Find the Architecture College That’s Right For You

So you're searching for an architecture school? Excellent! Architecture is a great field as it is challenging, creative, and it can be very lucrative. But before you can start drawing up plans and putting your amazing ideas onto blueprint, you'll first have to find the right school for you.

One important item to consider is the type of architect you are interested in becoming: Is landscape architecture your goal?  Perhaps your interest lies in designing bridges or maybe you'd like to become involved in the growing area of Green/Eco-Friendly architecture. Whichever area you choose to specialize in, architecture is an exciting, ever-changing field that is constantly incorporating new technology and techniques, as well as classic design.

Typically, the timeline to becoming a registered architect varies but it's often a combination of schooling followed by an internship program. The good news is that once you've completed your school's program, as an intern you'll be a paid employee in an architectural firm or office, working and learning under the supervision and direction of senior, licensed architects. Once you've completed your internship, you're eligible to take your state's licensing exam, the final step to becoming a registered architect! 

One suggestion in helping you to find the architecture school that's right for you is to ask a practicing architect to find out about their architectural education and training, and see what they recommend. Advice from working professionals can be invaluable and give you unique insight that only a practicing architect can provide.

In deciding upon the various architecture schools, there are many options to consider: Have you already earned a college degree in a related field, such as Engineering, Design, or Mathematics? If so, your best bet is to enroll in a graduate school that offers a Masters degree in architecture. These are typically two or three year programs that include relevant classroom work and studio design courses. The advantages of a graduate architecture program are that it's a shorter period of study and all of your school work is directly related to architecture. There are even colleges that offer evening programs, so you can keep your fulltime day job or take an architecture-related job, such as administrative or support work in an architecture firm.

If you haven't yet earned a bachelors degree, you may want to enroll in a school that offers a combined architecture program that will allow you to earn your undergraduate and Masters degree concurrently.  An important fact to keep in mind as you begin your search is accreditation. While architecture schools themselves are not accredited, the school that you choose should have at least one program that is certified by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (in the United States), or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board.

It's important not to lose sight of the factors that are personally important to you: If you'd like to work in California, it's worth your while to narrow your choices to schools in California; if you're more comfortable in a smaller college, there's no point in considering large schools; keep your goals and preferences in mind, and the choice you make is sure to be the right one for you.