Architecture BS/BA/BArch for B+ student interested in traditional architecture?

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D22 was extremely set in her path of study, but S26 is entirely the opposite. He seems to have settled into a desire to become an architect after exploring this field on his own and in an animation class.

In the meantime, as senior year looms, he is a bit behind in trying to generate a portfolio (feeling overwhelmed) and begin a list of schools that would be likely or target schools. He loves traditional architecture and, to a lesser extent, urban design as part of architecture, likes the idea of studying abroad, and likes the coop idea. His favorite program is University of Miami, which would be a high reach.

GPA: 3.84 weighted, unsure of unweighted but estimate ~3.5-3.6, AP US History, AP CompSci Principles, and AP Lang taken, with several more AP next year. Majority of classes are honors/DE/AP. Did a year of honors physics but will not have taken Calculus (and schedule is already set for next year). Large public high school, with limited counselor assistance. School does not provide class rank.

SAT (taken once): 620 Math 720 Verbal (1340).

No hooks, full pay, decent clubs, service, and extracurriculars but nothing national, etc. 4 year varsity sport. Taking a joint enrollment drawing class this summer and working. Would love merit aid/slightly lower base tuition if at all possible, since grad school seems likely.

Does this unicorn program exist?? Is an accredited program the best route? Would prefer the eastern half of the US. Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

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Drexel comes to mind immediately. Accredited for the intended major, should be a target for your student, built in architecture specific co op, study abroad, offers urban design courses, in the Eastern US (Philly), and gives merit $.

I’d recommend another try at the SAT with a focus on the math subsection (or a stab at an ACT practice test to see if he can score higher there). Increasing that score will open the door to more merit money. It would also move the needle to Drexel becoming a likely.

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He definitely should be looking at accredited schools as that is the most direct path to licensure. Most programs are either 5 year BArch followed by 1 year MArch or 4 year BS or BA followed by a 2 year MArch. So plan on 6 years of schooling followed by a multi year internship period and then the ARE exams. There are a few different paths to licensure and each state has its own requirements, but the above paths are generally the most direct.

When you mentioned co-ops, the University of Cincinnati came to mind. I like the idea of getting some practical experience while still in school.

Here is a website listing all of the accredited schools in the country. Should be a good starting point:

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Look into HWS:

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My grandson (GS23) had a lower GPA and SAT (possibly higher in math) and was accepted to the BArch program at Thomas Jefferson University (East Falls campus) and the BS in Architecture at Temple University. Unsurprisingly, he was denied for BArch at Penn State.

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Wentworth is a likely/target. It offers several architecture/design majors and has a First Year Exploratory Semester in design for those that aren’t sure about which major within design they would like to persue. They have a co-op program and encourage study abroad for architecture majors. I’m not sure how well they do on merit, but they encourage applying EA for additional scholarships.

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Illinois Institute of technology IIT has a great architecture program. It is in Chicago. The university would probably be a likely for your student. There is no application fee

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Thanks so much! He is definitely looking at Drexel. The total cost is estimated at $86,000 per year, and the website isn’t super forthcoming on scholarships, but the approximate average merit is $23,000, which keeps the cost higher than we were hoping (~$40,000/year). Will also talk to him about retaking the SAT.

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Thank you! We’re definitely utilizing the accredited programs list, but there seem to be some very nice programs that aren’t accredited for undergrad, and I was curious if anyone had any experience with those, such as Kent State. I understand the path may be longer. University of Cincinnati coop program and their comparatively lower base tuition/room and board put this one on the list!

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Thank you! This one wasn’t really on our radar until now, but we’ll spend some time looking and plan to apply EA.

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Thank you! I love this program for my son, but it is no longer accredited by NAAB, so we were unsure how much weight to give that factor. I know it will set him on the grad school path and is less expedient, but we were unsure if there are other drawbacks. Thanks for the suggestion!

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Thank you!! Appreciate the person experience information! Do you mind sharing where he eventually went to school? If Thomas Jefferson University, how did it go??

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Thank you! Requested info from them and will spend time looking over their website. It looks like they are generous with merit, so that’s helpful. Think he would enjoy Chicago!

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Because of the structure of HWS’s program, I do not believe it is eligible for accreditation. In such a case, it would be important for your son to take the necessary prerequisites for a graduate degree. Nonetheles, he may appreciate the space to explore a range of academics as an undergraduate, for which HWS could be advantageous. In terms of outcomes for its architectural studies students, HWS’s site indicates that its graduates have pursued accredited professional degrees at top master’s programs in architecture, including those of Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Cornell, Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, Michigan and Berkeley.

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Cinci is very known for their coop program. I would focus on them over KSU.

Seconding ITT (I didn’t know that Chicago would still be an acceptable location ; )). UIC might also be worth a look.

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He chose Temple (his 1st choice school), did well for a semester, but decided he didn’t want to pursue architecture after all (challenging major, 5-7 years of school) and dropped out of college. He is now completing an HVAC program at a trade school.

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A non-NAAB-accredited program will need additional study (typically for an MArch) at additional time and cost to get to the first professional degree.

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Super helpful, thank you! I wish our area did a better job promoting the trades, as they provide such an excellent alternative.

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However, master’s programs may value students who have pursued a broad undergraduate education. These are Harvard’s guidelines, for example:

It seems that only four specific courses are required for consideration:

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I would suggest your son dig deeper into what a BArch education entails before making a commitment. Architecture schools are aware of the BArch’s high dropout rate and are usually quite generous with their time offering information sessions, tours, contact with current students etc., both online and in person. If you have questions reach out to them.

I would note that with a BArch an MArch is not required for licensure, though it’s not uncommon for architects to get both degrees. It’s also not uncommon to get a BA or BS — in architecture, environmental design or (really!) any other major — at one college, then get a MArch at another, often with work experience in between.

Over the years many schools of architecture have dropped their BArch programs in favor of a BA/BS+MArch. That’s why the BArchs of some well known schools of architecture are listed as “no longer accredited”. However, their MArchs are. The architecture board does not accredit BAs or BSs separately from MArchs.

There are quite a few very good programs that don’t require portfolios, however if your son is artistically talented then the portfolio, where allowed or recommended, is a plus. Bear in mind that the portfolio need not include architectural drawings. The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate facility with several media, especially drawing, plus creativity and presentation.

In addition to Drexel and Cincinnati, Northeastern offers a co-op program, though it has become rather selective.

It’s very difficult to gauge the selectivity of BArch and BS/BA+MArch programs as, for some reason, admission statistics are not widely available.

In addition to the schools already mentioned in this thread, your son might also look at:
BArch
Auburn
Boston Architectural College

BS/BA+MArch
Clemson
Kent State
Roger Williams
U of Maryland

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