<p>I am a second year college student from Ohio and undeclared. Previously, I though I'd be a humanities major. But now I am interested in studing architecture. I studied Art History and loved it, and know some basics, but have not started on the mathematics side. I also have no experience in creating a portfolio. But I'd like any info on what the best BArch program in Ohio is, for in-state tuition. Cinci? OSU? Kent? Miami? And is it feasable for me to start again on a BArch program, even with 2 yrs of humanities under my belt? How much do I have to know/how much artistic/architectual ability must I have before STARTING my BArch?
Thanks</p>
<p>Also, I forgot to mention that I have no portfolio as of yet. Can I start building one using any online/printed resources?</p>
<p>None of the Ohio state schools offer a BArch. All four of the ones you listed (Cincinnati, OSU, Miami and Kent State) have four year BS/BA programs. You would still need to continue on in a graduate program to get your MArch. You need to have a professional degree (either an MArch or a BArch) to subsequently practice as an architect.</p>
<p>At this point in your academic career, I would suggest going on to complete your undergraduate degree in whatever program you are interested, during which time you would be compiling a portfolio. Then apply to whichever MArch program you would be interested in during your senior year. An MArch program would likely take three years to complete.</p>
<p>Transferring into any undergraduate architectural program, either a BS/BA or a BArch is rigorous and not guaranteed. In addition, to the best of my knowledge, all these programs require portfolios for transfers. (There may be some programs that do not, but I think all the Ohio schools do require a portfolio for transfer.) Further, you would need at least three years worth of studio time for a BA/BS, so you would be in undergraduate school for at least five years just to complete your BS/BA. By the way, transferring into a BArch program would most likely bring you in as a first-year student which would mean 5 more years of schooling to get a BArch.</p>
<p>I think all four of the Ohio state schools have decent undergrad programs but I feel that Cinti’s is by far the best, especially with its co-op program built in.</p>
<p>Great advice, QuietType. I agree with Cincinnati.</p>
<p>college, QT’s given you good advice. At this point you may as well go forward and complete your BA. At the same time you can do the preparation work for an M.Arch. What you can do in your last 2 years of undergrad: </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Research the field of architecture. Attend a summer architecture exploration program. Try to get a job or internship at an architectural firm. Believe it or not, a construction job is very helpful too. Do some traveling, reading – look at architecture, learn the vocabulary.</p></li>
<li><p>See what your current college offers in the way of architecture. Do they have an architectural studies BA/BS? Art history with a concentration in architecture? Architectural drawing courses in the art department? Talk to the graduate school advisers. Have graduates gone on to get M.Archs? Talk to the career counseling folks. Do they have architectural connections?</p></li>
<li><p>Take the prerequisite courses. drawing (architectural or otherwise), art history (same), CAD (even if you have to go outside of your college), physics and calculus. Different M.Arch programs have different requirements, but these are fairly standard. </p></li>
<li><p>Build your portfolio. There’s lots of information available on what makes a good portfolio. Don’t worry too much now. Just start drawing and making art in general.</p></li>
<li><p>Figure out the finances. Some financial aid is available for M.Arch programs, but it’s never enough. You will most likely accumulate loans. Cincinnati’s co-op program helps.</p></li>
<li><p>Attend an information session at an M.Arch program. They will answer your questions.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Wow guys, really helpful information! I really thank you for the guidance and for taking the time to respond.</p>
<p>Not to mention the intangibles of Cincy, namely, Jungle Jim’s and IKEA :). OSU’s not bad intangibles wise, Kent I’ve never visited, but my Miami colleagues (not Arch) loved the place. </p>
<p>Depending on how competitive the MArch admission process is, you may want to hedge your bets and apply to more than one school. </p>
<p>Finally, since you’re local, you could take a tour of each school’s Arch dept and see what kind of approach they’re taking, talk to the studio dwellers, instructors, see projects, and the like; also talk to a grad advisor who could fill you in on the details of what’s needed for MArch at the particular school; and finally, see how you like the campus overall.</p>