<p>I have always been interested in Architecture and love playing around with design but I also feel that business would be interesting and would get me far in life. I've always felt you can apply business to so many different jobs. So now that I'm applying to colleges I'm split.
I've heard that architecture has incredibly long studio time, but i know that business is also very intense. I am considering University of Virginia because of it's great Business school and it's architecture is good too. I am also considering Virginia Tech which has one of the top architecture schools in the nation.</p>
<p>So I guess my question is: Is it worth going into a 5 year architecture program because i find designing buildings a slight passion and very interesting (but apparently very heavy work load)? I'm not a crazy good artist but I have some ability and math is my strong point. Sustainable Architecture would be very interesting to me because I love the green movement in housing. Or is it smarter to go into business where finding a job will be easier and I could get involved in an international business and travel?</p>
<p>I'm very confused and have no idea what to do!</p>
<p>Many architecture programs have a year “trial” period before you’re fully accepted into the major. So in your first year you could take some architecture related courses plus math/business and see where your interest/skills take you. </p>
<p>But yes, it’s an incredibly demanding major, in terms of time. The drop rate is usually among the highest. And once you graduate, you will continue to work 16 hour days. It’s just the way the field works. So if that worries you, architecture may not be for you. </p>
<p>BTW, lots of architecture grads, especially those from top schools, go to China to work for a while. It makes for a great adventure for fans of international travel, and a terrific opportunity to add unique and ambitious projects to your portfolio.</p>
<p>Architecture IS business and many firms offer international opportunities. You are right, however, that architecture requires an enormous commitment to time and energy. You might be better off getting a more general education for your undergraduate degree – either business or a BA/BS in something else that interests you like architectural studies.</p>
<p>During your undergraduate years you could get some work experience in a real architecture firm, build up your portfolio, focus your objectives. Choosing the BA/BS + M.Arch route takes longer and is consequently more costly, but it’s quite common among architects today.</p>
<p>You seem to be aware about the intensity of architecture already and you have two schools on your list that are both great choices for whatever you end up deciding to do. That is a good start!</p>
<p>Graduating architects (and veterans as well) have had it pretty rough in the last few years due to the downturn in the economy, but really everyone and every major has with the exception of a few. Will that change in the next 5 years when you are graduating? Who really knows? </p>
<p>The arch programs at UVA and VT are fairly different in their approach and of course will have you graduate with different degrees, a 4 yr. BS in architecture from UVA (you will most likely need 2 additional yrs to get your MArch I) and the 5 yr. B.Arch (a first professional degree) from Tech.</p>
<p>The thing about VT is with the 5 yr B.Arch you are immediately submerged into an architecture heavy curriculum from freshman year on. A TON of studio time. UVA obviously has a more liberal arts focus and is not as technical in its approach, but that works for many students who know they will move on to get their MArch anyway. It really depends on what you want as a student. They are both highly respected architecture programs. At either, I think that you really need to be committed to going into architecture and love it in order for you to be content with the time sacrifice.</p>
<p>If you have the opportunity and can schedule an appt to see the schools’ facilities, talk to an arch professor and maybe even talk to some of the students and see their work, that would be great. My son looked at both schools a few years back and seeing each in person really helped him to figure out what he wanted. After reading your initial post, and seeing your alternative interests, I am kind of thinking that UVA’s program might be more in line for you, but if you do a bit more research, it might become a bit more clear. </p>
<p>Hopefully some other parents and/or students will chime in…You may want to post over on the architecture forum as well. A lot of great advice can be found there. Best of luck to you as you go through this process!</p>