<p>I’m attending UNM this fall and planning to major in architectuere. But UNM only has a 4 plus 2 program. I would have to earn a 4 year pre architecture degree and a 2 year Masters of Arch degree. However, I’m worried I won’t be able to get my masters right after I graduate with my undergrad degree. Can you get a job with pre architecture degree, or do you need the masters? Or would it be a better idea to major in something else and then attend a 3 year Master of Arch program?</p>
<p>Can you get a job with a pre-architecture degree? Sure, baristas are always in demand!</p>
<p>Seriously, you should consider a couple of options:</p>
<p>1) Skip the pre-arch if your ability to complete the Masters is uncertain. Right now, even well qualified architecture degree holders are having a rough time finding good jobs. This has been a frequent topic of discussion here.</p>
<p>2) Consider another major along with the pre-arch requirements. That will give you more flexibility if you need to enter the workforce after undergrad school, and might make you more employable as an architect. I don’t know much about the field, but it seems like a civil/structural engineering background would overlap with some architecture prerequisites and would be a career-ready degree by itself.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Could you explain UNM’s options more thoroughly? (For some reason I can’t get their website to load.) If they offer a B.Arch, that’s what you need to practice to architecture.</p>
<p>If by “pre-architecture” you mean a BS or BA in architectural studies, then yes you would need to get an M.Arch. </p>
<p>Money is a serious consideration for all architecture hopefuls, so I wouldn’t take the decision to get either a B.Arch or an M.Arch lightly, but if you want to be an architect, you want to be an architect. Engineering is related, but not the same.</p>
<p>Entry level architecture jobs are hard to secure and many are very low-paid; however, they do exist. The key is to start building your resume while you’re still in school with internships and summer jobs in the field.</p>
<p>Yes, It’s a BA in architectural studies(pre professional) that prepares you for the 2 year Ms. Arch program. UNM doesn’t offer a B.Arch degree.</p>
<p>If you’re fairly sure that you want to become an architect the 4.0 + 2.0 M.Arch is about as cost and time effective as you’re going to get. With a BA or BS in anything else you’d be looking at an additional 3.0 to 3.5 years. If money is the reason that you’re not sure that you’d be able to continue on for an M.Arch, I’d suggest that you talk to the folks in the architecture program to get an idea of the type of financial aid your might expect.</p>
<p>Jobs available to someone with a BA in architectural studies are limited but available. The best connection is through alumni/ae of your university that may hire you (paid or unpaid) for summer internships at their firms. CAD and construction skills are especially valuable. My son’s undergraduate degree was in art/art history; before going for his masters he worked in marketing at an architectural firm.</p>
<p>At any rate, entry level jobs don’t pay much. If you intend to eventually get a M.Arch, don’t expect to save enough by working as a non-architect at an architectural firm.</p>
<p>One thought to add to momrath’s excellent comments - Consider identifying a likely school and working in the state for a year or whatever to get the residency part out of the way. If you’re paying for it (at a public school) no sense paying out of state… Work for a year or two, regardless of savings, but establish residency. Better than any scholarship :-)</p>