How to Get a Degree in Architecture

Do you often look at amazing works of architecture in our world and think that you would want to design built spaces one day? Are you a creative problem solver? Do you want to go to architecture school but don't know how to get there? This article will tell you the process of applying, getting in and getting a degree of architecture from an accredited school.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• The Internet for research
• Visit to Schools
• Interest in architecture

1. The Different Ways of Getting an Architecture Degree
   
   An accredited architecture degree will come from a school that is apart of NAAB (the National Architectural Accrediting Board). In order to find a list of schools that are apart of NAAB, you can go to their website at NAAB.org.
   
   There are two ways of attaining an accredited degree in architecture. The first is to pursue a 5-year bachelor degree in architecture (B.Arch.) as your undergraduate education. This degree is considered a professional degree and allows recipients to apply for a license in architecture.
   
   The second way of attaining an architecture degree is to apply to a Master in Architecture program (M.Arch.) There are generally two different types of M.Arch. programs. A three year M.Arch. program is offered to students who received their undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture. This 3 year degree is considered to be the first professional architecture degree attained for these students.
   
   There is also a two year M.Arch. degree offered to students who already completed a 5 year undergraduate architecture degree. However, the M.Arch. in this case will be the student's 2nd professional degree in architecture.
2. Doing Your Research - Research Schools and What they have to offer
   
   A great place to start are these 2 websites:
   
   1) www.naab.org
   2) archinect.com
   
   Www.naab.org will give you a list of accredited schools according to state, and which programs they offer (B.Arch, M.Arch.). This is a great way to look at school websites, their architecture, faculty, what kind of work they are doing, etc. Don't forget to find out about tuition and financial aid!! Cost of schooling can be a major deciding factor when it comes to figuring out where you can get the best value for your money.
   
   Archinect.com is a wonderful resource to help you understand the inner workings of the architecture world. From forums and blogs about the work world, academic world and the architectural happenings, it will definitely widen your scope, and allow you to learn about this profession from students and professionals first hand.
   
   I believe it's one of the most valuable resources and you can find support when applying and stressing about letters of recommendation, portfolio and admissions.
3. KNOW What You Are Getting Yourself Into: SUMMER PROGRAMS + SCHOOL VISITS
   
   After researching schools and programs and the profession in general from the websites above, it is IMPERATIVE to visit schools and talk to students about the program.
   
   Architecture school is no easy task, and is often compared to medical school in terms of work load, among other things. Look into summer programs that simulate how school is during the year. These architecture programs are often offered to anyone interested and just as rigorous as it would be for admitted students.
   
   This is the BEST window in understanding whether or not architecture school is right for you.
4. Applying to Architecture Schools: The PORTFOLIO
   
   The required criteria for an application for admission to most architecture schools (check individual school websites for specific criteria) are as follows:
   
   -application for admission
   -application fee
   -2-3 Letters of Recommendation from Professors or employers
   -Statement of Intent
   -GRE scores (some schools don't require it, and some require very specific minimum scores)
   -PORTFOLIO of creative work
   
   Prepare for the GRE (General Records Examination) early and study consistently long before your test date. Check different schools for what the last day is for turning in test scores. You can find more info about the GRE at www.gre.org.
   
   It is commonly agreed among architecture schools that the creative portfolio is the most important component of deciding whether or not to admit a student. The portfolio is basically a book of a students creative work that allows the admissions dept. to assess a students visual creative ability and their methods of problem solving, detail, craft, and ways of addressing spatial issues among other things.
   
   If you don't have much of an artistic background, most schools encourage students to implement their writing, essays, even complex math problems to showcase their mental abilities. So don't worry, it's not limited to only people with visual histories of creativity.
   
   In addition, the portfolio is expected to have a well thought out layout design, binding, cover, table of contents and method of labeling chapters/pages.
5. Compile and perfect the components of your architecture school application well in advance of the application deadline. Make sure you have a copy of all of your documents on record and even a copy of your bound portfolio. Remember, your letter of intent and portfolio should differ for each school if the schools you are looking into have slightly different programs.
   
   Send your applications in electronically or with plenty and postage and wait for your letters in the mail! Hopefully you will get accepted to the school of your dreams.