Hi,
I am looking to major in architecture, and these are my top choices:
-Tulane University in New Orleans (TU)
-University of Cincinnati (UC)
-Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago (IIT)
I am from the Chicagoland area and interested in pursuing architecture. However, I am also very interested in Technology (Computer Science) and Journalism. I would love a school that is strong in these programs, so I can at least explore them while taking architecture classes; however, it is more important that Architecture is strong.
I know that both UC and IIT have been on the DesignIntelligence rankings, but I have heard IIT’s program has faltered in recent years. I have not heard anything about Tulane being or not being on the list.
Thoughts from current/past students, parents, and anyone else are all welcome!
If you are looking for an NAAB-accredited BArch degree program, only IIT has it. The other two schools have only MArch programs for NAAB accredited programs. Note that a BArch is typically a five year degree program with limited electives. An MArch may be a varying number of years after a bachelor’s degree, depending on what type (BArch, BA/BS in architecture that is not NAAB-accredited, or BA/BS in unrelated field).
http://www.naab.org/r/schools/view.aspx?record_id=20469
http://www.naab.org/r/schools/view.aspx?record_id=20547
http://www.naab.org/r/schools/view.aspx?record_id=20561
Thank you for your concern about the programs being NAAB-accredited, but my idea was to get a 4+2 degree (that being 4 year BArch/BS Arch and a 2 year MArch from a graduate school). I am aware that this setup will cost more than if I just took a 5 year BArch at IIT.
The primary reason for doing this was because I am not 100% sure about architecture yet, so the 4+2 will give me more time vs. jumping right into the 5 year program. The limited electives would hamper this even more.
I am more concerned about what school would set me up for more success at getting into a nice graduate school.
UC has their unique Co-op program, which will provide me with alternating semesters of internship and schooling. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose UC. However, it is my (potentially incorrect) assumption that Tulane is harder to get into and therefore is more prestigious when it comes to architecture. IIT is of course in a perfect location because of how close it is to Chicago (the architecture capitol of the world).
I understand why IIT and UC are on your list, but not sure why Tulane is. Without getting into a discussion on what is more “prestigious”, there are many other architecture schools that would meet your requirements, including UW Milwaukee in your backyard. If ranking and cost is a consideration, CalPoly and Virginia Tech should be on your list as exceptional design schools.
http://archrecord.construction.com/features/americas_best_architecture_schools/2014/americas_best_architecture_schools-2015-1.asp
http://architecture-schools.findthebest.com/
@Matt34Bears
Tulane does have a BS Architecture program now, just to be clear. That was recently added, before they only offered the 5 year MArch program, which of course they still have. Tulane also recently resurrected their Computer Science program, which had to be dropped after Hurricane Katrina (you are probably too young to realize the huge effects of Katrina 10 years ago). The nice thing about that for you is that it is currently what they call a coordinate major, which means that you tie it to another major such as Finance or Linguistics or Music or, in your case, Architecture. Tulane is pretty flexible in letting you design your own interdisciplinary program like that. The previous president, Scott Cowen, began paving the way for an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies after Katrina, and the new President Mike Fitts is committed to continuing and expanding that path.
So what you might want to do is talk to both the head of Architecture and the head of the CS program and see what the possibilities are, which might help you make your decision. If you can visit the campus and do it in person that would be best (cheap flights from Midway to NOLA!!), but phone appointments work too. I would be remiss if I didn’t add that New Orleans has wonderful architecture all over the city, and that the school is extremely involved in working with businesses and residents of the city as it continues to rebuild. There is even a City Center office that is dedicated to the interface between the school and the region.
Just food for thought. Gives you something to explore.