<p>I am currently finishing up a major in Classical Art and Archeology with a Classical Architecture Focus (and an irrelevant double major in Biochem). I strongly considered the field of architecture going into college, but opted for this route instead. However, now I am strongly considering pursuing it. I’m in the midwest, and Ball State has a program for career changers. You spend 2 semester and 2 summers taking all the UG arch courses, then take 2 more years to complete the normal accredited MArch. </p>
<p>First off, I know the market is already rough, but would by lack of an undergraduate architecture degree seriously hurt me in my job search? Also, any other insight (such as job market in midwest) would be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Not really, you can just get the M.Arch without having to waste your time with the UG stuff. There are plenty of students who complete M.Archs with Bachelors in fields other than Architecture.</p>
<p>What you do for undergraduate has very little bearing on your career success after completion of an M.Arch. </p>
<p>I’m not familiar with the Ball State program, but I would think that with an BA/BS in fine art + biochemistry you would be well prepared for any M.Arch program, which are usually 3 to 3.5 years. Just make sure that you’re covered in physics and calculus and that you are prepared to submit an excellent portfolio. Some work experience at an architectural firm is good for admissions and also good for you to learn how you feel about the profession.</p>
<p>If you want to stay in the midwest I’d suggest you look at Michigan, Cinncinnati and WUSTL for starters. Also, many M.Arch programs offer information days – usually in the Fall – for prospective students.</p>
<p>What about the Notre Dame program? As someone who studied classical art and architecture, that seems like a natural fit. I have a family, so the most important thing is getting a job afterwards. I know the economy is rough, but which schools in the midwest have the best placements. If you go to a good school are you likely to get a job paying at least 50K or so. Thanks!</p>
<p>I just found an article from 2007 talking about how all of there grads had at least 1 offer. Has the market shifted significantly since then? Thanks again!</p>
<p>Yes, Notre Dame is a great choice for a classical focus. I don’t know anything about their success in getting jobs for their graduates, but all graduate schools have placement programs and alumni networks. Before you decide, stop by and talk to them.</p>
<p>Also, employment doesn’t start after graduation. It’s part of an evolutionary process including summer jobs, internships, shadowing, networking. Start building your architecture resume now! One job leads to another: you gain experience and you make connections.</p>
<p>From my son’s experience (this is anecdotal, not statistical) it seems that jobs are opening up in architecture. This year’s summer internship opportunities were much better than last year. But there’s no way to generalize. Finding the job is up to you, no matter where you study.</p>
<p>I’d like to mention Cinncinnati again. Because this is a co-op focused program, you get school supported work experience as you study. It costs less and helps with the resume/experience building.</p>
<p>The biggest problem for M.Arch students is not, I think, getting a job, but paying for school. Grants are hard to come by and loans can be an enormous burden. So apply to a balanced list of schools and keep costs in mind.</p>