<p>I intend to be an architect but I also would like business experience so I might dual major in business as well as architecture and maybe get an MBA so that I get the business aspect too, as I wish to own my own architecture firm. Is this a wise decision? Thanks.</p>
<p>RDJ I was actually inclining towards double majoring in architecture and in business, I think its a fanstastic combo. You should be aware nonetheless that it will take a bunch of your precious time because architecture is a tough course (time wise) as you have to work in the studio for many daily hours.
What I am going to do is start the semester with only architecture in my mind and then maybe take a couple of classes in business and then if I think I can handle all of the course load I might turn it into a double major, but if it becomes too much I can always make it into a business minor.</p>
<p>I think if you want to get maximum benefit from an MBA, you need to have some amount of real world experience. Get your architecture degree, get some office experience, and then you can go back for an MBA with a better understanding of the management issues facing an architectural practice (and a better understanding of where you want to fit in). You might even get your firm to help pay for the MBA.</p>
<p>rick</p>
<p>As an architect with an MBA, I strongly agree with rick12’s advice. I did architecture first, did my internship and got my license, and then went back nights for my MBA, while working full time. The real world experience helped me to focus and hone my course choices in the MBA program to those that would be truly useful in the profession. And my employer helped pay my tuition.</p>
<p>And after the time-intensive rigor of an architecture program, the MBA was actually a snap, even while working full time. I can’t imagine trying to double-major when one of the majors is architecture.</p>
<p>archmom - how has the MBA post-license worked out for you? I am working on my license right now and thinking of doing the part-time MBA path after I finish my exams this year. </p>
<p>Have you stayed in the field or left for a position in a more traditional business environment? If you have stayed in Architecture, have you gotten a good ROI with the MBA (salary wise)?</p>
<p>Most will say that the MBA/Arch combo is useless but I feel with today’s economic climate it can and will be a great asset, and depending on the type of firm you are at it could be the only way for significant advancement beyond the intern level (ex. at big corporate firms where you get pigeon-holed as a Cad monkey…)</p>