Architecture at Smith

[usjo2]

<p>Hi,
does anyone know how good the architecture major at Smith College is? Is it more theoretical or more practical?
Would be great if you could help me,
thz Johanna</p>

[momrath]

<p>usjo, I don’t have any firsthand knowledge about Smith’s architecture concentration but would say that in general the arts at Smith are very good. </p>

<p>You do know don’t you that you would still need to get an advanced degree in order to practice as an architect? Are you also considering colleges that have 5 year architecture courses like Cornell, or design schools like RISD?</p>

<p>I think the best course would be to sit down with a faculty member at Smith and find out what happens to their architecture graduates. Are they successful in getting into good graduate programs? Does the college have a good track record in placing students in internships?</p>

<p>This is an explanation that was posted in response to a question about architecture at Amherst which I think could apply to Smith as well.</p>

<p>

@Corbett

You will ultimately need to attend grad school for an NAAB-accredited MArch degree. So you should review the “pre-arch” requirements of such programs. Probably some math, physics, and art. </p>

<p>MArch degrees normally take 3 years. But grad schools commonly offer “advanced standing” to students who complete a lot of architecture-related coursework as an undergrad. In this case, the MArch can be completed in only 2 years. </p>

<p>If you go to Amherst, then there is an MArch program right next door at UMass, so this is an obvious resource. Why not ask them? Furthermore, UMass also offers architecture courses at the undergraduate level. You might be able to design an Amherst College “Architectural Studies” major, which would include some specialized architecture courses at UMass. In this case, your Amherst BA might qualify you for “advanced standing” in architecture grad school, which would be unusual for a LAC degree.</p>

<p>This is total speculation on my part, but it seems like it might work.

</p>

[mackinaw]

<p>I want to make a correction to the above information. You do not need an MArch to become a practicing architect. Alternatively, you can earn a BArch from an accredited program. As Momrath suggests, a BArch is a 5-year program, which you would start from freshman year; it is very intensive. If you do not earn a BArch (let’s say you study art, or “architectural studies,” or German, or literature, or political science, or theater, etc.) then if you want to become an architect you would enroll in a 2-4 year MArch program. The length of time depends in part on your level of preparation or background.</p>

<p>To repeat: a BArch and an MArch are completely equivalent from the standpoint of training. But afterwards, with either degree, you have to go through a period of internship/training with a licensed architect firm before you can get your architecture license.</p>

[worried_mom]

<p>Mackinaw is correct – You do not need a MArch to become an architect IF you have a BArch from an accredited program. The key is the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) accreditation. You must graduate from an NAAB program in order to sit for the licensing exam if you plan to be a practicing architect. </p>

<p>Please note that the Smith College “architecture” major is DEFINITELY NOT an NAAB-accredited program. It’s just a BA degree in art (with an architecture focus) – so you would have to go on to get a MArch if you really want to be an architect.</p>

[momrath]

<p>Thanks, Mackinaw! :)</p>