However, that would mean needing to do an MArch afterward at additional cost (time and money), although some MArch programs may have a shorter version for those with architecture-related bachelor’s degrees.
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Architecture education in the United States varies widely from college to college and there are many paths to a career in architecture.
In most American states, either a Bachelor OF architecture or a Master of architecture is required to start the process to become a licensed architect. The BArch generally takes 5 years. If it turns out that the golf scholarship will only cover 4 years, then the BArch may not be a viable option for your son. In that case, the combination of a 4 year bachelor of science or bachelor of art IN architecture (or something else) plus an MArch may be the best plan.
It’s true that the BArch is the fastest route to becoming a licensed architect. However, many, many architects choose, for various reasons, first to get a BS or BA IN architecture, architectural studies, art (or something else altogether), then go on to graduate school for their MArch.
Many will work for a few years between degrees. It’s also not uncommon for architecture firms to employ architectural designers who are not licensed. And in some states, it’s possible to become licensed without a BArch or MArch (though it takes longer). Furthermore, if your son intends to practice architecture in a country other than the U.S. then the rules may be different.
Architecture is a broad field, employing many people from different educational backgrounds. Same for MArch programs: Schools of Architecture strive to admit a diverse class in education, age, life and work experience. Funding is available, though loans may be part of the equation; not ideal, but a reality for many architects.
I think at this point the best approach is to make a short list of potential colleges that may offer golf scholarships, then look at what options those colleges offer in architecture or other majors that might lead to a graduate degree in architecture.
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I am truly surprised and grateful for your quick responses and input. Actually our agency told us from the first day that they have enough athletes in the USA with engineering (tennis, soccer, golf…) but none with architecture.
The fact of posting this topic in the forum has only confirmed what was proposed to us. It is also the most affordable option.
The reason there may be none with architecture is that it’s largely incompatible with a competitive athlete. Architect majors make engineers look like they are slacking off. It’s a very project-based major and traveling for a weekend or multi day tournament would likely not work.
I understand that you have hired a consultant, but I’m wondering why he’s not already talking to coaches? As mentioned above, schools are starting to fill out their rosters. That is a question I would post to the consultant, as well as everyone’s list of concerns about compatibility of architecture and competitive golf. Also talk to your son and try to figure out whether he would rather study architecture or play competitive golf, because it may come down to that decision.
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Very talented international players often come with money from their country. This is why many D2 golf teams rosters are filled with international players. This arrangement allows coaches more flexibility with their scholarships. There are many ways to look at college golf teams. I suggest look at number of players on roster and prominence of college football and basketball team if it’s a D1 school. Those sports can fund nice facilities. I have a junior in high school being pursued by 18 colleges for golf right now. He wants a laid back coach, a good tournament schedule and a great practice course. He also wants a great indoor practice facility with the latest technology if it’s a Northern school
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Thanks, I understand how recruiting works.
This seems to not be the case for OP, whose budget is $20K per year (and no mention of other funding). They are also targeting top tier golf programs, not D2/D3/NAIA.
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In that case his son needs to be averaging in the high 60s on courses rated +2 or better at 7,000 plus yards. He should have multiple wins and Top 5s in Spanish National Tournaments. Also, be prepared to practice 35 hours a week. That’s tough to do while passing a demanding major, even with significant tutoring. Lastly, golf doesn’t get much of a break on entrance stats unless your Tiger Woods. It’s not football.
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I think I have explained myself wrong.
At no time have I talked about Arizona State or Division I.
I know many spanish guys with a 2-3 handicap in Division II and NAIA with 60% scholarship.
And of course, there are plenty of girls golfers with full ride golf scholarships. They don’t even pay for the mobile phone.
That’s not meant to be harsh. It’s just reality. I sponsor a player on the Challenge Tour in Europe. He was a D3 National Champion. He has been a mentor for my high school junior. My son has caddied for him in several pro events during the summer. That level of golf is rarified air. We have multiple friends who have competed on the PGA Tour as well as in The Masters, the US Open and The Open. As an example, we know a Top 20 World Ranking player who was the only 4 time All American at a perennial Top 10 D1 Program. His scholarship was 30%.
