<p>so, i'm a senior and all of a sudden i've had thoughts in my mind of becoming an architect. except, like i mentioned, i am a senior and i have never done anything remotely to do with architecture. i'd always thought i would want to become a lawyer or something to do with finance.</p>
<p>so my question is: is it possible to become an architect while majoring in, say, economics and then going on to grad school for architecture? </p>
<p>thanks for any help!</p>
<p>please anyone?</p>
<p>I'm not an architect (although my father-in-law and a couple of close friends are), so take this for what it's worth. Architecture is an extremely demanding major. Most programs that qualify you for a license are 5-year programs, or you can get an undergraduate architecture degree and then go for the masters. You can major in just about anything and still go to law school, so you'd be better off starting out in architecture and switching majors later if you don't like it. Be forewarned - a lot of architecture programs require that you apply directly to the school of architecture. I know that's true with U Oregon and Cal Poly SLO, I don't know about UC Berkeley.</p>
<p>Also note that only 117 colleges/universities nationwide have accredited programs in architecture. Check out the NAAB website for more info.</p>
<p>wannago,
Read some of the posts in the Architecture forum. To answer your question, yes, you can do a non-arch related BA and go on for an accredited MArch, but it will take you about a year longer than doing what's called a 4 + 2 (BA or BS in Arch and 2 year MArch). Since you are already a senior and likely don't have a portfolio (most 5 yr BArch programs require one for entry into the program), your best route is likely to apply to a school with a BA or BS in arch studies. Usually, you will apply take some studio classes during your first two years, get together a portfolio and apply to the school of arch as a sophomore. </p>
<p>Like MM says, it's a very demanding major and career, you need to get some studio classes under your belt ASAP and determine if it's something you really love or not.</p>