related.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>As @cagb1016 explained you will need either a BArch or an MArch in order to become a licensed architect. The BArch is an intensely focused program, and while you’d be able to take a few electives in business or whatever interests you it’s unlikely that it would be enough to qualify for a minor.</p></li>
<li><p>No real difference in content between a BArch and an MArch, though the MArch is an advanced degree and many architects have both. The biggest difference is in time and therefore cost. The BArch is generally 5.0 years and the M.Arch 2.0 to 3.5 years on top fo a 4.0 year BA or BS. You need to consider funding carefully, when choosing.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>As mentioned, if you’re not ready to commit to an undergraduate BArch, you could get a BA or BS in architecture or architectural studies, which would allow you to minor or even double major in business. If on graduation, you’re sure you want architecture, then you could get an MArch.</p>

<p>I’d also suggest attending a summer Architecture Career Discovery Program which would give you an overview of what the profession entails.</p>

<ol>
<li>Both UCLA and UCB have excellent MArch programs. For the BArch in CA look at USC and CalPoly.</li>
</ol>

4

<p>momrath,
as a father of college Architecture freshman, I would like to thanks your efforts to explain to the students and parents of studying in Architecture, fortunately ,my son attend his first choice school Cornell AAP.</p>

5

<p>@Seafur, Great news! Your son will have a wonderful experience at Cornell – both in the architecture school and the college in general.</p>