<p>So, I’m nearing the end of my sophomore year and I am stuck between two courses of study that aren’t actually offered at my school, Architecture and Medical Illustration. [We have Landscape Architecture, but I’m not a big fan of the outdoors and I kinda like the idea of going into historical preservation and such.] There are classes that I could take that would go along with these, but since I’m running out of time, I don’t really want to get this “wrong.” </p>
<p>I know for medical illustration I could just major/minor in art/biology, but I don’t really want to solely major in either of those. [I’d keep my current biology major, but chemistry really kicks my ass.]
For architecture, I can’t think of any major here that goes with it except for maybe civil engineering or the landscape architecture major. [I’m not too keen on either of those.]
I know that for either of these I could just do Multidisciplinary Studies [three minors] of an Individualized Major, but I’d rather have a regular major. [Even if it keeps me here an extra semester, because I’ve finally stopped freaking out about that.] I’m worried that MS or IM would make me look less…legit? I just feel like when applying to graduate school [which I know I’d have to do for both of those] or when finding a job, some thing like Multidisciplinary Studies would look like I picked a BS major. [I know it’s not, I’m just worried that it will look like it.]</p>
<p>My other option of course is to transfer, but I feel like that is easier said than done. I’m going to be a junior in the Fall and this late in the semester I’d have to wait to apply next Spring. Also, since I’m this far into college, I know that transfer schools will prefer my college grades over my high school ones. I haven’t done poorly in college, but I definitely did better in high school. [I had some issues adjusting to college that took longer than they should have.] I’ve mostly got it fixed now, but I’m nowhere near where I should be. There’s also the problem of cost and location. I go to my current school for free, but there is no way that I could afford to go out of state. My mother is in the process of finding a house/having a baby so I’m not asking her for any financial assistance. I don’t mind going out of state, I will just be annoyed at having to stay in a dorm since rent elsewhere is likely more expensive.</p>
<p>So, yeah. Should I design my own course of study [major/minor combo, double major, MS/IM], and if so, what would you suggest? Or, should I transfer, and if so, where to?</p>
<p>Thanks!
[Sorry if any of this is confusing, I tend to ramble.]</p>
<p>Here are some things to consider:
- As long as your grades are high enough and you have the necessary pre-architecture courses, you can finish at your current school and then apply for a professional master’s program in architecture. You should check the admission requirements for graduate architecture programs that interest you. An undergrad major in architecture is not necessarily required as long as you have 2 terms each of calculus, physics, architectural history, and some studio drawing courses. Even if you could do an undergrad architecture degree, it wouldn’t qualify you for professional practice. If your current school is free, take the prerequisites and save the money for architecture grad school.
- You could switch to a major you think is more directly relevant to architecture (including historic preservation). Besides Art, these might include History of Art & Architecture, Urban Studies/Planning (possibly found in the Geography Dept.), Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or, Construction Management.
- I wouldn’t rule out Landscape Architecture.
- The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers an 18-credit minor in Architectural Studies. I believe you can complete it online.
- If your grades are good enough, you can transfer to a university with an architecture program. This would be more expensive and also may delay completion of your degree. Some less expensive schools would be U Oklahoma and U Minnesota.
- You can keep you Art/Bio combo. The Art would apply whether you choose Architecture or Medical illustration. Architecture and Medical Illustration are two quite different fields. It’s not clear that you are completely decided which one to choose. Have you checked out the requirements for admission to Medical Illustration programs. The one at Medical College of Georgia recommends both an Art and a Bio background.[MCG</a> Dept. of Medical Illustration Home Page](<a href=“http://www.mcg.edu/medart/]MCG”>http://www.mcg.edu/medart/)
- A Multidisciplinary Studies or Individualized major may not be entirely bad if the degree designates your specific focus with a descriptive title, e.g., Architectural Studies.</p>
<p>You are awesome. That is the most detailed answer I have gotten anywhere.</p>
<p>My grades [by the Fall] will be around a 3.4 - so not super great, but I have at least one more semester before I’d be able to transfer or anything anyway. Of the majors you suggested, my school offers 1.5 of them. [Civil Engineering and Art History.] Our Civil Engineering program seems to be focused a lot on surveying and concrete/steel? [ I looked at the courses, but not the descriptions.] I know two Art History majors, one is also minoring in Art and Math in order to get her M.Arch.</p>
<p>I only try to rule out Landscape Architecture because I’m not a big fan of topiaries or being in the sun.</p>
<p>Most have suggested that I transfer, but the only reason I’m free here if because I’m poor/smart. I feel like I will not be so lucky out of state, which I will definitely have to go. They have suggested going out of state because getting a BA and the a M.Arch would take quite awhile.</p>
<p>I am definitely leaning more towards Architecture. My art is okay [needs work, but it’s not bad], but I feel like it’s not on the same level as what is needed for Medical Illustration. [I can also be the tiniest bit squeamish.]</p>
<p>I have no idea how they designate the Multidisciplinary Studies or Individualised Major programs. I’ve only met one person with MS and he’s in grad school now.</p>