<p>Hi all, I'm a freshman in Civil Engineering although I originally wanted to be in Architecture, but I'm already off track by a year and would not want to fall behind and also because I am not positive at the moment if I would rather be an Architect. So I was wondering how common and feasible it is for someone like me in Engineering to get a masters degree in Architecture after obtaining a bachelors degree in something other than Architecture?</p>
<p>In my case, I feel like Civil Engineering is closely related to Architecture enough that it would serve as a practical background to go in with. But would I be able to go straight into a 3-year Masters program or would I have to take pre-requisiste classes before I even start it? I now its different for every school, but give me a general idea please.</p>
<p>Also would the case be the same if I were in say Mechanical Engineering or does Civil have some overlap that would make a masters in Architecture easier?</p>
<p>Classico, Students come into Masters of Architecture programs from all kinds of academic backgrounds and disciplines, and undergraduate engineering degrees are not uncommon. </p>
<p>The key element of the application is the portfolio, so if you’re seriously thinking of pursuing an M.Arch you will need to start building collection of art work that could be included. These do not need to be examples of architectural design but they do need to show creativity and a comfort level with various media, especially drawing. </p>
<p>In addition to some art studio training, other common prerequisites are – and this varies from school to school – some physics and calculus (which you’ve probably covered) and some study of art history, especially architecture.</p>
<p>Many M.Arch program hold information sessions (usually in the Fall). I’m sure they could give you more specific answers to your questions. You could also attend an architecture exploration program over the summer. This is a good way to build a portfolio.</p>
<p>Or, if your college has an architecture department, wander over and have a chat.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if I would be missing any prerequisites or anything like that that would make it more time before I could enter a master program in Arch or classes I would have to take in addition that would make the masters take more time.</p>
<p>I know you probably don’t have specific answers to these questions, but I wanted to see if there were some general “Yes, you need to make up one year of studio.” or “No, a masters is a masters.” responses</p>
<p>No real prereqs for M.Arch program, though most M.Arch programs overtly focus on the “design” rather than the “technical” aspects of architectural practice. Understanding structural engineering calculations will be helpful for architectural licensing exam, but M.Arch programs are more likely to look at your sketching and drawing skills than your engineering undergrad degree. If you’re serious about your plan, be sure to take enough life-drawing classes to develop a strong portfolio to counter your undergrad technical background.</p>