<p>I'm aware of how the 4 + 2 path to architecture works, but I'm wondering a few things:</p>
<p>Does the Bachelor's have to be in a specific major; is there a major designed specifically for going into Master's programs?</p>
<p>The main one I'm interested in is Pitt's Architectural Studies major. Let's say that I graduate with this major, and then apply to a MArch. Will I be in the program for 2 years (advanced standing because I have the Bachelors, or will I be in the same situation as other people w/o an architecture background?</p>
<p>Also, what if I took some arch classes but didn't major in Arch. Studies, and have a portfolio? I'd assume schools would look at students on a case by case basis, but any info on how this works?</p>
<p>From what I know, the 4+2 timeline is most applicable to students who attend the same university for both the bachelor’s in architecture, and the master’s in architecture (I believe this practice results from the idea that if you stay at the same school, your curriculum will be monitored from beginning to end, redundancies will be eliminated, etc, so your experience can be condensed). Some schools, like Harvard’s GSD, don’t have an undergrad program, and so have made their professional grad program 3.5 years in length for all applicants.</p>
<p>Switching universities will usually add some time onto your masters (transfer=possibility of losing credits), as will getting an unrelated degree. How much time is added depends on where you go for both undergrad and grad, so it varies. If you go to Pitt, you’re probably going to have to apply for the MArch track for people with unrelated degrees (but I am not positive on this); if you do not hold a professional degree in architecture when you apply for an MArch, and different tracks are present, you are most likely going to be in the “holds a BSArch degree” category, or “does not hold BSArch degree” category. If you take some arch-related classes on the side, while pursuing a different major, they might transfer.</p>
<p>If you want to get in and out in the shortest amount possible, and have the ability to become licensed, go for a five-year professional BArch… or the 4+2 (pre-professional + professional) from the same school… or the 5+1 which is a five-year professional plus a one-year post-professional that allows you to specialize (I believe CMU does this).</p>
<p>However, if you want a more holistic experience, doing your undergrad in something else might not be a bad idea.</p>
<p>I welcome corrections if I am wrong on any of this.</p>