<p>I'm currently in the process of applying to undergraduate architecture programs, including both 5-year and 4-year ones, and am hoping to go on to get a MArch in the future as well. In this case, would it make sense to go into a 5-year program? I've heard that if I'm planning on getting a MArch, I'd be wasting my time working towards a BArch. Is this true?</p>
<p>I can't tell you how many graduates I have had with a four year degree who wanted to work a couple of years before going back to graduate school, and then life happened. You fall in love and get married, or find a great job and don't want to (or can't afford to)take two years off. Now you are stuck because you can't get registered and will quickly hit a glass ceiling. The four year option was a lot more attractive when you could still get registered without a professional degree. </p>
<p>With a five year degree you have a lot more options, including going back for a 3 semester post-professional masters degree. All else being equal, a five year degree gives you a lot more options later on. I would do the four year program only if I still wanted to explore, and I was not certain that the architectural profession is where I wanted to end up.</p>
<p>rick</p>
<p>Most people with B.Arch's don't bother to go on to get an M. Arch. It's a professional degree and there's no need. If you want a broader education get a BA and then an M. Arch, but you are probably looking at 7 years that way. What might make more sense is get the B.Arch, work a few years and then look at programs like Columbia's Master of Science Degree in Advanced Architectural Design a three-term post professional program.</p>
<p>Excellent insight Rick. What you said was pretty much reflected in the current students I spoke with at 5yr programs last year when my son was on the college search tour. They all wanted fast track to license, some indicated grad school for sure, most said it would depend...
The only arch school grad from our home town has a BS in arch from Berkeley and has been at the same firm in LA for five years now. I hear a wedding is planned in the spring with a child on the way so the MArch for him ain't gonna happen soon....</p>
<p>This is a thread that my s should read. He, too, went back and forth regarding what he wanted to do about schools that offered the 4 yr BA or 5 yr BLA. Thing was, he felt certain that this career was what he really wanted to pursue, so it didn't make sense to him to not take advantage of going that 5 yr intensive route. So far he is extremely happy with his decision. (thank goodness!)</p>
<p>His dad and I think he will eventually want to go back to grad school- like you said, if he doesn't fall in love first! :) He is a kid who really loves education and school. mathmom, that program at Columbia would rock his world- NYC is one of his favorite places! rick12 you are such a great resource as well. Do you know of other 3 semester programs like that around the country that would be of interest to him? Also, is there the option for kids that do the arch grad school route to gain a stipend for being a TA like in other disciplines? </p>
<p>While mine has a while to go, it is interesting to learn more about what people like you all with experience think about the paths students can take to continue to learn and grow. Thanks for taking time to share your advice and opinions.</p>
<p>The three semester Masters is a good option. I think that most of the major grad schools have one (Yale, Columbia, Harvard), but they may not all be three semesters. They like you to have at least a couple of years of experience, which I would recommend to anyone before they head back to grad school. You don't really need a Masters to practice, but it is important if you have any teaching plans. When I went back for my Masters I thought I would be teaching, but the challenge of practice has kept me away.</p>
<p>rick</p>