Building a Great Career: Getting a Degree in Architecture
Architecture is the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings. Popular across all degree levels, Architecture can be found in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. Architecture can also be found at the Associate degree level and as a Certificate program.
What can you do with an Architecture Degree?
Earning a Degree in Architecture can prepare students for a great career with excellent pay.
From entry-level architecture jobs such as drafting and building inspectors to those seeking advanced degrees for more lucrative careers such as an architect or urban planner-an architecture degree provides students with a wide variety of educational goals and career opportunities.
Is an Architecture Degree hard?
A Degree in Architecture is not difficult to earn. Students that put in the time and effort will find that earning a Degree in Architecture will be easy and rewarding. An Architecture Degree is ideal for students that have interests and/or strengths in skills such as:
- Design
- Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Math
- Leadership/Team-Building
Because there are so many opportunities in architecture at every degree level, there is truly an opportunity for everyone in the study and career field of architecture!
Is an Architecture Degree worth it?
Yes, a Degree in Architecture is worth it! An architecture degree is a great investment. The median annual salary for an architect is $80,000 with architects working in government industries averaging well over $100,000. Be the boss and become an architectural manager to have a median annual salary of over $150,000.
Don’t forget, a Degree in Architecture isn’t just for aspiring architects! There are a wide variety of jobs and career fields for those earning a certificate or degree in architecture from cartographers to designers to urban planners.
Use your GI Bill benefits and other educational entitlements (such as Yellow Ribbon benefits, scholarships, and grants) and you can earn a six-figure career in under four years without spending a dime!
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 as preparation 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 will prepare students for a career in the field of architecture with a wide range of desirable skills. Students will be able to positively participate in a cooperative group learning environment. At the conclusion of 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 a holistic 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 will provide the foundation required to prepare students for an internship in an architectural firm and for 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.
New School of Architecture and Design
Offers a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. New School 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 a licensed architect as well as those who do not want to pursue licensure but instead take other career paths such as research or teaching.
In comprehensive graduate programs, students should gain a deeper knowledge of architecture’s techniques, traditions, methods of inquiry, and modes of production.
For those ultimately seeking professional licensure as an architect, schools with programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) are desired. 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:
New School of Architecture and Design
Offers a Master of Architecture, Master of Science of Architecture, and a Master of Architectural Studies. New School 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 will help bring students to the apex of their educational career. 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.
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