<p>Our son is completing 4 years at a small liberal arts school that has limited courses in computer/art. (He got a scholarship of $15,000/yr and it seemed very enticing at the time). However, of course, his talents really do lie in the art/computer arena. Last year he switched his major to studio art but has been unable to take advanced classes in subjects he now realizes he loves. He can see himself in many areas from architecture to special effects to graphic design. What should he do now? Go to a state college for another bachelor’s degree? Find a master’s program?<br>
You might ask why on earth he went to a college that didn’t offer much art. Well, at 18 he rejected all of his prior art training, and said it didn’t interest him anymore. Now he’s grown up. And he got to be the captain of a Div 3 golf team and play 4 years, which was his passion at the time.
Wise counsel?</p>
<p>It seems to me that that’s what master’s programs are for!</p>
<p>A master’s at your state university. Definitely.</p>
<p>He’s grown now, and should spearhead this search. How 'bout programs with a strong coop component, so he can work and learn at the same time?</p>
<p>can one get a masters in architecture without ever having underlying undergraduate classes?</p>
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<p>My understanding is yes. To get into a Masters of Architecture program you basically need to submit an art portfolio, an undergraduate transcript and GRE scores. The portfolio may include architectural drawings and models, but does not necessarily have to. </p>
<p>My son did take a couple of architectural drawing classes, but the direction given him by his instructors – who are both architects with degrees from a top program – was that his portfolio should concentrate on more creative work, e.g., drawings, paintings, prints. They said that presentation was extremely influential.</p>
<p>Some masters programs require college level calculus and/or physics. Some do not. I suggest that your son spend some time on line looking at the requirements of the schools that he may be interested in. My impression was that some lean more toward the engineering side of architecture; some more toward design.</p>
<p>Getting an M.Arch is a major commitment in time and money and it’s a completely different path from a masters in design or fine arts. Many M.Arch programs have admissions information days. My son attended two and it really helped focus his direction. In the end he decided to take an entry level job at an architecture firm in order to get a better of idea of what the profession is all about.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your information. It is truly amazing how much maturing can go on between 18 and 22. I would have never believed it. He is now conducting a fairly rational search process and I’m quite proud of him.</p>
<p>Architecture schools may also require physics and calculus. It’s a three year masters program.</p>
<p>the situation your son found himself in is one of the primary drawbacks associated with small LAC’s, ie the limited course offererings and faculty resources.</p>
<p>And in some departments these limitations even present themselves within the student’s chosen major. Our son applied to a number of LAC’s and while they would have provided him with a fine gereral education, none could have provided him the opportunity to challenge himself in the area which interests him, AI and cognition.</p>