<p>I've been looking at schools for as long as I can remember - the only problem with that is, because I've been so focused on specific schools, my list is rather limited. Nevertheless, the schools I've been considering are (in order of preference):
-Carnegie Mellon University
-Lehigh University
-University of Pennsylvania
-Princeton University
-New Jersey Institute of Technology (in-state)
-Drexel University</p>
<p>I know that architecture schools are limited as it is, but I do have some criteria for my selected schools:
-Architecture program (it doesn't matter if it's B.Arch or BA/BS because I plan on going to graduate school [hopefully UCB?])
-Small class sizes
-Ample studio space with up-to-date technology
-Academic rigor, whether it is standard in the college or in an honors program)
-At least an ounce of a social life - I understand the difficulty of balancing a substantial social life with an architecture major, but I'd like to have access to campus events, community events, and a diverse population
-I'd like to avoid schools that are specifically geared towards fine arts and design. I'm fairly certain that I want to pursue architecture, but it would be cool to have options within the school just in case.
-I'd like to stay within the general Northeast (I know CMU is pushing it, but it's been a dream of mine since 7th grade)
-This is not a requirement, but I'm interested in possible double majors in architecture and engineering/science. I know CMU has the BXA program and Lehigh has the Arts+Engineering program, but I don't know if there are anymore. </p>
<p>I've done a few campus tours, so here's what I loved about the schools I've visited:
CARNEGIE MELLON - I immediately fell in love with Pittsburgh. It's a relatively quaint mid-sized city, but it's still teeming with events and beautiful architecture. The diversity of the buildings on campus was also a great aspect. From what I heard about the program, it's pretty much top knotch. There's much more that I'm not really remembering, but I loved the campus most of the ones I've visited. I'm also going to the Pre-College Architecture program this summer.
LEHIGH - The campus was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. The food was great as well. The architecture building had a lot of history, though I did not get to see the studio space. It's far enough from home so that I can be independent, but it's close enough that I can visit family on weekends. Overall, the best I can say is that it felt right.
NJIT - One of my favorite things about NJIT was the dorms. It had the best ones I'd seen yet. The architecture facilities exceeded my expectations. </p>
<p>If you're still reading this, do you have any recommendations for schools that conform to at least a few of my criteria? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>At this point it’s good to explore either the B.Arch or BA/BS, but that’s something that you should think more about as you firm up your list. The B.Arch is a lot more architecture intensive and doesn’t allow much room for experimentation in other disciplines. Double majoring is very difficult. </p>
<p>You should also consider your finances very carefully. M.Archs are expensive so if you choose the BA/BS+M.Arch route you want to conserve your funds.</p>
<p>For the B.Arch I’d look at Cornell and Syracuse. For the BS/BA your choices are fairly wide. Look at Northeastern. If you’re open to stretching beyond the north east consider Virginia.</p>
<p>@momrath Thanks for the response! Carnegie Mellon offers the B.Arch, but I’m considering applying to the BXA program so that I could double-major in that and physics through the MCS. Although Lehigh only offers a BA, I could double-major in civil engineering. I figured that, if for whatever reason I’m not financially capable of attending grad school right out of college, I’d at least have a cushion with the degree in a program that has more job security and is equally interesting to me. Do you think programs like these are practical? Furthermore, is my thinking proper or am I way over my head? </p>
<p>This is sorta unwarranted I guess, but do you think Virginia’s students are generally more conservative than those in northeastern schools? </p>
<p>I’ll start looking into your suggestions, thank you! </p>
<p>Due to course requirements, it will be hard to double major in architecture and engineering. NAAB-accredited architecture programs already need five years to fit in all of the requirements, and ABET-accredited engineering programs will typically take up two years’ worth of schedule space with engineering courses, another year with math and science, and most of the fourth year with humanities and social studies breadth. If the architecture program is not NAAB-accredited, then a double major is more likely to be possible, but then you would have to do a master’s degree to get an NAAB-accredited degree.</p>
<p>@ucbalumnus Thank you, especially for the insight on the engineering aspect. I guess what I’m getting at is that I can overlook the NAAB accreditation for a program that would allow me to obtain two degrees, like Lehigh’s. It’d be nice to have that cushion as well as greater diversity in my future career. Do you know if Lehigh and CMU are the only schools of its kind to offer such a program? </p>
<p>I know that the Ivies aren’t accredited, but they do have graduate-level M.Arch degrees offered. Do they have any accelerated programs (e.g 4+2 programs)?</p>
