by our College Data Analytics TeamArchitects employ creativity, artistry and technical know-how to dream up and plan buildings and environments. As an architect you will be able to leave your mark on the physical environment, implementing plans to improve the health and well-being of entire communities.
You must be determined and focused in order to succeed in this major. This is a competitive field that combines both art and engineering, requiring you to not only make aesthetically pleasing structures, but also safe and functional structures. Architecture is not easy, but this could be an excellent major for someone with technical skills, artistic vision and a competitive drive.
General Architecture was the 127th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 4,982 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 1.4% reduction in architecture degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 5,051.
This year's Best General Architecture Schools ranking compares 74 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom architecture rankings further below.
As an architect you must be able to do more than draw precisely and to scale. It is important to accurately focus on small details, while still having the big picture in mind. Use creativity and imagination in order to distinguish your style when designing physical structures. Students will learn how to analyze problems using critical thinking skills, as well as learn to understanding scientific theories and work through difficult math problems. Communication skills are highly important in order to communicate your vision. Architects in the field will encounter a range of tasks from designing a building to acting as a project manager.
Architects need to understand historical, modern and contemporary designs. Your skill set will not stop merely at design talent, but you will also take into account environmental and social concerns. As an architect, you will need clear engineering ability. An architect also needs to be business savvy and communicate effectively in order to be successful.
Work experience is required in order to become a licensed architect. Students need to complete the Intern Development Program (IDP) which is a minimum of three years of professional experience. This includes a variety of tasks that allow you to smoothly transition from student to professional.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most architecture degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional architecture certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different architecture degree levels. You can get anything from a in general architecture to the highest architecture degree, a . The time it takes to complete a architecture degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to architecture, with approximately 42.4% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for architecture workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 47.1% |
| Master’s Degree | 23.0% |
| Doctoral Degree | 10.0% |
| First Professional Degree | 9.1% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 6.9% |
About 96.3% of workers in careers related to architecture obtain at least bachelor's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in general architecture have received.
This of course varies depending on which architecture career you choose.
A degree with architecture will leave students with a broad set of skills. Students will be able to work for architectural firms, though some may prefer to be self-employed so that they can have as much creative freedom as they want.
Want a job when you graduate with your architecture degree? General Architecture careers are expected to grow 5.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general architecture.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 190,000 | 5.5% |
| Architects | 134,200 | 4.2% |
| Architecture Professors | 10,500 | 10.5% |
General Architecture graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $49,029 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $24,994 to as high as $64,194. As you might expect, salaries for architecture graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for general architecture graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers architecture grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,970 |
| Architecture Professors | $99,320 |
| Architects | $88,860 |
With over 272 different architecture degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased architecture school rankings to help you with this.
General Architecture is one of 8 different types of Architecture & Related Services programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 4,854 |
| Pre-Architecture Studies | 103 |
| Architectural Design | 25 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences & Technology | 6,781 |
| Urban & Regional Planning | 2,419 |
| Landscape Architecture | 905 |
| Environmental Design | 741 |
| Interior Architecture | 728 |
