Hi guys! so I just got admitted to UCLA, Pomona, and Berkeley for undergrad and I’m having a hard time deciding which one to choose…
I would very much like your input and experience on their programs…
whats more beneficial…a four year program like UC Berkeley and UCLA or a 5 year program like Pomona, and USC…
thank you so muchhh!!!
@sbrnntn, Both are valid routes to a career in architecture, but the educational experience is somewhat different.
The 5.0 year Bachelor of Architecture will be intensely focused on architecture. Generally the BArch will allow less room for electives in other disciplines, than the BA or BS in architecture, though universities will have their own non-architecture requirements). With the BArch you will be in position to begin the process of becoming a licensed architect.
4.0 year Bachelor of Arts major in architecture or architecture studies offered by Berkeley and UCLA would be an excellent foundation for admission into a Master of Architecture program, at the same university or at another university’s school of architecture. The MArch will take 2.0 to 3.5 years, depending on the program chosen.
Most states require either a BArch or MArch for licensing, though some will accept a BA/BS with increased work hour requirements. If you intend to work in California, look at their licensing requirements.
I’d suggest you clarify with both UCLA and Berkeley about entrance into the BA major. I understand that at Berkeley you start the sequence as a first year, but at UCLA you have to apply in your second year. Double check this. Also, entrance in to the school’s own MArch program may not be guaranteed. You should ask about this too.
Basically, the 5.0 year BArch is the fastest route to becoming a licensed architect, but is only advised for students who are fairly sure that they want a career in architecture. The BA/BS+MArch route takes longer and may cost more, but it allows more flexibility.
Congratulations on three good choices! You’ll need to consider the cultural/educational fit as well as the degee.
@momrath Thank you so much for your input I really appreciate it!! Actually, I’m admitted as a transfer so I’ll be going to UCLA and UCB as a third year, and to Pomona as a first year because my current studio classes aren’t equivalent to theirs.
I’m thinking about doing a masters since I’m not really dead set on being an architect full time.
In comparing UCB and UCLA, what characteristics stand out from each school? Which one is better?
Once again, thankyouu for your input!!
@sbrnntn UCB and UCLA are both outstanding academically and in name recognition. Their MArch programs are both consistently rated in the top ten. You can’t go wrong with either one.
I would think that the major difference would be in culture and environment between northern and southern California.
You might compare the curriculums for differences in focus. UCLA is a bit more design driven, UCB a leans a bit more toward sustainability and environmental impact.
I’d suggest you ask about their policies on admitting their BAs into their MArch programs: Can you defer admission? How much does it cost? How long does it take? Ask where their BAs have ended up after graduation, what graduate schools, what career paths.