Hello, I’ve been accepted to both UC Berkeley and USC in the major of Architecture, intending to double major in Bioengineering/Biomedical engineering. My question is whether the programs at Berkeley are worth moving far away for when I could stay in SoCal close to home? USC is still a very good and prestigious school, however I do know that UC Berkeley is ranked #3 best engineering school, and #4 best bioengineering program. The architecture degree offered at UC Berkeley however is not the professional B.Arch, like the one offered at USC. My other question would be whether I should get the undergraduate B.Arch, or if it would even matter since I also intend to get the masters in architecture, the M.Arch?
Also, if possible, I wanted to know whether it’d be better to attend a private school or a public school? what are the pros and cons of both, for USC and UC Berkeley?
You won’t likely be able to double major in Architecture and BME. The curricula for each are too rigid and full. You’ll have to look up the curricula yourself, but beyond calculus and physics, there isn’t much synergy between the two.
As for which to choose, what are the cost differences and your family’s financial ability to pay the cost of attendance?
@AngelWings606, I would agree that it would be very difficult (if not impossible) to simultaneously pursue a BArch and a degree in Bioengineering. This really begs the question of WHY you want to do this.
If you’re sure you want to be an architect and like the design/creative aspects of archiatecture, then the USC BArch is an excellent choice. If you’re not sure, then the UCB BA in Architecture would give you more academic flexibility. UCB’s MArch is highly regarded, though admission is competitive.
Another option would be to study bioengineering as an undergrad then if you’re still interested in architecture, get an MArch. MArch programs admit students from a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds. You can major in architecture, engineering or just about anything else and get admitted to a top MArch program (as long as you fulfil the program’s entrance requirements.)
You should also bear in mind that the MArch is an expensive degree. Grants are available, but not guaranteed, so before committing to a career path, look at the total cost.
Yes, compare BArch costs to those of BA/BS + MArch before deciding which path you want to take.
The cost differences are relatively the same, my family is high in financial need so I’ve gotten a lot of financial aid. it would come to about $10,000 a year for UC Berkeley and $13,000 a year for USC, which is including work study and loans and stuff.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.