<p>After reading many threads in this forum, I'm wondering what I should do in terms of education.</p>
<p>For a long time, Tulane has been my first choice because it offers the 5 year MArch I, which really appeals to me because of its short length of time to become a licensed architecut. But now, I'm starting to explore other options because I'm worried about the stability of just having an arch degree.</p>
<p>Now I'm thinking more along the lines of getting a bachelors degree, then going back to get a professional arch degree. If I choose that route, what would you recommend I take for my bachelors degree? I want to make sure it is common enough to be able to get me a job after graduation--- stability. And a decent salary also.</p>
<p>In other words, I still want to fulfill my dream of being an architect, but I want to make the most out of my options.</p>
<p>If you know you want to be an architect, the BArch or the BArch + MArch II is the optimum degree. It is optimum because it gives you at least 10 semesters of intensive (half day studios/ 4 days a week) design studio. 4 + 2 Students do not get that intensive design training and that loss can inhibit their MArch experience and their career--in my (30 yr) observation.</p>
<p>Who knows what the future will bring but, for the past 25 years, there has been a ton of stability in the field. Pay packets have increased and there are a wide variety of jobs available.</p>
<p>oj, Putting the questions of what is better (BArch + MArch or BA/BS + MArch) to the side for now...</p>
<p>Your major isn't so important as is fulfilling the requirements of the MArch programs that your are interested in. These vary from school to school but I think it's safe to say that all require a well developed portfolio.</p>
<p>Some art history background is also commonly required, but after that there's a considerable difference. Some require a semester or even a full year of calculus and/or physics. Some don't have any prior requirements in math/science at all. </p>
<p>Several of the well known MArch programs offer information days in the Fall. My son attended a couple of them and the main focus again and again was on portfolio and creativity. They also valued internships and real-life work experience at architectural firms.</p>
<p>Obviously the best way to demonstrate artistic ability is through a history of studio art courses, hence being an art major is a sensible option. Many colleges and universities offer an undergraduate degree in something like Architectural Studies, which usually combines studio art/design courses with architectural history.</p>
<p>But the main point, is to study what you're interested in, what you're good at. Get good grades and develop relationships with professors who will encourage you. Keep your portfolio up to date. </p>
<p>Find out if your college has an advisory program for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in architecture. Do some research on what you'll need if you do decide to go for that MArch and be sure you're covered. </p>
<p>And lastly and most importantly try to get some hands-on experience in the form of internship or a summer job at an architectural firm.</p>
<p>Yes, I pretty much have my heart set on being an architect. I guess I'm just second guessing myself because some of the threads on here made me think twice. For example, some people commented on low pay, low availability for architects, and not being able to actually "design" things when you're part of a firm.</p>
<p>I just thought that having another degree along with a MArch I might look more impressive when applying for positions and, therefore, land you a more stable job with higher pay--- versatility. I'm gonna stick with my original plan and take arch as a major. It would also be a shame to miss out on the experience of studio culture!</p>
<p>I'm still going to apply to the schools that I've set my heart on:</p>
<p>I've kept them all in the south because I'm a Florida panhandle native and don't want to venture too far from home. Does anyone have comments about the arch programs at these schools? I'd love to hear because I'm sending in my application for these schools within the next few weeks.</p>
<p>That's a great list for you. I have friends who teach at some fo those schools. You will love the studio culture.</p>
<p>Getting a design position in a firm or starting your own design firm depends on your design ability and your ability to 'sell' your design--so get ready to push those abilities forward at school. To do that, you will need to be one of the top CAD/non-CAD renderers and modelmakers. Look atthe student work posted on the school websites to get an idea of what presentation styles are popular in schools.</p>
<p>A BA/MArch will not necessarily get you a higher paying job. Taking so few design studios tends to leave the BA/MArch with a weaker portfolio than the BArch, in my personal observation. </p>
<p>Architecture is an all-encompassing field (you'll study many liberal arts subjects through the lens of architecture). Architects tend to be well-read folks who take a life long interest in learning--make sure you keep up with outside reading and interests. It will enhance your design if you do.</p>
<p>Ojgarcia, I just started my first year of studio at KU. I'm in the 5 year M.Arch program. KU recently switched from a B.Arch to M.Arch due to trends in the field. The Dean of Arch. at KU told me that it is more worth while to have 5 years of studio and get a Masters rather than have Bachelors and then get 2-3 years of studio. I'm sure prospective employers would feel the same. He went on the say that the M.Arch II and III are mainly for people who decided on architecture after they received a bachelors, or for schools that don't offer M.Arch I. In fact one of my professors received a B.Arch + M.ArchII from KU before they switch over and he said most of his Masters focused on the legal aspects of architecture. </p>
<p>I'm sure it's different at every school, but I think the 5 year M.Arch is the way to go. I was like you and was hesitant at first because I really wanted a Bachelors degree after 4 years. But now that I'm in studio, I absolutely love it. I've actually been thinking about getting a minor in business to look more appealing to employers when I graduate. Ku also offers a B.A. in Architectural Studies. From what I've seen, I wouldn't be that hard to double major in both that and the 5 year M. Arch. The M.Arch leaves 9 elective hours open and the B.A. requires a foreign language that I'm very interested in. Of course I will need to talk to my counselor to see if that's even possible. I hope that helps Ojgarcia. Trust me, if you enjoy art and know you want to be an Architect, you won't regret taking the 5 year M.Arch.</p>
<p>Any experienced Architects know what the bare minimum requirements for part time employment at an arch firm is. This is of course while I'm still in school and no degree. Actually, I have an Associates from a community college. I know this is an entirely different debate.</p>
<p>If you are CAD savvy and can read plans and follow instructions, you are always always employable. There is no bare minimum if you can buzz that CAD--or better-- buzz that 3D program. Just look on craigslist for jobs and let people know that you are looking for part time work.</p>
<p>If you want a design position in a firm--or if you want to train yourself as a top designer, forget about the double degree and concentrate on making yourself one of the top designers in your year group. Check out the year three and four review critique sessions. Learn what makes a successful designer --a star student--and teach yourself how to be a successful designer. Go for it and see how far you get.</p>
<p>Mind you, many architects do not end up as designers. If you get to the middle of your third year and you don't have the admiration of older students (attending your crituques) and your peer group--then you might start to think about augmenting your design education with antoher direction. </p>
<p>Otherwise, stay focused and travel, travel. travel. You absolutely cannot 'know' architecture by looking at photos. You must log in those real spatial memories to be able to manipulate them with any sort of confidence and creativity.</p>
<p>I was admitted into Tulane's School of Architecture. I will most likely be attending there unless Rice or UMiami offers me a significant amount of money. I decided to go through the 5-year Master's Degree program. I also firmly believe I'll get a unique experience studying arch in New Orleans since the students get the opportunity to actually build a house and rebuild local neighborhoods.</p>
<p>I am positive that I have my heart set on architecture. I do like the idea of having a minor in something slightly related to the field so firms will look more highly on you. But that's in the future, we'll just have to find out!</p>