<p>Hi CC friends,
I am completely torn between these two majors. Applying to colleges and selecting a college to attend will greatly impact the quality of the education that I could get in either field. Which is smarter to major in? Which has more job security? I am unsure as to which would better fulfill my career needs, perhaps they are on par with each other. As I said before I am very torn, and would appreciate any help or thoughts.<br>
Best,
M</p>
<p>As I’m sure you know, these are two very different professions. Architecture is a mix of math/science and art, whereas law is creative in a very different way, and really appeals to people who like logic and reading. Luckily for you, you do not need to have a specific major to apply to law school. If you have a real desire to find out if architecture is for you, you can major in architecture. It would be helpful to have some classes that require a lot of reading and writing to help you prepare for law school as a possibility. </p>
<p>One point regarding architecture: it is a demanding major and to get into architecture programs you are going to have show a real passion for the field and usually will need a portfolio. Architecture students have been among the most hard-working I have encountered. To be successful in an architecture program you will really need to love it.</p>
<p>Both options career-wise are similar. Both have a potential for high pay, but it is not guaranteed and salaries in both vary widely. Law will require three years of law school ($$$) in addition to your undergraduate degree; architecture programs are often 5 years and then you will need to spend several years earning your license. Both careers have taken hits lately; there are simply too many lawyers right now, and architecture was hurt by the recession and housing downturn.</p>
<p>One other option that can combine the science of architecture and the logic of law is becoming a patent lawyer. You need a technical degree to sit for the patent bar exam. There is also something called a patent agent, which allows you to submit patents to the Patent and Trademark Office without being a lawyer. Employment for patent lawyers is much better than for “regular” lawyers since the requirements are so specialized.</p>
<p>This is just some general information for you to consider; obviously, deciding what you want to do the rest of your life is a very personal decision! You can always do some research by talking to/shadowing architects and lawyers and see what really appeals to you. You might find that the day-to-day work is quite different than you expected (this is especially true for law).</p>
<p>Keep in mind that architecture is not always glamorous. You might end up working on renovations of industrial buildings. You also need to learn a lot about construction, down to the nuts and bolts, literally. I think architects have a very demanding job (I am a structural engineer and work with them closely). </p>