possible schools/majors for B.A. before M.Arch.

Davie223 · 08-15-2007, 01:56 PM

Hi everyone,

I'd like to do the "4+2" route, and so far I've chosen Colgate, Macalester, and Vanderbilt for B.A. schools. Can anyone comment on these schools and mention other schools that have good pre-architecture programs? Also, what majors are good for preparing for studying architecture at graduate level? I can only think of art and art history.

KandKsmom · 08-15-2007, 03:47 PM

I mentioned this guidebook on another thread in the arch forum. It was at Barnes and Noble- titled the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2008 edition. In the front of the book ( of course the rest of it had very in depth overviews of numerous colleges and universities) was a breakdown of schools that are strong in different areas, architecture being one of them. It categorized the schools that had accredited arch programs, but also listed schools - publics and privates- large and small- that had pre-arch programs. I thought it was really helpful to start out with. Hope this helps!

momrath · 08-15-2007, 07:37 PM

Davie, Some university and colleges have architecture studies or pre-architecture programs that focus on (obviously) architecture, but are not the same as B.Arch programs. However, you can still get into M.Arch programs with a liberal arts degree that does not specifically focus on architecture and, you are correct, Art studio and art history are a good place to start.

Some other colleges that have a good combination of art studio and art history are: Yale, Brown, Williams, Wesleyan, Vassar, Hamilton, Conn College, Skidmore, Kenyon. If you are female, Smith.

Along with taking art and art history you'll want to pick up some physics and math/calculus and do some interning over the summers in a professional architecture environment. Most colleges and universities have architecture counselors who will help you with the requirements for M.Arch programs and the M.Arch schools themselves also have information sessions.

In any event, be sure to submit a portfolio of your work when you are applying for college, even if you do not intend to major in studio art.

soozievt · 08-15-2007, 08:34 PM

Great advice above from Momrath. A few of the schools she mentioned that have good art studio and art history also have architectural studies (BA) majors....namely Yale, Brown, Conn College, and Smith.

cheers · 08-16-2007, 05:35 PM

Isn't it 4 + 3 generally?

Quote:

Admission with Advanced Standing
Individuals who have completed a preprofessional four-year bachelor of
arts or bachelor of science degree with a major in architecture or
environmental design may be eligible for admission with advanced
standing. Such applicants will be considered for placement in the third
term of the program, thus reducing the required course of study to
two-and-one-half years. Applicants for advanced standing must have
completed the same preparation in college-level calculus, physics, and
history as described in the previous paragraph, as well as undergraduate
courses that are roughly analogous to the course of study of the first year
of the graduate program, demonstrating high achievement in design.

http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/academic/arch/MArch%20I.html