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I agree with the necessary golf stats for recruitment at top programs, and many have weighed in here about the potential difficulties of combining an arch major with a top D1 program. Sounds like OP isn’t looking for top academic, so no need to pass pre-reads and such. They should plan on investing 35 hours per week year round for golf, not just in the offseason.
OP has given us scant info on academics (beyond looking for ‘medium high’) and golf stats (looking ‘high golf’ level).
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It would be more than 35 hours in the off-season. Summer is when you work on your game — not during the season. Swing changes, etc. during the season often lead to slipping out of the Top 5.
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I was talking about the off-season during the school year.
This list indicates which schools have accredited architecture programs in the U.S. By each program, it will indicate if the school offers the B. Arch (5-year program) or an M. Arch. Most schools with an M. Arch will offer some type of B.S. in architectural studies or some such.
Of the schools offering a B. Arch, varsity golf, and that seem to have the most tech-y focused campuses (which might mean more understanding/flexible coaches), I’d look at these:
- Auburn
- Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo
- Iowa State
- Virginia Tech
As an alternative, Louisiana Tech and U. of Louisiana-Lafayette are both accredited for the M. Arch and offer varsity men’s golf. I believe their M. Arch might be about 18-months long for students coming straight through their Bachelor’s programs and they are among the more affordable programs. Both tend to have very generous standards for providing merit aid, even to “average” students.
Another possibility is to look at the international schools that are NAAB-accredited. I don’t know what their funding structure is like, but the American University of Dubai and American University of Sharjae (both in the United Arab Emirates) as well as the Lebanese American University are all accredited. I don’t know if they offer golf, but it might be worth investigating since that area of the world seems to have a strong interest in increasing its presence on the world’s sports stage.
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Iowa State is a nice balance of cost, not terribly stringent admission requirements, very good academics, solid golf and excellent indoor training facility (which is important if you are up north).
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Although my son attended college in Lebanon, he got out in 2019 before the country started collapsing. I wouldn’t recommend going to school there now. One friend, a professor in Beirut, was determined to remain on the country but finally threw in the towel and moved to Dubai.
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i’ve been thinking about this from several view points. Have a kid in grad school getting a 2-yr Masters of Arch; after a 4 year undergrad program in architecture.
i think its great your kid is obviously talented at golf! i can only imagine the time put into that. And if he wants to go forward with golf, go for it! Well done! But, i’d really hesitate on studying architecture in college while golfing. The time demand is incredible. It’s not hard-core learning/thinking, but very time-consuming studio work. You cant make it up on your own on the road; a tutor doesnt help. It’s like a little pod where your kid lives, listens to music, eats his food, talks to others, and basically hunkers down for the semester.
I have an engineering kid; and on the FB page from that school someone mentioned their kid wanted to take 21 hrs of engineering. Overwhelming repsonse was DONT DO IT! Its not that the kid isnt smart, its just the lack of time the kid would have to study each subject. That major requires intense concentration (although not as time demanding in a studio). i’ll liken architecture to driving across the USA - compared to engineering flying. You get to the same place, but one takes 3 days; the other 6 hours.
my thoughts are that if architecture is really the end goal, there’s another route a kid can take. That is to study a different, less time-grabbing major for four years that would include some art history, physics, calc, drawing, design, . . . and then go for the Masters of Architecture degree. That will be either 2 or 3 years… … and very intense timewise. But it could give a kid a chance to figure out the golfing route first during the first four years. The masters most likely would not be paid for though.
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I think that is very good advice.
I hear that SCAD (Atlanta) has a good School of the Arts and golf roster. It could be a good start for a later master in architecture.
I am referring to Savannah
SCAD’s school of architecture is well respected. Their undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Fine Art which could lead to a Master of Architecture at SCAD or another school of architecture. Because it’s primarily an art+design school the BFA focus may lean more toward art/design than math/science, which may be a plus or minus depending on your son’s interests.
Interestingly, the Savannah men’s golf team lists two architecture students. 
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