<p>Your GPA will not prevent you from studying architecture, but first you have to understand the different degrees available to you. The fastest and most direct approach is to get a bachelor’s of architecture or BArch. This is generally a 5 year program and is offered at about 30 universities in the US. This degree would allow you to proceed to becoming a licensed architect upon graduation. (You’d still have to take several exams and fulfill the work requirements.) Some BArch programs require a portfolio for admission, some do not. </p>
<p>The other path that you can take is to get an undergraduate bachelor’s of science or bachelor’s of art PLUS a masters of architecture or MArch. The BA/BS usually takes 4 years and the MArch from 1.0 to 3.5 years depending on the undergraduate degree. </p>
<p>With a BS or BA can be in architectural studies or really ANY major that interests you, art or art history for example, you can get into an MArch program as long as you fulfill certain requirements for admission. Generally speaking, you do not need to submit a portfolio for admissions to a BA or BS program, and usually don’t have to declare a major until sometime in your sophomore year. </p>
<p>There are quite a few schools in the New York/New Jersey area that offer the BArch, and a great number at which you could study for a BA or BS in architectural studies or another major. NYU offers a degree in Urban Design and Architecture Studies as part of their art history department. This would be a good foundation for entry into a MArch program.</p>