Architecture Degrees and Careers for Military & Veterans

Getting a Degree in Architecture

Customize your educational and career goals. Architecture offers a wide variety of opportunities, from certificates to PhDs. Students can earn undergraduate certificates to jump-start their education and career opportunities in architecture and related fields.

Graduate certificates are also available for those with corresponding degrees and/or experience. Degrees can be earned at all levels, including Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate (Ph.D.).

Certificate in Architecture

A Certificate in Architecture prepares students for a variety of entry-level positions in the field of architecture such as drafter, inspector, or materials technician. A certificate program can also be used to prepare for a baccalaureate program. Skills taught at the Certificate level include:

• Graphic communication skills, including mechanical perspectives with shades and shadows
• 3-dimensional representations using both electronic and manual methods
• Familiarity with components, materials, types, and methods of building construction
• Familiarity with the terminology of the industry
• Use of computer-aided design software to generate three-dimensional models and design presentations
• Familiarity with building code requirements

Jobs with a Certificate in Architecture

• Drafter – Use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Median Annual Salary: $51,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools with a Certificate in Architecture

Ready to start your Certificate in Architecture? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Scottsdale Community College

Offers a Certificate in Architectural Technology and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Architectural Technology.

Associate Degree in Architecture

An Associate Degree in Architecture can prepare students for a career in the field of architecture with a wide range of desirable skills. Students will be able to participate positively in a cooperative group learning environment. After a successful program, students should be able to produce a complete set of architectural plans that may be submitted for plan check approval.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Architecture

• Building Inspector – Ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Median Annual Salary: $61,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools with an Associate’s in Architecture

Ready to start your Associate Degree in Architecture? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Allan Hancock College

Offers an Associate in Science degree in Architectural Drafting and a Certificate of Accomplishment in Architectural Drafting.

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

An undergraduate degree in Architecture will address a variety of aspects important in education including:

• Content knowledge and mastery
• Problem-solving skills
• Higher order thinking
• A positive educational experience within the context of developing life-long skills

A successful undergraduate Architecture program may provide the foundation required to prepare students for an internship in an architectural firm and eventual licensing as an architect. Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture:

• Technical Education Teacher – Instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects such as architectural drafting. Median Annual Salary: $58,000.
• Landscape Architect – Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites. Median Annual Salary: $75,000.
• Architects – Plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures. Median Annual Salary: $81,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools with Bachelor’s in Architecture

Ready to start your Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology. USM Hattiesburg participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

NewSchool of Architecture and Design

Offers a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. NewSchool of Architecture and Design participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Arizona

Offers a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. The University of Arizona participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Colorado Boulder

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. The University of Colorado Boulder participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Master’s Degree in Architecture

A Master’s Degree in Architecture is a popular choice for those seeking to become licensed architects and those who do not want to pursue licensure but instead pursue other career paths, such as research or teaching.

In comprehensive graduate programs, students should gain a deeper knowledge of architecture’s techniques, traditions, inquiry methods, and production modes.

Schools with programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) are desired for those ultimately seeking professional licensure as an architect. Often these programs will be notated as a “First Professional” degree and/or IPAL (Integrated Path to Professional Licensure).

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Architecture

• Architectural Manager – Plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural companies. Median Annual Salary: $150,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools with Master’s in Architecture

Ready to start your Master’s Degree in Architecture? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

NewSchool of Architecture and Design

Offers a Master of Architecture, Master of Science of Architecture, and a Master of Architectural Studies. NewSchool of Architecture and Design participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Syracuse University

Offers a Master of Architecture (MArch) and a post-professional Master of Science (MS) in Architecture. Syracuse University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Doctorate in Architecture

Earning a doctoral degree in Architecture can help students reach the apex of their educational careers. Students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Architecture. A doctoral degree offers students the opportunity to become well-respected experts in their field.

Jobs with a Doctoral Degree in Architecture:

• Postsecondary teacher – Instruct students in Architecture courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
• Author – Develop written content for various types of media on the topic of Architecture. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.

 

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.

 

RELATED:

• Getting Your Master’s Degree in Architecture
• Scholarships for Architecture Majors