<p>I'm mainly interested in pursuing a liberal arts education in college, but I am considering going into architecture. I'm wondering if I end up doing architecture, should my undergrad school have a strong program? Because if I decide I want to become an architect, I'll probably go to grad school for architecture anyways...</p>
<p>There are two paths to a professional architecture degree, the B.Arch and the M.Arch.</p>
<p>The B.Arch is an undergraduate degree which usually takes 5 years to complete. It is narrowly focussed on architecture. If you are sure that you want to be an architect, the B.Arch is the fastest (and cheapest) route.</p>
<p>You can be accepted to an M.Arch program with a variety of undergraduate degrees: the B.Arch, A BS or BA in architecture or architectural studies, or a BA or BS in ANYTHING else. You will need to complete certain prerequisites like classes in art studio, art history, calculus, physics. The requirements vary from program to program. The time (and cost) also varies widely depending on your undergraduate degree and the depth and breadth of your classes.</p>
<p>If you’re thinking of getting a BA/BS + an M.Arch, you do not necessarily have to choose an undergraduate school that offers an architecture major. You can major in a related field – like art studio or art history – or an unrelated field – like biology or philosophy, and still get accepted into a good M.Arch program, as long as you fulfill the program’s admissions requirements.</p>
<p>Would you have a better chance at admissions to a top M.Arch program if you majored in architectural studies? Maybe, but, in my opinion, an undecided highschool student who wants a broad liberal arts education, shouldn’t use that as a criterion. </p>
<p>Pick the undergraduate college you want based on size, ambiance and personality. If you have doubts, ask them about their success in placing their graduates in M.Arch programs. Many schools offer career counseling in architecture.</p>
<p>Great, thanks for the extremely helpful information!</p>