<p>It looks like some NAAB-accredited MArch programs offer two or three of these options:</p>
<ul>
<li>Three years of study after completing any bachelor’s degree.</li>
<li>Two years of study after completing a bachelor’s degree in architecture (not NAAB-accredited).</li>
<li>One year of study after completing a BArch (NAAB-accredited).</li>
</ul>
<p>So you may want to check whether and how the non-NAAB-accredited bachelor’s degree in architecture programs of interest qualify for the two year MArch plans at those schools which offer them.</p>
<p>Cornell is the only Ivy that offers the B.Arch. As far as I know most M.Arch programs (Ivy or otherwise) offer some sort of acceleration – or advanced placement – for students coming in with a BA/BS in architectural studies, but you have to read the fine print.</p>
<p>As ucbalumnus notes there are many combinations undergraduate and graduate degrees that get you to the end result; however, there’s a considerable variation from program to program in the time involved and courses required. The important point is that M.Arch programs admit students from different educational backgrounds, and that getting an undergraduate degree at a university is not a guarantee of admissions into their M.Arch program.</p>
<p>What you need to get into a top M.Arch program is a strong portfolio, some art studio and art history, some physics and calculus. Again, requirements vary.</p>
<p>I think the most important question that you need to answer is are you sure you want to be an architect. If yes, then the B.Arch is the most practical approach. If not sure, then get your undergraduate degree in whatever interests you the most and put off the decision until you’re ready for graduate school. I’d say the same thing about engineering. Not a commitment that you want to take lightly.</p>
<p>I like interdisciplinary programs because of their breadth of study, but I don’t know that they prepare you any more or less for career success.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say that UVA is any more or less conservative than some of the other schools on your list, comparable Penn or Princeton. The BS architecture is highly respected.</p>
<p>@momrath I am sure. I’ve been taking architecture classes for almost three years now and I’m certain it’s what I want to do. But the sort of dichotomy between archItecture and engineering/the sciences has just grown really appealing. Ideally, I see myself obtaining a B.Arch or BS/BA in Architecture as well as a BS in Physics or Civil Engineering. Afterwards, I’ll go for my M.Arch. Thus, I’d have a professional architecture degree and a professional engineering/science degree. Would this help me land better jobs/internships, or would it be less time-consuming and beneficial to just go for an accredited professional undergrad arch degree and then go for the M.Arch? It honestly seems extremely enticing and wise to go for the extra STEM degree, but I do agree with what you’re saying about the significance of a B.Arch. </p>
<p>Cornell definitely seems like an interesting prospect, especially since my sister frequents the area since her fiancé went to Ithaca. And their architecture program is insanely good. </p>
<p>UVA is absolutely GORGEOUS. How’s financial aid for OOS? </p>
<p>I’d like to stress that I am a parent not an architect. My observations are based on my son’s experience. He has a BA in art studio/art history and an M.Arch and is now working his way through the architecture licensing process.</p>
<p>I’m not that knowledgeable about engineering. I would direct you to this thread on the Architecture Careers board of this site in which the idea of combining both fields is discussed.</p>
<p>UTexas has a 6 year joint architecture/engineering program. You will find others like this. if you do some Googling.
<a href=“Academics”>Academics;
<p>My son was clear that he wanted to practice architecture from an early age, but still chose to get a liberal arts undergraduate degree before getting his M.Arch. He worked for an architectural firm for a few years in the middle. He doesn’t regret this path as he feels the wider education, work experience and added maturity will make him a better architect, but, for sure he has accumulated some serious debt.</p>
<p>If you need substantial financial aid, you should widen your list (even if it means widening your geographic reach). If you decide not to go for the B.Arch you will need to think about how you will fund your M.Arch. Grants are available, but they are unpredictable and seldom cover all costs.</p>
<p>No matter what your area of study, undergraduate financial aid depends on how much NEED based aid your family may be eligible for. Ask your parents to use a few net price calculators at some of the schools you’re looking at. If that works, you can build a fairly wide list. If you don’t think you’ll get enough need based aid, then you need to look for MERIT aid, which means a whole different list of schools.</p>
<p>I don’t know how UVA, UT and other state universities calculate aid for out of staters, but you should get a general idea of where you place on need based aid before you go any further.</p>
<p>You should also look at schools that offer co-op programs like Northeastern and Cincinnati.</p>
<p>@momrath interesting… I can definitely see how having an undergrad liberal arts education can make one a better architect. You’re also right in pointing out the financial impracticalities. Thank you so much for all of your help, I really do appreciate this!! </p>