Architecture Degree or Masters in Architecture?

momrath
Thu, 10 Jul 2014 02:50:34 +0000

In response to your questions

1. The obvious answer is “practice architecture.” If this isn’t your intention then we’d need to know more about your long term goals in order to chart a course to achieve them. I’m not an architect, but my observation is that successful architects have followed many different educational paths. It’s confusing because there are so many ways to achieve the same end.

Architecture is a business, of course, and business education is helpful, but there are different aspects to the business side of architecture. For example, you could get an MBA, a law degree or a real estate development degree either in addition to or instead of an architecture degree. Urban planning is also closely related.


As @cagb1016 explained you will need either a BArch or an MArch in order to become a licensed architect. The BArch is an intensely focused program, and while you’d be able to take a few electives in business or whatever interests you it’s unlikely that it would be enough to qualify for a minor.
No real difference in content between a BArch and an MArch, though the MArch is an advanced degree and many architects have both. The biggest difference is in time and therefore cost. The BArch is generally 5.0 years and the M.Arch 2.0 to 3.5 years on top fo a 4.0 year BA or BS. You need to consider funding carefully, when choosing.


As mentioned, if you’re not ready to commit to an undergraduate BArch, you could get a BA or BS in architecture or architectural studies, which would allow you to minor or even double major in business. If on graduation, you’re sure you want architecture, then you could get an MArch.

I’d also suggest attending a summer Architecture Career Discovery Program which would give you an overview of what the profession entails.


Both UCLA and UCB have excellent MArch programs. For the BArch in CA look at USC and CalPoly.