LAC Architecture

username10 · 11-01-2007, 04:55 PM

I am very interested in a couple liberal arts colleges. One has a 3-1 (or maybe 3-2) program with a major university and the other does not. Does anyone have any opinions on the cooperative program? Also, if a LAC doesn't have a set program, is it still possible to pursue architecture without transferring? How about graduate school? Thanks

username10 · 11-09-2007, 11:54 PM

bump................

soozievt · 11-10-2007, 08:03 AM

I don't know the 3-1 or 3-2 programs for architecture, though have heard of such a thing for engineering. Those are viable options, though my personal preference would be to pick a college I could stay at for four years, but that is just a personal interest.

As to going onto a MArch degree program for graduate school, indeed you CAN apply to grad school for architecture coming out of ANY college, including LACs and from ANY major. You need not have majored in architecture as an undergrad! You will need a portfolio to get into grad school. As an undergrad, it would be wise, no matter your major, to take some art classes (such as drawing and sculpture or design), some history of architecture, Calculus and Physics. Many students from other majors go onto arch grad schools. Also some go from a studio arts major to arch grad school. If you attend a college with no arch studies classes, that's fine but one thing you may wish to look into (but is not required), is a summer intensive such as the ones offered at Harvard or Columbia, and/or a semester or year abroad in an arch focused study program. These experiences would introduce you to architecture before you commit to grad school, as well as augment your liberal arts background.

va bene · 11-11-2007, 06:02 PM

I would highly recommend LAC arch. programs. I came out of an LAC with a BA in Architectural Studies, and it was a great experience.

The good: Studio Experience with the option to take other classes outside of Architecture. Also, if you decide that architecture is not for you, there are always plenty of other options.

The not so good: Coming out of the program you will not be able to get your license. You need a professional degree (B.Arch or M.Arch).

My LAC also had a 3+2 program with Wash. U in St. Louis. I don't know of anyone who took advantage of the program, though I do know of a couple who are there for grad school now.

What school are you looking at?

username10 · 11-11-2007, 07:01 PM

@ va bene:

I really want to go to Carleton, which doesn't have an arch major or cooperative program, but does have very good art, physics departments and architectural class offerings. However, from browsing the net it has become apparent that I could still get into grad school and become an architect with a BA in another field. The liberal arts program is just so appealing, since I truly am undecided! The other school I'm considering is Macalester, which has a partnership with Wash.U.
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Thanks for the replies!

momrath · 11-11-2007, 11:38 PM

user, most LACs (and universities for that matter) offer graduate school advice. I would write to Carlton and Macalester and ask them about their track record in sending their BA/BS graduates to architecture graduate school. I'm not so keen on 3/2 programs because I think that after 2 or 3 years you'll want to finish at one school, but I do believe that a degree from Carlton or Macalester would certainly qualify you to get into an MArch program.

LACalum · 11-13-2007, 09:32 AM

Totally anecdotal, but I know of at least two people from my graduating class at Carleton that went straight into architecture programs and are doing quite well there right now. Architecture, Engineering, and business are all careers that are good examples of fields in which, because of the necessity of graduate work (or on-the-job training in business), having an undergraduate degree specifically for that career isn't particularly important.