I want to be an architect but I’m not positive, I am a junior and I’m wondering if there are classes that I should be taking? Are there summer programs that could give me like a glimpse of architecture?
I’m sure there are other programs like this, but this Cal Poly Architecture Summer Career Workshop Is a good way to see if you like the studio environment.
This is for the summer just past, but gives you an idea of what they do and when you should look to signup in early 2017:
@NelsonU, There are quite a few summer career exploration programs in architecture. Some are geared toward high school students; some are for college students and graduates. They also vary in duration and cost. Some provide scholarships. If you look at the school of architecture webpages of universities near where you live you can get an idea of what they offer.
A summer architecture program will help you get an idea of what architecture school is like and what a career as an architect entails. It will also help you build a portfolio for admissions.
Cornell’s summer program is quite well known, but there are others all over the country.
https://www.sce.cornell.edu/sc/programs/index.php?v=178
You should be aware that there are several approaches to the study of architecture. As an undergraduate you can enter directly into a Bachelor OF Architecture program. The BArch takes 5.0 years and is very architecture intensive, so it’s important to make sure that architecture is for you before taking this route. Some BArchs consider your portfolio for admissions, some do not. With a BArch you can proceed to the process of becoming a licensed architect.
Alternately you could get a Bachelor of Art or Science IN architecture, architectural studies or, really, a BA or BS in any discipline that interests you. With a BA or BS you would need to get a Master of Architecture in order to become a licensed architect in most states, though there are exceptions. The BA/BS+MArch route takes longer (6.0 to 7.5 years) and might cost more than the BArch; however, it’s recommended if you’re not 100% sold on architecture.
There are no standard high school courses that you need to get into a BArch program. First you have to fulfill the requirements of the parent university. Then, each school of architecture will have its own requirements which may include art studio, math (ideally calculus) and physics. These requirements vary quite a bit from school to school. Some are more demanding and selective than others. If you’re aiming toward a program that requires a portfolio for admission, you’ll want to have a foundation in art, particularly drawing. It also helps to have an understanding of computer aided design.
@momrath is it worth doing the 6 to 7 years of college for architecture? Does the money come back to you?
@NelsonU, you can make a reasonably good living as an architect, but it’s definitely not a get rich quick scheme. If during your school years, you seek out meaningful internships, network with industry connections among alumni/ae and instructors; if you move aggressively toward licensure and join a firm with mentoring and advancement opportunities, you will move up the ladder and find yourself comfortably remunerated while doing a job that you care about.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to be in the position of borrowing for 7.0 years of education. If your ultimate goal is a degree in architecture then you’ll need to consider the financial implications of your education options.
Financial aid may be available for your undergraduate years whether you go for the BArch or a BS/BA. Grants and teaching fellowships are possible for graduate school, though they might not cover the total expense. You could also consider one of the several good co-op programs that allow you to alternate work and study.
There are many different ways to approach the issue of financing your education, but the real question is whether you want to work as an architect. If you do, then comparing an architect’s earning power to that of an investment banker, surgeon or IT entrepreneur just isn’t relevant.