<p>Bisori - There are professional level and post-professional level MArch programs. A person holding a BArch would go into a post-professional MArch program. The MArch is not needed for professional registration if one already has the BArch, therefore the post-professional MArch programs are for those people who want to build on their skill set and gain additional credentials, without having to take the fundamental studio courses that are required for the professional degree. Generally, a professional-level MArch is identified as an MArch I and a post-professional MArch is called an MArch II.</p>
<p>Oh so schools like Harvard, Yale, Columbia, etc would have both MArch I and MArch II? Do applicants need to apply to specifically one or the other? Thank you for the information.</p>
<p>I would point out that not all B arch admits end up graduating with a B Arch. Some folks change their minds, get failing grades in studio, whatever. At that point its nice to be at a school that has other options you like, otherwise transfering will be your main option.</p>
<p>BBD - exellent point. The majority (IIRC 60%) of ALL college students change their majors. I would suspect that that percentage is probably low for architecture majors. It’s always good to have a fall-back plan (or idea, at least).</p>
<p>Bisori - I would think (I do not know this for a fact) that the majority of universities that offer accredited MArch’s would have both the MArch I and the MArch II.</p>
<p>Some schools may call it MArch II, Columbia calls it an MS in Architecture. I am not sure that it is a common program, most people that already have a professional degree are looking for a pretty prestigious school if they go back for a masters.</p>
<p>The beauty of a BArch is that you can work a few years, get a good sense of the profession and what your interest are, then go back for a 3 semester Masters program. I have known several Cornell BArch/Harvard MS Arch graduates, pretty impressive degrees.</p>
<p>Rick</p>
<p>Rick-</p>
<p>I actually live near Dallas, TX and I was wondering, how would a high school student be able to land a volunteer/job shadowing opportunity at either an architecture firm or residential business? I tried emailing some local firms but they didn’t reply :/</p>
<p>Jobs are definitely tough right now, but shadowing opportunities should not be a problem.</p>
<p>Rick</p>
<p>The thing is, do big name firms even have these kinds of opportunities for high school kids? I don’t really have any connections with anyone in the architecture industry but my parents know a few residential architects. How would job shadowing (or whatever it’s called) at a small family-based residential company compare with working at an actual firm? I want to have a taste of what the field of architecture is really like.</p>
<p>i go to cornell and i think the degree helps in many ways. the connections and resources are unprecedented but they will only help you if you work hard and do well here.</p>
<p>Even though I think cornell is a really great school, I would highly not recommend going into 100k of debt in architecture for the degree. It is just not worth it. There are plenty of talented students in other “non-prestigious” universities who also do very well in the profession. If you are driven and talented, you will do well anywhere.</p>
<p>I also highly recommend UT Austin!</p>
<p>Thanks Sashimi,</p>
<p>I think I’ll just apply to Cornell RD and if I’m accepted I’ll consider attending based on whether they offer any financial aid or if I have any “merit” based aid</p>
<p>Cornell does not offer merit based aid.</p>
<p>Seriously?</p>
<p>Ugh, that sucks! </p>
<p>But considering that in 3 years our family income is projected to be 160K+ (my mom will go back into work) maybe Cornell will be more affordable… IDK <em>Sigh</em> Cornell is my dream school but now it seems impossible. :(</p>