<p>I recently decided to pursue a Master’s in Architecture. I graduated with a BA in Comm. Studies back in '07 and while I do have good work experience with great companies, NONE of it is art or design related. I did go to a private K-12 school with a very heavy emphasis on art, but due to life circumstances, all of the art I’ve ever created is gone forever.</p>
<p>I personally don’t feel comfortable applying to Master’s programs without some serious investment in a new portfolio. Would it be reasonable to get an AAS in a related field of study to build these skills back up? Already having a BA would put me on the “fast track” in a few AA programs I looked at, which means I could be done in a year. Yea, it is extra money but nowhere in my undergrad curriculum or professional work experience does it show that I’ve made the investment or that I’m interested in design. Additionally, it has been a looong time since I’ve studied any physics or math, to the point where I don’t remember anything, so perhaps this “mini degree” would give me a chance to get to an acceptable level in that area as well.</p>
<p>I think it would show admissions officers my level of commitment, but I don’t know, is there a better way to go about this? Is it TOTALLY ridiculous to get an Associates if you already have a Bachelor’s?</p>
<p>You could take art classes outside of ‘credit’ environments. A lot of larger cities have artist cooperatives where artists teach classes. My daughter took a couple of these to fill in areas where her HS did not have much coursework (abstract art, 3d drawing)</p>
<p>But overall, a CC approach is better to build credit hours and prerequisites ahead of an March program. I’d venture to say you could do (a) and (b), where (a) would be the art classes and (b) more of the drawing/technical graphics type classes. Arch schools don’t particularily like a stack of 3D renderings and the like in a portfolio…</p>
<p>(c) could also include doing the ‘associates’ degree in the college where you will do the March since no issue will be there for transferring prerequisites, and art offerings from a college may be more beneficial for building up a portfolio than from a CC.</p>
<p>You are already facing another 3 years after your undergraduate degree so why don’t you just hedge your bets? Go ahead and apply for the graduate programs you want with your current qualifications, and if you don’t get the acceptances you were looking for then go the CC route to build up your portfolio and coursework.</p>
<p>Thank you both of your for the responses… really helpful! I may apply to a few graduate programs just for the heck of it, but I’ve already mentally prepared myself that I might not stand the best chance for the grad schools I’m seriously interested in. Even if I did get into a program without taking any extra classes first, I’m worried that I’d be at a disadvantage taking time out to learn how to do things that most of my peers learned years ago. I think as long as I can find a program that lets me transfer my general BA credits and I can parse it down to no more than a year, it won’t be too much time lost. I’ve already missed most of the deadlines for Fall 2012 anyway, might as well do something in that gap!</p>
<p>paintit, I don’t think you need a another degree. A strong portfolio is essential, however, so taking some art classes to beef it up before you apply may be the best route.</p>
<p>My son (who is currently an M.Arch student) was nervous about calculus and physics as well. Although there was one rough patch, as a general statement, he hasn’t been overly challenged in these areas. If you feel deficient, many architecture programs will offer supplemental math/physics courses, either at their own institutions or at recommended schools. </p>
<p>You will need to make sure your math skills are up to the GRE so take a trial test and see how you do. </p>
<p>Many M.Arch programs have information sessions, usually in the Fall. Attend and ask questions. Also, many architecture schools offer summer and after-work exploratory programs for people who are thinking about getting the M.Arch. This is a good way to build your resume.</p>
<p>Where do you live? Do you intend to continue working until you start graduate school? Maybe we could recommend nearby schools for art classes.</p>
<p>I’m an architect w/BArch and MArch (from HYP). An AA degree won’t help your application; it may actually backfire. Please review the actual application guidelines for the schools you’re interested in. Aside from GRE score practice, math and physics aren’t needed for MArch grad school. Portfolio development can occur by simply sketching, and sketching, and sketching until your skills have developed and you have a representative body of work. Meanwhile, are you aware of the currently high unemployment rate for architects? It would be worthwhile to spend time on several of the architect profession-related web-sites and read up on state of profession.</p>
<p>Thanks - the school I want to apply for requires a resume outlining my work in the field, letters of recommendation from people who have taught me (it has been years since I’ve been in school), and a bound book of my work. I’m not sure that a letter from an old history teacher and a book of sketches I did in my living room would cut it.</p>
<p>Also, I appreciate the concern, but the warning about the <em>dire</em> state of the industry is really not necessary. I have a clear and defined path that I want to take with a M.Arch - what are people supposed to do, just not go into a field that appeals to them because the unemployment rate has spiked? That’s the case for a lot of fields. It seems like every thread I go into, no matter which industry, has someone in there warning people not to go into it because they won’t find a job. Few industries are doing that great. Money isn’t everything to everybody. I’ve done my research and I am willing to take the risk.</p>
<p>" a book of sketches I did in my living room would cut it."</p>
<p>Actually, I think a book of sketches done in your living room would cut it if they were of high quality. I realize this is easier said than done so some CC courses might provide a much shorter path to creating a portfolio. So take the courses you feel you need, but I wouldn’t worry about the need to get any sort of degree out of it because I don’t think an AA degree will carry much weight.</p>
<p>Since you seem to know the school you want to attend is there any chance you could visit the school and talk with some of the faculty to get a better idea of what they are looking for? Showing a serious interest would probably help when it comes time to review applications.</p>
<p>Thanks, Rick - I went and spoke with an M. Arch advisor yesterday and they said the same thing, that basically it all comes down to the quality of my portfolio, and I don’t necessarily need to get another degree to do that. I’ve decided to take some extension courses and maybe a summer intensive and see what I can come up with through that.</p>
<p>I’ve seen a lot of your posts on Architecture throughout this forum and you are extremely informative and helpful, so thank you!</p>