Business vs. Engineering

tyguy700 · 12-12-2007, 09:55 AM

Im going to RPI next year for Architecture, the 5 year B. Arch program
I want to minor/double major in either business or either architecture
Which would be the most advantageous for my career? (salaries,etc)

tyguy700 · 12-14-2007, 11:56 AM

anyone know?

sashimi46 · 12-14-2007, 12:18 PM

id say business though i would really first focus on being a really good arch student. i dont think minoring in business or engineering would give you higher starting salaries as an intern architect but will def give you a wider perspective on things

tyguy700 · 12-28-2007, 01:18 PM

thanks a lot

4trees · 12-28-2007, 07:32 PM

tyguy700,

Would you be willing to share what it was about Architecture at RPI that made you choose it over any other schools you applied to? Thanks.

tyguy700 · 12-28-2007, 07:45 PM

There are several things about the school that interested me. First of all, i recieved a 15,000 dollar a year scholarship for 5 years that definitely affected my decision. But other than that the school has a great reputation as an engineering school and in general and is very selective. My grades were good enough to get in so i went for it.

The size seemed to be a perfect match for me. At around 5,000 the school was not massive but was not a tiny art school, with about 60 freshmem each year in the Arch. school. The Arch building i visited was very nice with its own Architecture Library and all the facilities of most other Arch schools.

Another standout feature of RPI architecture was that when i told the arch. school i wanted to swim and do a sport they did not tell me it was impossible, but encouraged the idea. At other schools, like syracuse, they scoffed at the idea and told me i will have no time for anything but architecture.

Haha i could go on bragging about it and how much i like it but in reality its just the perfect match for me. And i didnt apply to any other schools because i did early decision. I also looked into Pratt, Syracuse, (Ivy leagues were a little too expensive, i needed a scholarship for a private school and wouldnt get one with them) and several other schools in the North East. Hope this helps.

azeri · 12-28-2007, 07:59 PM

That was helpful-I've been looking into RPI, and it was nice to hear a student's perspective.

In response, I have no idea, but I am thinking of minoring in engineering, though I guess a business minor could be useful if you ever want to have your own firm?

4trees · 12-28-2007, 08:20 PM

Thanks. ED can be a good way to make the decision.... Plus, of course the money help can be huge. My son visited (and applied regular decision) RPI and Syracuse plus a few others. He's a California kid but ONLY wants to go to a northeast school so your input is helpful. Of course he has to get accepted to more than one before he can have the luxury of choosing, eh?

aint no cover · 03-14-2008, 09:20 PM

thanks tyguy that was actually a big help
i just got into RPI today! i haven't heard from syracuse yet, but if i do i'll have a really big decision. rpi is ranked as a better college, but syracuse is ranked as a better architecture program.

but i also recently got into NYU which is a much harder school to get into.. but it's not a 5 yr BArch, it's just a BA in urban/arch studies with more lib.arts than rpi/syracuse.

question: should i go to a more selective college (even if it's not an arch school) or a better ranked architecture program (even if it's a lower ranked college)? either way i plan on getting a masters degree in architecture. also, most architects whom i've spoken with went to normal 4 yr universities then decided to study arch. in grad school.

*i realize ranking is not everything but i feel like i should go to the best school i can get into...i have already decided i will be happy whatever i choose*

tyguy700 · 03-15-2008, 12:23 PM

im glad i could help

i think you should visit both the colleges and see which one is better for you. because between the arch school rankings and the school rankings i think they are about even. so imagine that they are on even playing field and see which one you lean towards.

thats just my suggestion(and pick rpi hahaha just kidding)

noopsgnitaenam · 03-15-2008, 12:51 PM

Yeah, def with tyguy, you're not going to lose on either of the rankings. Visit and see which suits you more. The one that is going to be better for you is the one that you are going to be able to succeed at and will put you where you want to be doing in life.

archiemom · 03-15-2008, 08:22 PM

Neither...go to the college that you will enjoy spending the next 5 years at.

Why are you already set on an M.Arch, especially if you earn a B.Arch?

To be come a registered architect in any state (I believe) requires a B.Arch professional degree OR another undergraduate degree, followed by an M.Arch. An M.Arch after a B.Arch is redundant, and only useful should you desire to teach architecture in a 4 or 5 year degree program. In addition to the required degree, one needs to work under the guidance of a reistered architect for three years, completing a wide range of tasks/experiences and documenting same. And, of course, pass your state's licensing exam.

I have worked in the field for almost 30 years (having passed the licensing exam in 1984), and I know very few architects with masters degrees. I also know that having a masters is not an advantage in gaining employment in most firms.

So...go to whichever school you like best. Both RPI and Syracuse are good choices. With the possible exception of Cornell and Yale, no one will care where your degree came from...just how talented and hard-working you are once you actually get into the workforce.

msheft · 03-15-2008, 11:37 PM

archiemom:

In most states a B.Arch is required to become a registered architect (according to the state web sites). My son is a jr in high school and we checked into the requirements for Illinois (since that is where we live). Illinois is one exception. You can have a BS in Architecture Studies to become registered. But that is changing. As of Jan 1, 2014, in Illinois you will have to have a B.Arch.

archiemom · 03-16-2008, 03:08 PM

True, true. I did not mean to imply that all states would accept an M.Arch as the professional degree required towards registration, but I believe some still do. Those states may also have a longer work requirement than the standard three years. As always, check with your own state registration requirements.

Of course many folks go on to have successful careers without becoming licensed. Of course then you can not legally call yourself an "architect"; you are then an architectural designer.