<p>I don’t think that a materials science engineering degree would prove harmful to your ultimate goal of becoming an architect – to the contrary, I think that it could prove most helpful, particularly as you seek employment. (Architecture is a field with many brilliant unemployed and underemployed graduates.) Perhaps it is time to think of bringing something additional to the table, and a four-year engineering degree followed by a two-year masters program in architecture could be a significant asset – all in no more time than a gap year would add to a five year pure architecture program.</p>