Hello,
I am having a hard time deciding between Northeastern and Carnegie Mellon for architecture. I know that because NEU puts you on the BSA and then M.Arch track and CMU gives you a B.Arch, its hard to compare the programs, but at this point I have no idea which path would be better for me. I like both schools, but I LOVE Northeastern. They’re both about the same price, so right now I am deciding between the prestige of CMU’s architecture program and NEU’s amazing co-op. I know it might be smarter to choose CMU because it is technically the better program, but I am afraid that the school may not give me as much flexibility with different classes/minors and opportunities for internships and study abroad that NEU would give me. Also, NEU is the only school that gave me a “gut feeling”.
I need some advice:
Is it worth the added flexibility to choose the M.Arch path vs B.Arch even though they are basically the same degree?
Also, how much does prestige actually matter in the architecture world? Would a degree from CMU give me a significant leg up when looking for a job vs. a degree from NEU (or NEU plus some other graduate program)?
I’m glad to see that you are interested in coming to CMU this fall. I had a similar experience when I was in high school. I got into CMU, Northeastern and Case Western. I chose to go to CMU.(I graduated last year).I 100% encourage you to go to CMU, I had a similar major, Civil Engineering, but my roommate did architecture. He did B.arch program. He said that M.arch is really only necessary if you are going to be teaching later in life, which I’m not sure if you want to do or not. As for Jobs, I had no problem finding a job our of college and actually have been traveling the last couple of months because of work. I would say where you go to school does matter and from my experience a degree from Carnegie is looked on upon a lot better in the professional world. Also, from what I’ve heard, getting into a good graduate program is hard coming from NEU. I would definitely say that CMU opens a lot of doors for you when looking for a job.
The four years that I spent at CMU were the best of my life, and I am so happy that I chose to here, and theres not a day that goes by where I ever regret it. CMU was the first place that I really felt that I was home. You will meet the best people and have the time of your life. I have a cousin who did the architecture program at Northeastern and she loved it, so I’m sure what ever school you choose to go to you will be happy. However if you want a better job and learn more, I urge you to choose Carnegie. If you have any more questions feel free to email me at VandelayB@gmail.com.
Go Scotties!
-Bart