I declared a major of Construction Management as an alternative to basically having to restart my entire College trajectory which is what I would’ve had to do with Architecture, my initial program of study.
Because of the various built in studio sessions, internships, theses, etc. This has the effect of making ARCH a 5-6 year program that cannot be expedited as most of the courses have incredibly inflexible, linear prerequisites.
I’ve been in school for 2 years already so to learn that a regular Bachelor degree would basically take me 7-8 years was pointless when in theory I could earn an Undergraduate degree AND Graduate degree within the same time span which is what I plan on doing. (U.Grad: CM Grad: MArch)
However, as my CM classes progress, without doubt, I am trying to get the most out of CM. Yet, I can’t help but think that this career path is TOO hands on for me.
Questions:
Am I basically in school to become a Construction Worker?
Are there niches within Construction Management that
encompass Architecture?
@PromimityProdigy, Plenty of people design and build buildings who do not have degrees in architecture. Having a BArch or an MArch is, however, the fastest track to becoming a licensed architect and the wide career options that come with those degrees.
Are you at the beginning of your sophomore or junior year? Either way, if you really don’t connect with construction management program, then cut your losses and either switch to a BArch program or a BA/BS program in something else related to architecture.
The fastest way - theoretically - to a B.Arch or M.Arch is 5 years long. In most decent to good schools, however, those 5 years are fairly long, as the 5 years are packed with classes and summers are for electives and such or just sleep.
The 4+2 is considerably easier, but getting an M.Arch degree in +2 often assumes you’re staying at the same school, which may or may not be beneficial. Many schools will require +3 regardless of what your undergrad is if you’re coming from a different school, and to be honest, I can see why. Or taking 5 arch classes a semester, something not generally attainable by common mortals.
It all depends on where you’re in-state or can afford. The 5 year programs were more popular, now they seem to be moving to 4+2’s.
As a former Civil Engineer myself and parent of an Arch student (just started year 7 of a 4+3 M.Arch ) I can tell you that given the body of knowledge involved, 6+ years are not unreasonable. There simply isn’t enough time to get a thorough background in basic studio art, history and theory courses (the more the merrier), more studio courses than one can count, and so on, on top of university gen-ed, internships, or study abroad. Pile all this up, and even 6 years is not enough (look at UC DAAP plan of study, excellent school and all that but with co-op things get pretty intense).
Architecture is a long haul. Even after the degree, you’d be apprenticing before becoming a licensed architect.
But “not architecture” doesn’t mean “construction management.” Take some time to seek advising if you are not on the right path for you. In addition to academic advising, the alumni or career office may be able to connect you to recent grads to learn about what they are doing with different degrees.
I think many MArch applicants take an art-related major as an undergrad. Architecture is more art than engineering. You need to have some creative skills and be somewhat artistic. If that’s not your thing, would structural or civil engineering be for you?
The educational backgrounds of MArch students are quite eclectic. Plenty of architecture undergrads, but also environmental design, art studio, art history, engineering and really a broad range of other academic disciplines. My son’s MArch class had all of the above plus sociology and history.
The portfolio is a big factor in MArch admissions so you’ll need some art studio courses. Other requirements are some art history, physics and calculus. Requirements and focus vary widely from MArch program to program. You need to do the research.
If you’d like to finish up your undergraduate degree at your current school, you should choose another major that 1) interests you and 2)allows you to graduate in total of 4.0 years. Just make sure to fulfill the requirements for the MArch programs you intend to apply to.
You should also consider finances. Need based aid is generally available for BArch students, but not for the MArch. Funding is available for the MArch, but it tends to be merit/grant based and is limited and unpredictable. It might be less costly for you to transfer into a BArch program now, even if it adds a year to the total.
Dude, just do civil engineering. CM literally has construction in the name why would you ask if you will be doing construction all the time in that major. Also my man there’s people who don’t finish college until they’re almost 30 after med school or PhD so don’t stress if you’re in school for 7-8 years especially if you end up with a master’s degree. Most people don’t care how long you were in school for.
@ProximityProdigy, don’t listen to anyone talking down CM, it doesn’t have the “sexy” sound as being an architect. But look at the facts, CM jobs pay more than architects on average. There’s a huge demand for someone who can translate an architect’s and engineer’s ideas/plans into reality. It’s the same for other industries, in IT we call them Integrators. Without this role, projects get delayed and overbudgeted. Or worst, just done wrong. But it is a different type of job, know what it entails and see if it is a match for you out of school for at least 10 years. I’ve known a number of licensed architects who transitioned to CM for better opportunities and just plan money.
) I can tell you that given the body of knowledge involved, 6+ years are not unreasonable. There simply isn’t enough time to get a thorough background in basic studio art, history and theory courses (the more the merrier), more studio courses than one can count, and so on, on top of university gen-ed, internships, or study abroad. Pile all this up, and even 6 years is not enough (look at UC DAAP plan of study, excellent school and all that but with co-op things get pretty intense).