Architecture isn’t offered at college I want to go to
MadLad0913
7 replies2 discussionsRegistered User Posts: 9 New Member
Hello! I will soon be a junior in high school and wanted to pursue a career in architecture. However, the college (Colorado State University) I’m currently planning on going to, doesn’t have a architecture program (only interior). What do I do? CSU offers the NALA to native American students, so switching really isn’t an option. Civil engineer looks interesting, but do you get design stuff as a civil engineer? Can I still go to the college, and somehow pursue a degree in architecture? Any help or feedback is greatly appreciated!
17 replies
Replies to: Architecture isn’t offered at college I want to go to
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Architecture#United_States
Many of the universities with BArch programs offer need-based aid. Ask your parents to use the schools' on-line calculators to find out how much need-based aid you would be eligible for. This may turn out to be enough; it depends on the individual school's policy and your family's economic situation. Some with also offer merit scholarships, but these are more difficult to predict.
As far as I know there are no BArch programs in Colorado, but there are several, both public and private, in nearby states. You have to research them one-by-one to find out whether you'd be eligible for need-based or merit aid.
Getting an undergraduate degree in engineering, architectural studies or anything else, then getting an MArch is a common route to becoming an architect. Funding is available for the MArch, but it's also difficult to predict. I suggest you start by asking the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture what type of financial aid they offer for the MArch.
Some (but not all) schools of architecture require that applicants submit an art/architecture portfolio with their application. You have to check each school's requirements. Engineering is a fine profession, but it's quite different from architecture. Before you give up on architecture, try to match up BArch programs with NALA awards and run a few net price calculators to see if need-based aid is workable for you. Since you're just starting junior year, you have plenty of time to sort this out.
Absolutely, they design bridges, roads, foundations, dams, etc.
Maybe the link below can shed some light.
https://civilengineersforum.com/difference-between-architect-and-civil-engineer/
In California there is Cal Poly. (California State University, San Luis Obispo ) the school has a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.) It is a beautiful campus with a college town atmosphere. They have Architecture and they also have Native American Scholarships. They actively look for successful minority candidates.
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/article139445283.html
The NALA is for OOS students. OOS cost of attendance is $44k and the NALA is worth $18k, leaving you $26 to pay. That's still a lot. What state do you live in? You might find a program in your home state that is cheaper.
Wyoming: http://www.uwyo.edu/civil/
Utah: http://www.cap.utah.edu/
NM: http://saap.unm.edu/
Plenty of options for you.
The BArch is available at the University of Maine, Augusta, but not at any school in Montana.
No BArch at any school in the three states listed in post #12. Or Nevada.
There are, however, plenty of BArch programs all over the country at which you might qualify for need-based or merit aid, separate from NALA. If you'd give an idea of your grades, artistic interest and family income we could help narrow down the search. If your grades, scores and interest in architecture are within range, then your native American demographic would give you a boost at many schools.