B.Arch and BS.Arch

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>Hey, guys.</p>

<p>I've been looking into changing majors from Advertising to Architecture ever since I took an Art History class. I really like a field of study in which I can apply and put abstract thinking into good use, so I figured Architecture or Graphic Design with a double major/minor in Applied Statistics would be best for me.</p>

<p>I'm currently scheduled to see my advisor and I'm looking at the department and there are these two types of degrees. From my understanding, the B.Arch is more vocational-type and leads to the license so you can practice and design your own things? My school also has a B.Arch-M.Arch five-year program, as well. And then there's BS.Arch which appeals me more since it seems more pre-professional and flexible. I'm not dead set on becoming an architect, but I definitely know I want to do something with design, which is why I'm considering Graphic Design as a major. I do plan on going to graduate school ultimately.</p>

<p>Can anyone give me some tips and advice on pursuing one degree over another? Also, i'm in the middle of transferring process, so I'm kind of up there in the limbo right now. I applied to USC (SoCal) as a Communication and Art History major, but if I do get in and go there, I'm thinking about going for its B.S. in Architectural Studies and minor in Intermedia or Advertising. Of course, I'm not certain I will be going there for sure until we get back our decisions. How is USC's Architecture school? I'm currently at Penn State, btw. </p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>Another way to look at the 5 year BArch vs. the 4+2 is that with both of these you have five years of design studios. With a BArch you start your freshman year and get out in five years. With a 4+2 you have much more freedom your freshman year, after that you are still facing five years of studio (3+2). So for students that know they want to be architects the five year degree is more efficient, if you want to ease into it, the BS Arch might be more appealing.</p>

<p>Both USC and Pen State have very good reputations for their architecture programs.</p>

<p>I’m not sure there is any point in getting a graphic design degree. Go out and buy a copy of Photoshop and Illustrator and teach yourself. These days it is all about interactive media, branding, and social networking strategy. The days of making a living by designing big fancy annual reports is about over.</p>

<p>rick</p>