<p>Can someone clarify what the programs are? Ive heard about different degrees and something about 4+2-year or 5-year programs. Can someone explain this to me?</p>
<p>l41n, you can become an architect by two different routes:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You dedicate yourself to an architecture program early on (freshman or sophomore year) and graduate with an architecture degree.</p></li>
<li><p>You get an undergraduate degree in whatever you fancy (often arts related, but not necessarily) then go on to a graduate program for architecture which could be at the same or different school. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>The first is faster and more direct. The second is good for kids who are not ready to commit to architecture when they start college and like the idea of a liberal arts educations. Successsful architects have done both.</p>
<p>If you read everything at the above site, it may help you.</p>
<p>Basically, there are two routes that lead to your getting a professional degree in architecture from an accredited program. (1) A 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program, starting freshman year in college; (2) 2 or 3 year Master of Architecture (MArch) program that you would enter after you already have a 4-year undergraduate degree (in any subject). The BArch and MArch are exactly equivalent professional degrees; it's just the route that differs. After you earn your degree, then you need to apprentice/intern for a few years in a licensed practice, and then you have qualifying examinations and seek your license to practice as a professional architect.</p>
<p>I've heard (from a practicing architect, with BArch from art school) that it is not such a clear cut situation regarding degrees. Firstly, to practice in a particular state, you must be licensed in that state specifically. And sometimes, MArch and BArch do not carry the same amount of weight towards a license, depending on the location.. I am not too sure about this, because maybe I am a poor listener. Clarification from someone who has dealt with this stuff firsthand would be helpful. Also, you can choose to, and some people do too, study for a BArch, then go on for a MArch, though I personally don't understand the advantages to this plan.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link, Mackinaw. My son has been attending one of those month-long "so you think you want to be an architect" sessions at Columbia and he's smitten! Now he has to start thinking about getting an MArch, when, where and how [to pay for it]. Still two years of undergrad to go, so things can change, but architecture's definitely risen to the top of potential careers.</p>
<p>No problem, Momrath. My MIL actually got her MArch at Columbia many years ago. Perhaps your son will consider that. I've got a BIL who also is an architect, and got his MArch at Penn, which is also a good school.</p>
<p>Momrath, I had no idea your son did that this summer. My D just did something like this for six weeks this summer at Harvard Design School and liked it a real lot. A great experience to be immersed in architecture before making a decision to commit to a particular career fireld and graduate school. It was intense but she learned and did a lot. It was perfect for what she needed at this juncture (just finished freshman year). I'll have to keep tabs on your son's journey as he is one year ahead of my daughter.
Susan</p>