<p>so i was recently accepted into Penn State's architecture program for this upcoming year. im still weary on were i want to go, since im still waiting on the other colleges i applied to that offer architecture. i wanted to know, if the arch program at penn state is good or not and if its true that only a limited amount of students are accepted. my letter said only 60, would that be true?</p>
<p>im from southern cal, so i've never been out of state or visited before.
the other arch programs i applied to were at
Tulane
Notre Dame
Washington university in st Louis Missouri
university of san diego
Berkeley university
cal poly san luis obispo
cal poly pomona
any suggestions as to were i should go?</p>
<p>Wash U, Notre Dame, Berkeley, and Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) would be my suggestions.</p>
<p>Penn State was in the top ten in Design Intelligence rankings a few years ago. I don’t think they are in the top ten any more, but still a good program. When my daughter applied in 2004 she was told that they accepted about 125 out of about 1000 applications hoping to get a class of 90. She started in 2005 with a class of 90, but only about 45 made it through to graduation. She said there were only about 70 or so starting in the major the year after her, so 60 is probably about right. I think most of the BArch programs are very selective and only take a limited number of students. Some of the schools you mentioned offer the BArch, some a BS, BA or MArch. I think Tulane has a 5-year MArch. It depends what path you want to take. Good luck.</p>
<p>I personally recommend against a combined five-year professional bachelor’s program - it’s accelerated but the experience is greatly diminished. Studio work and intensive projects will take time and it’s better training to do a preprofessional BA/BS program and then go on to MArch afterward.</p>
<p>I’d disagree w/chaseholl, and note that B.Arch programs are equally valid route for HS students who’ve done their homework regarding architectural profession. As an architect w/both a B.Arch and a (HYP) M.March, my experience found the B.Arch program to provide a far stronger technical education than the Ivy M.Arch program. B.Arch grads are likely to remain within their geographic area, whereas Ivy M.Arch grads venture forth across the globe. However, not everyone has the $100,000+ to obtain the Ivy degree, or the social connections to break into the architectural elite. Worth reading book “American Architects and Mechanics of Fame”.</p>
<p>A good student can successfully complete an accredited B.Arch state program and have a very successful architectural career. Go check out resumes of SOM partners, for instance.</p>
<p>thanks you guys this is really insightful. i hadnt taken into consideration which route id want to take, the Barch 4 year program or the combined 5 year with the Barch and MArch. which one would you recommend is the best one? i also have an interest in possibly minoring in urban planning does that make a difference?</p>
<p>OP: I’d recommend an accredited B.Arch program in lieu of 4-yr BS program. This way you graduate and can immediately begin internship period towards licensing exam, rather than worrying about applying and attending (and paying!) for a M.Arch program. BS degree (or unaccredited B.Arch program) won’t allow you to take licensing exam. M.Arch programs are very expensive (tuition + living expenses, little financial aid available; no “free rides”).</p>
<p>Also, your name suggests that your a female student. I highly recommend that you seek out some mid-career female architects for mentoring and advice. This is very important for both understanding demands of profession (particularly harsh on women), obtaining accurate assessment of architectural profession within your intended regional area of practice, and establishing local connections. All very important. Note that architecture is still a “boys’ world”. There are women-only professional organizations too, such as Chicago Women in Architecture, which provide excellent opportunities for such networking. Be sure to understand the vagaries of architectural profession before committing yourself longterm, but note that many women architects find ancillary professional roles that are equally rewarding and less time-engulfing: facilities management, real estate development project management, construction management, product rep/sales, institutional owners’ project management rep, etc.</p>
<p>OP: regarding urban planning: there are college and grad school programs in urban planning, but in my large midwest city most “urban planners” are actually architects who’s career path brought them to an urban planning studio within an architectural or engineering (A/E) firm. Harvard’s GSD has a M.Arch in Urban Design program as a 2nd degree program (requires B.Arch or equivalent) which also trains architects in urban design. (Several universities also have M.Real Estate Development degrees, which may be of interest to you as well.) An undergraduate planning degree is most likely to result in a career path in government in a planning agency, an administrative rather than design-focussed route.</p>
<p>Make sure you understand the difference between a 4-yr degree (BS or BA) and the BArch, which is a 5-yr program. You need to have an accredited BArch or MArch to get licensed (in most states). If you get a 4-yr BS or BA, you will need to also get a MArch to be licensed. Check the NAAB website for more info and a list of schools that offer accredited programs that will enable you to get licensed.</p>
<p>thanks higgins2013 and cagb1016 this is really really helpful because now i can go and check out which of these schools offer what and i have a better understanding of what i want. so recap; it is better if i go into an accredited BArch 5yr program than a 4 year bs. and would it still be alright to get my masters after my BArch or just go and take the test right after i graduate?</p>
<p>To become a registered architect (in PA, and I think most other states):
You need to get a BArch or MArch from an NAAB-accredited program. You can get a masters after the BArch if you want, but it’s not necessary for licensing. Then you need to have approximately 3+ years of internship mentored by a registered architect. This experience must include a mandatory number of hours in different categories and your mentor must validate that you’ve actually done that. You must also take a series of 7 exams within a span of 5 years. You can start these right after you graduate if you want, but my daughter tells me that her co-workers have told her that it’s easier after you get some experience. I believe you can get study materials for these exams and you do need to study for them.<br>
It is quicker (and possibly cheaper) to get the BArch rather than a BS or BA + MArch to satisfy the educational requirement for licensing. It is a very demanding major and the licensing process is also extensive. If you’re at all on the fence about the major, it might be best to start the BS or BA degree or at least go to a college that has other majors that could be your backup.</p>