<p>I'm thinking about getting a masters in architecture. I'm a senior art history major, but I've also completed all my pre-med requirements and had previously planned to go to medical school. I recently imagined being an architect and am now infatuated with the idea. The thing is, I really don't know what it's like at all. I like the idea of it because I love math, physics, and studying architecture. But from what I've been reading on this forum I'm worried there won't be as much math or physics as I've been craving. Anyway, I hope someone can give me a general idea of what both the profession is like and what an M.Arch I program would be like.</p>
<p>Also, how do I know if I would be a competitive candidate? I have a 3.95 GPA, have not taken the GRE (although I should do well), pretty much have no extracurriculars to speak of, and don't have a portfolio at this point although I am good at drawing.</p>
<p>If you want a place where you can use math and physics, then engineering is a better major. You have some math and physics requirements in architecture, but the studios make almost no use of it and are more focused on art and creativity. If you are focussed on math and physics, why did you go into art history? A 3.95 gpa in art history is very impressive, you just have to pull together some sort of portfolio showing some visual skills.</p>
<p>My son is an art/art history major who is now getting a Masters in architecture. For him, the less focus on math and science the better. So far (he’s halfway through) he hasn’t found math/physics to be a big part of the curriculum. The primary focus – and this is probably an oversimplification – is on design creativity and collaboration.</p>
<p>In M.Arch admissions the portfolio is the single most important factor, so take that very seriously. After that in no particular order are your grades and the prestige of your undergraduate school, your recommendations, your demographic, your life experience. The GRE is not so important as long as your scores are respectable.</p>
<p>If you’re not sure of your plans for graduate school, I’d suggest you spend some time in the real world after graduation. I know it’s not such an easy time to get an entry level job, but the best approach would be to work for an architecture firm and see what really goes on. Then, at the same time, you could also take some fine arts courses and build your portfolio.</p>
<p>Most of the M.Arch programs have information sessions – usually held in the Fall – that will give you an overview of what it takes to get in and stay in. Also, several schools – notably Harvard and Columbia – have summer and night programs for people (students and working adults) who want to explore architecture as a career.</p>
<p>I am a high school student who is trying to find her calling. I am a very good artist and I love drawing realistic things like nature and buildings. I found this and I really like that there isn’t a lot of math and physics involved. </p>
<p>My first question is what is the difference between civil engineering and architecture? Also, how is the family life of an architect? Are they constantly away from their family or, if they pick the right company, would they be able to take part in their family’s lives?</p>
<p>The last question is a very important aspect to me. If I’ll be traveling a lot and spending weeks or months away from my family, this certainly isn’t the kind of career I’ll be interested in. If it would allow me to work reasonable hours and still have dinner with my family every night, I might be getting somewhere.</p>
<p>Rhia, Civil Engineers plan roads, infrastructure, the grading and flow of roads through a site, etc. Architects design buildings. Studying engineering involves two years of intense math, physics, chemistry, statics, etc., followed by a couple of years in which you study the application of these to engineering. In architecture you start out with design studio and it will remain the core of your education throughout your college career.</p>
<p>The life of an architect varies tremendously. I know architects who are on a plane every other week to China, and others who do residential work who never even have to get on a plane. It’s up to the kind of practice you choose to join. If you join a big international firm then tell them you don’t want to travel it will definitely affect your career advancement.</p>
<p>The work pattern involves pretty intense hours when you first come out of school, tapering off as you gain more experience. Dinner every night at Home with the family? That’s pretty ambitious with any job, but spending most nights at home is not unrealistic. My wife managed to raise three happy kids while serving as a principal in our office. There are two things that I think are critical for a woman to have successful combination of architecture and family life;</p>
<p>1- A husband who not only supports, but encourages her growth as a professional.</p>
<p>2- Live as close to the office as possible. When our kids were in elementary school we lived one mile from both the elementary school and the office. We rarely missed a concert, parent teacher conference, or soccer game.</p>
<ol>
<li>A husband who enjoys the ‘mommy track’ and who prefers an ‘easy’ corporate job (software developer) instead of the management/high potential track :-)</li>
</ol>
<p>I’ve a B.Arch/M.Arch. If you’re interested in becoming an architect, BE SURE to meet and candidly discuss profession with several architects, at different stages of their career, and at different types of firms (large/international vs. small/residential). Architecture is an interesting profession, but also an aggravating one with many systemic problems - relatively low pay for relatively high educational, internship, and license requirements; relatively long hours w/additional compensation; relatively limited salary growth, and frequent career dissatisfaction. An interest in art/drawing, abilities in math/physics, these aren’t relevant to chosing architecture as a career. Good CAD (computer-aided drawing) skills are mandatory. Ability to function under stressful conditions with little sleep important.</p>
<p>‘An interest in art/drawing, abilities in math/physics, these aren’t relevant to chosing architecture as a career.’</p>
<p>Sorry, I have to disagree with that. I think both of these skills are relevant to deciding on architecture as a career. Art in particular exposes you to studio projects and also to the kind of ambiguous judgement (is it good, is it bad?) that you will face in architecture. You will also be facing math and physics requirements so abilities there will be helpful.</p>
<p>No doubt things are very difficult in the profession right now, but this is not a unique situation. Last night we had our client party and I talked to lawyers, engineers, developers, corporate managers, and everybody is struggling in this economy. Jobs are scarce, competition is fierce, and technology is commoditizing many professions. Pick something you are passionate about, but make sure you go into it with eyes wide open.</p>
So far (he’s halfway through) he hasn’t found math/physics to be a big part of the curriculum. The primary focus – and this is probably an oversimplification – is on design creativity and collaboration.</p>