<p>I'm currently a Junior interested in applying to USC for either Architecture (B.Arch) or Civil Engineering with an emphasis in structures. I am heavily interested in both fields, however, I'm reluctant to double major. I came across Building Science and it looks like an excellent balance, but I'm not sure how much you get out of it compared to the B.Arch program and the regular Engineering curriculum. Does anyone who has majored in Building Science recommend it? Are there good job connections with this degree? Or is it necessary to acquire a masters to be employable?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>I only can speak from limited experience with friends who were in the Arch and the Civil Engineering programs at USC, so it might be best to keep looking for answers…</p>
<p>…but, I do know that since the B.Arch can be considered a “terminal” degree – meaning, you can obtain employment as an architect after completion of the program and that it is not 100% necessary, if not redundant, to obtain a M.Arch – that obtaining a Masters after getting a BA/BS in Civil Engineering or Building Science is probably very, very necessary. (At least, that is what my close friend who was a CE major is doing and has said is pretty much required for her to do to get a “good job” in her field of choice.)</p>
<p>As far as job connections go – that’s up to you. All three are great programs at USC, but if you don’t take advantage of the opportunities presented to you as a USC student, you’ll find your job connections to be lacking. This is true of any student at any college.</p>
<p>I would research the course requirements more and maybe take a visit to campus in the fall to talk with students in these programs/program advisors to see which program is the best fit for you. I guess you need to decide what you really want to do after college and decide which degree will be more advantageous to your goals.</p>
<p>Also ask the question on the architecture forum.</p>