archiemom

If one earns a BArch, then the only reason to add the MArch is if you really like school or intend to teach. For practical application, the BArch is all you need towards licensure as an architect.

arkitex

The other thing to remember is that you have to participate in the Intern Development Program (IDP) through NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) after you graduate. Depending on the degree you have, the number of years of IDP before qualifying to sit for the exam differs, but in terms of time, it's a bit of a trade-off. But archiemom is correct. Also, go for an MArch if there's some particular kind of research you'd like to get into or if you want to go more indepth in an intellectual pursuit prior to getting work experience. The first xx years of work experience are important (you'll learn things you don't get in school), but not necessarily 'intellectual'!

vyan

queen-"another one bites the dust"

anyways, archkid

you better make sure you ARE POSITIVE, I MEAN, ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that you are passionate about architecture. Do keep in mind the bitter truth of low-salary, but that shouldn't be your concern.

People have said that a 5 year B.arch program is more rigorous than B.A program. Going to a B.A is less rigorous, and thus give you opportunities to explore other majors if you are in doubt of staying. Thus, my point is, cutting Berkeley is a bad choice.

Fallinwater0328

Dear archkid,
I am glad that you know what you are heading to. Architecture is a heartbreaking business if not a brutal education. The making of a women architect does not allow a faint of heart, to point out a sad sociological fact that women will make 66% of what men make by doing the same job is one more reason to consider choosing a 4-year program over a 5-year route. Because guys can make same amount of money by obtaining a bachelors degree from a state university as ladies working super hard by getting a masters degree from an Ivy graduate school. You've got to be 1000% positive to commit yourself to architecture, or it is simply not for you.

so_ein_quatsch

Going off of what fallinwater just said, in the business of architecture, like in the sciences profession, women often have to work twice as hard and be twice as innovative to obtain credit (or grants etc). So it's a commitment not to simply work super hard by getting a masters at an Ivy, but also a commitment to sticking it out in the gendered workplace

phoenician

Thanks, I think I'm able to breathe now that things got clearer.

msheft

There are a few schools (University of Kansas and I think Kansas State starting next year) that have a 5 year MArch degree. According to KU, you enter the program just like a 5-year BArch program but get a MArch degree without the BArch. Also according to KU website, they state it is actually 5 1/2 years but the 1/2 year can be study abroad, internship, working at an architecture firm during the summer. It can be done during the summer before your 5th year. Does anyone know more about their program.

Fallinwater0328

Gender inequality, as I've addressed in my previous post, is the main reason that keeps me away from doing the BArch at USC. Unfortunately, my roomates (female architecture students) don't understand that. I always felt I can do whatever I want... until I started to face the cold reality of not having money to make my dreams happen.
"A great client deserves a great architecture", an instructor told me, he asked, "Why don't you become a developer or at least find a developer husband or a banker or something like that?" If I were the person I once were, I would say, "What an insult!" But I am more aware of my situation than ever! I responded calmly, "You are right." This doesn't mean I become a submissive, brainless, anti-feminist, dumb girl, this means I am mature enough to make a CORRECT decision.I encourage other girls to do the same, IF YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO CRACK THINGS LIKE ARCHITECTURE, YOU ARE DEFINITELY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME RICH! Do what you have to do so you can do what you what to do!

jackht27

is an architect's salary really THAT low?

Fallinwater0328

Go to archinect.com and click the "salary poll" section, see it yourself. On average, the starting salary is no more than $30,000 per year (that is, before tax) The starting salary at starchitecture firms is really pathetic unless you work for corporate firms such as SOM, KPF etc, your salary will not be comparable to that of an engineer. Again, women architects make 2/3 of what men architects make. Please take that into consideration.

jackht27

Well, there is also room to grow as far as salary goes anyway.

And I always have law as a backup. I'm DMing in Political Science.

archkid

Some of the above gender related posts are addressed specifically to me while others might be more for female arch students in general. My take is that they were all meant in a spirit of support for women in architecture and will leave it with yes, I'm very aware, and thank you for your thoughts.

-sara

archkid

Now as far as the best path to fame and fortune in architecture goes, (assuming f&f is your goal). Do you really think; college prep high school - elite, selective lac undergrad BS degree - Ivy MArch - prestigious firm early employment, is THE way? Seems to me it's a very crowded pathway. Isn't great architecture premised on creativity, innovation and unique thinking? Shouldn't we be running away from the herd mentality and seeking the paths less taken?

-sara

vyan

There is no room for howard roark.

caliboi1313

i think its gonna come down to carnegie and cal poly