I just have a few questions about Pratt and would appreciate any current or graduated students input on my questions. Thank you!
How does the BArch program work?
How has your experience been with the professors because I’ve heard they are working proffesionals as well?
Are there any classes that are for structural learning rather than mainly design?
Do you use Rhino or CAD or Revit and have access to 3D printing?
Where is the Architecture campus located?
Do you still have to take the main core classes like English and History? If so, are those classes at a different part of the campus?
Is it a good idea to get my BArch there and then transfer to Columbia or UPenn for my graduate degree?
What are the job opportunities after college like?
I don’t have any insider information on Pratt architecture, but I’ll try to respond to your general questions.
I would suggest that you try to attend one of their major-specific information sessions. It appears the next architecture session is on October 28.
https://www.pratt.edu/admissions/visiting-pratt/visit-undergrad/information-sessions/
This website gives an overview of the program requirements.
https://www.pratt.edu/academics/architecture/ug-dept-architecture/
It’s fairly common for architecture schools to have three levels of faculty: permanent, often tenured, professors who may or may not have industry experience, visiting professors who are working professionals who teach for a year or two, and industry professionals who participate in studio critiques and reviews.
All BArch programs encompass both structural learning and design. At an art and design school like Pratt you can expect to find an emphasis on the creative and conceptual aspects of architecture, but in order to be accredited the program must cover the structural fundamentals as well. Sustainable and environmental issues are also fairly standard now in architecture education.
Brooklyn
See the above website for course requirements. I believe all undergraduate courses are located in Brooklyn.
Don’t worry about your graduate degree just yet. If you get a BArch you may decide not to get an MArch. If you do go to graduate school, there are good arguments both for staying at the same school for your masters and for going elsewhere.
Pratt has a wide and supportive network of alumni/ae all over the country. But at the end of the day it’s up to you to make your contacts and build your work experience resume while you’re in architecture school. Because of Pratt’s reputation and location opportunities are accessible. Pratt also jumped up to #8 in Design Intelligence’s undergraduate rankings, which should give graduates a boost in the job market.