Pros/cons of either of these programs. I’m well aware of the advantages of the SLO BArch. What are the advantages of the Berkeley BA (w/ probable 2 year M.Arch added)?
That’s the whole point…you have to add MArch or you can’t practice independently. A 4 year degree only sets one up to be someone’s well trained technician.
Cal Poly is routinely ranked in the top 10 by Architect magazine, usually in the top 5, currently 4, and has been #1. It’s hard to fathom why someone would choose a longer, more expensive, less certain option if CP is in the bag.
Cal Poly also offers ArchE should your student find that a more interesting angle. They’re one of the few ABET accredited ArchE programs in the nation.
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Over the course of several decades the Master of Architecture has become an increasingly expected degree, to the extent that many BArch holders eventually will pursue an MArch as well.
I think this is due to the ever evolving complexity of architecture into tangents and niches that are pertinent to the practice today: for example, sustainability, digital design, community involvement, government regulation, innovative materials and technologies. A deep and broad background in the art history of building design is also important as architecture is a combination of technology, art and commerce.
Along with considering the different curriculums (and different time and money investments) I would also consider the different cultures and environments of the parent institutions. Neither is better than the other, but the composition of the overall student bodies will lead to different undergraduate experiences.
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Please cit a reference.
On an interesting side note, according to College Scorecard, Cal Poly BArch grads earn $6k more than Cornell MArch grads.
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I appreciate the feedback. The status of getting into Cal and not taking the spot is a hard one to let go of for my kiddo. Her HS has LOTS of kids that get into SLO, so there’s an element of pride going on here. She got into every B.Arch program she applied to, most with significant merit aid. Cal is the only BA she is considering.
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Yep. My husband is a structural engineer in California and works with many SLO and Pomona grads. They are known as being extremely competent technicians, but not necessarily for innovative or creative design. My kiddo is one of those people with crazy good spatial sense, and is extremely artistic. So she might thrive in a program that adds the technique at the end rather than beginning.
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She got into Drexel as well with significant merit aid and a portfolio scholarship. Their program is a 2+4 where you’re doing studio work for two years and then actually working and going to school part time for four. It ends in a BArch wiyh five years of work experience right out of college. They have just about the highest starting salary of any program in the nation.
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Their arch engineering program is truly one of the kind in the US.
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Thanks for the feedback. I’m surveying a lot of groups and most people think SLO is the obvious way to go. I’m looking for the counter argument and appreciate your point of view.
FWIW, our son is a CP mechanical engineering alum from out of state. Cal filled his inbox with assurances that he’d get in, and students from his school with lesser stats did. He simply didn’t want a school with giant lectures and heavy reliance on TAs.
As for CP grads lacking design experience, that’s certainly not been the experience of our son. He was the first new grad hired by a highly anticipated startup, was then recruited by multiple FAANG companies, and works for one now.
According to College Scorecard, CP and Drexel grads earn the same.
At the end of the day, she should go where she wants to go.
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I honestly feel blessed to be a resident of California and I have this decision. Whichever she chooses, I’m sure someone will be very happy to get her spot in whatever she declines. I appreciate your perspective!
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No statistics; just personal observation among my son’s architecture colleagues and from perusing architect firm bios. Similar to the tendency of many people with undergraduate degrees in business to get MBAs eventually.
Cal Poly SLO is a great school that produces accomplished architects. So does UCB. But there’s no question that the overarching cultures are different. The OP’s daughter probably prefers one over the other.
Architecture is a broad and varied profession. Same goes for schools of architecture. Although all BArch and MArch curriculums cover an architecture board designated balance of design, structures and technology, the focus and emphasis may vary from school to school.
Before making a decision I’d suggest considering college/university culture as a whole, the extracurriculars, the most popular majors, the arts and social activities. I would also compare the actual architecture curriculums, the studio progression, the travel and study abroad opportunities, the ability to dabble in non-architecture disciplines.
I would also note that it’s quite common for BA/BS holders to work for a few years as architectural designers before heading back to graduate school for an MArch, either at the same school as their undergraduate degree or at a different school.
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