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Architecture Major

All About Architectural College Degrees

Apr 24, 2008 Naomi Rockler-Gladen

Looking to channel your inner Mike Brady and become an architect? Here's what you need to know about college majors in architecture.

What is an Architecture Major?

If you major in architecture, you learn how design buildings and other structures. This is a complex process that involves three different elements. First, you need to learn to design things that are structurally sound. Second, you need to create things that are visually pleasing. Finally, you need to design things that serve the needs of the people who use the building or structure.

What Courses does an Architecture Major Take?

An architect student's list of required courses is large and unusually diverse, as there are so many areas that an architect needs to master. First, architecture students take studio art classes with an emphasis on drawing and drafting. Second, you'll be taking architectural theory and history classes. You'll also be taking physics and math classes, which will be quite a contrast to your art classes. Architecture majors become very familiar with computer aided design (CAD) software, which is used to create architectural designs electronically.

An architecture student's schedule might include:

Freehand Drawing
Architechtonics (the science of constructing and designing buildings)
Art History
Architectural History
Architectural Theory
Construction Management
City Planning
Physics
Calculus
Sociology

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Majoring in Architecture?

The first major disadvantage of the architecture major is that getting in is very difficult. Architecture is one of the most competitive majors. Students usually need a detailed portfolio to even apply to architecture programs. You need to be very good at a number of different things: drawing, architectural theory, computers, science (especially physics), and math. You have to be very creative but also very detail-oriented, and you need to an outstanding problem solver.

The second major disadvantage is that architecture is quite a difficult major, and the first year coursework is especially intense. Students can expect to spend long hours tweaking their designs to make them as technically accurate and as functional as possible. Most architecture programs are five years long (or more), and many students continue to earn a master's degree in architecture (or m.Arch). In the United States, graduates must also pass a nine-part exam and an extensive internship before they can receive a license.

On the plus side, of course, there's a reason why this major is so competitive. If you get into and out of an architecture program with a degree, you can enter into one of the most sought after professions in the world.

What Careers are Available to Architecture Majors?

Many graduates join architecture firms, and later become partners. Other graduates become city planners, construction inspectors, building inspectors, and CAD specialists.

The copyright of the article Architecture Major in Colleges is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Architecture Major in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Architecture