<p>I was wondering if it would be better to go into the architecture field. I want to go to University of Texas at Austin for Civil Engineering with an emphasis on structural, but reading previous forums I have been wondering if Architecture would have a better job outlook. Or Architectural Engineering?
Also, is it easier to get into architecture than civil engineering? I have a unweighted GPA of 3.3 that I plan to raise next year. Is it a good idea to minor in business with these majors?
I have one more question, I have a passion for theatre but having thought about the career outlook I decided against pursuing that. But, would it be possible to double major in B.A.? Would it be difficult to take completely different majors?
Thank you!</p>
<p>It would be very tough to double major with either architecture (especially in a B.Arch program) or civil engineering. Both have significant core requirements and are time consuming. Is it impossible? Well nothing is impossible…</p>
<p>Where did you read architects have a better job outlook? Everything I’ve read and know says otherwise. Neither is pretty at the moment though.</p>
<p>You are right I meant to write if architectural engineering had a better job outlook than just architecture. I have also read that in the architecture field it was hard to get a job. I was wondering if architectural engineering is different from architecture and which job has you out in the field more than an office?</p>
<p>I am about to graduate as an SE at University of Illinois. Here is my impression from talking to professors, professionals, and students in both arch. and structural:</p>
<p>To be a top notch architect or structural doing buildings you need to be fluent in the other field. This doesnt mean you are able to do the other’s job, but you need to understand the other half of the design process. If you are interested in designing buildings, one option would be to do an undergraduate run in an arch. program that exposes you to the design codes, then find a graduate program with a joint degree in structures and architecture. Just be aware that the job of an architect and the job of an SE are very very different.</p>
<p>I think structural engineering will give you more flexibility in your job search than an architectural degree. An SE can go into building design, bridge design/transpo, construction management positions, the energy sector, and a lot of other odds and ends. From what Ive seen there is less flexibility with arch., but to be fair I am not in an arch. program.</p>
<p>If you are looking to enter college next year, you wont be out with a competitive degree in either arch. or SE in under 5 years (more likely to be 6). No one can predict what the market will be like in that time, but it will probably be better than it is now in terms of non govt. construction. In terms of govt. construction, the US is going to need an infra overhaul in the next 25 years, and that will be a transpo/hydro/SE boom. (Im sure people are going to argue me on that point, but a lot of industry people see this as something coming).</p>
<p>Whichever you decide to do, work your ass off so you can get into a good grad school program. The school’s rep. matters a lot, I know companies that wont even look at you if you arent from a top tier school.</p>
<p>As far as double majoring, if you have enough AP/transfer credit its possible. I was 3 classes shy of a philosophy major but decided to take some grad classes in SE ahead of time and went with a minor. It will be very difficult no matter what though and I would only recommend it if you are very motivated and prepared to have weeks where you do nothing but work.</p>
<p>This is my opinion as an SE student, I would seek out the opinions of some arch. students to get the other side.</p>
<p>Architectural engineering is different than architecture. Generally, architecture is the overall design of buildings (conceptual design, space usage, aesthetics, etc), while architectural engineering is the design of building systems (structural, MEP, lighting, etc.).</p>
<p>Either major can potentially lead to jobs with significant time out in the field.</p>
<p>I know that at UT-Austin, it’s hard to get into either architectural or architectural engineering. It’s easier to get into the civil engineering department.</p>