I will be going to University of Maryland College Park in the fall. I am trying to decide what I would like to study in college. I have always been an artist and I love architecture and design but I also love the science behind buildings and therefore I am also thinking about civil/structural engineering. Is there a possible way to combine the two? I guess in the future I would like to design my own buildings and act as the engineer for them. How can I do both without spending my life in school?
-Please don’t suggest architectural engineering b/c it’s not what it sounds like and it’s not what I want.
-Would it be possible/smart to get a B.S. in civil engineering, minor in architecture and then an M.A. in architecture?
-Is it possible to study civil/structural engineering while playing the part of both the architect and engineer?
-WHAT SHOULD I DO?!
Look at the courses for 4 year academic plans for each to see which is most appealing
http://www.arch.umd.edu/arch/degree/bachelor-science-architecture
http://www.eng.umd.edu/sites/default/files/images/current/forms/4yrplan/2014-2015/ence-combined-acadplan-ge-2014-2015.pdf
http://www.eng.umd.edu/sites/default/files/images/current/forms/4yrplan/2014-2015/ence-geotechnical-4yrplan-ge-2014-2015.pdf
I know that I can study both engineering or architecture and both courses sound appealing but I am looking for a way that I can be both an engineer AND an architect.
Personally, i don’t see how you can do both as an undergrad (simultaneously) as there is virtually no overlap. In order to major in engineering you need get admitted to the school of engineering (it’s a limited enrollment program) by taking gateway courses and passing them satisfactorily. That will keep you busy.
If you complete them successfully and are admitted you are going to have a very full plate with very rigorous engineering courses. It will likely need your full attention because if you don’t maintain a certain GPA you will be dropped from engineering.
It’s not like architecture is a cake walk either but it is very different and time consuming itself. From what I recall of a friend taking architecture years ago, it was pretty demanding.
The only minors I typically see for engineering students have been things like math (since a lot of overlap anyway) or comp sci for computer engineering or minor in technology entrepreneurship kind of thing. Architecture is a whole different animal and I doubt u can minor in it …so you need to speak with a counselor/advisor at school.