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A Complete Guide to Pursue Architecture in the USA

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Sep 29,2023 05:41 PM IST

The following blog provides in-depth knowledge about architectural courses in the USA. Students can gather information about the eligibility criteria for pursuing these courses and the universities in the USA that offer these courses. Further, a thorough reading of the blog will equip students with the benefits of pursuing a degree in Architecture in the USA along with the various levels of degrees available for architecture in the USA.

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Whenever a student expresses their wish to pursue a degree in architecture in the USA, the boundless creativity and innovation that awaits them, always comes to mind. Architecture’s influence is woven into the length and breadth of this very vast and diverse nation, as seen on busy streets of iconic cities to the inspiring structures that adorn the American skyline. A Google search yields more than 100 results when a user searches ‘famous buildings in the USA’. This indicates the rich architectural history of the country. The country excels in the terms of masterpieces, which can be credited to its educational programs and universities. These factors influence a student’s decision to study abroad and pursue architecture in America.

Why Study Architecture in America?

The United States of America offers a plethora of opportunities and advantages, making it the most sought after destination for architectural studies. Students can grab the opportunity to immerse in a diverse cultural landscape of the country. Architects in America are at the forefront of sustainable designs that blend seamlessly with nature. The field of architecture is a unique fusion of science, creativity, mathematics, and cutting-edge technology. Pursuing an architecture degree in the USA provides students an opportunity to give shape to their dreams and make a lasting impact on the world.

Educational and Training System in the United States of America

Architecture schools in USA offer various programs and specializations for international students to pursue their Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Architecture. To kick-start their career as an architect, students must first gain a relevant academic degree. They can do so by enrolling in bachelor courses such as Bachelor of Architecture or Bachelor of Design. The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). It is generally of 5 years.

To obtain licensure and work as an architect, students opt to pursue a Master of Architecture. It is a professional degree that varies in its duration. This program helps students gain in-depth knowledge about architectural theory, design, and practice.

Students must research thoroughly and apply to architecture programs that are accredited by NAAB. It ensures that students enrolled in architecture programs in the USA receive a high-quality of education to meet standards required for obtaining a professional license.

Architecture universities in USA for international students lay strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Students work on creative design projects that ultimately boost their creative and technical skills.

Most importantly, to obtain a license and become an architect in the United States, graduates are required to complete the Intern Development Program (IDP) and qualify in the Architect Registration Exam. Within the Intern Development Program, students are required to obtain professional experience under the supervision of a licensed architect. Upon meeting all the requirements, graduates can apply for state license.

Architecture universities in USA offer a range of specializations, allowing students to focus on specific areas such as digital architecture, historic preservation, sustainable design, or urban planning. They can also choose from elective subjects to tailor their education to suit their interests.

Many architecture programs encourage students to engage in research projects and make a notable contribution towards the advancement of architectural knowledge.

With a degree in architecture in the United States of America, international students, particularly from India, have the opportunity to gain access to valuable resources and network with like-minded people to explore diverse career opportunities. Students can join professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.

Specializations Available in Architecture in the USA

There are many specializations available in the USA that international students from India can pick from according to their interests, passion and goals. Most of the universities in the USA offer specialized programs (also known as elective courses) to help students focus on specific aspects of architecture. Given below is a list of specializations that students can take up to give their careers a particular direction.

• Sustainable Architecture

• Digital Design and Visualization

• Urban Designing and Planning

• Heritage Conservation

• Interior Architecture

• Landscape Architecture

• Architectural Technology

• Commercial and Retail Design

• Residential Architecture

Students must make efforts to check the availability of the above specializations with the university they are interested in.

Admission Requirements to Pursue Architecture in the USA

Students must make note of the admission requirements defined by each of the university they have shortlisted. Given below are the general conditions that almost every university asks an international student from India to fulfil:

Program	Requirements
Bachelor's	1. Class XII Higher Secondary Certificate 2. English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
Master's	1. Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a relevant course. 2. Portfolio 3. English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS)

Universities that offer Architecture in the United States of America

The tables below provide an overview of the universities that offer Bachelors and Masters programs in Architecture in the USA.

Bachelor's

Name of the Course	Name of the University
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering	University of Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Building Construction	Auburn University
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Development	University of Arizona
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Interior Design	San Jose State University
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture	University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design	Illinois State University
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture	Louisiana State University
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (Environmental Design)	Montana State University
Bachelors of Science in Architectural Engineering	University of Nebraska
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design	New York University of Technology

Master's

Name of the course	Name of the University
Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities	Northern Arizona University
Master of Science in Urban Planning	University of Arizona
Master of Science in Construction Management	California State University
Master of Urban Planning	San Jose State University
Master of Design and Merchandising with specialization in Interior Design	Colorado State University
Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences – Interior Design	Illinois State University
Master of Arts in Interior Architecture	Suffolk University
Master of Arts in Urban Planning	Minnesota State University
Master of Architecture (STEM)	Montana State University
Master of Science in Urban Studies	University of Nebraska

Work Opportunities after Pursuing a Degree in Architecture in the USA

Many promising work opportunities await students who have earned a degree in architecture in the USA. After earning their license, graduates can work as architects to design and oversee construction of a wide range of buildings such as innovative skyscrapers to sustainable homes. They can also work in architectural firms and collaborate with different teams to transform their creative vision into reality. Additionally, architecture graduates can explore an environmentally conscious career by working on sustainable and green building projects.

Conclusion

Pursuing architecture in the USA can be an excellent investment for international students. They are exposed to invaluable experience that enriches their portfolio. United States of America is known for its innovative designs and architectural influence that makes it the perfect study abroad destination to study and develop a career in architecture.

To gather more knowledge about Architecture universities in the USA, students can get in touch with the study abroad consultants of Canam. They can also get in touch with Canamprep to prepare for the IELTS, PTE, and spoken English exams. They can assist students in boosting their language test preparation to study abroad in the United States of America.

Also read : How to apply for Indian Passport to Study Abroad

FAQ

Why study architecture abroad?

Many factors influence a student’s decision making when it comes to studying architecture abroad. International students experience state-of-the-art universities with world class amenities, esteemed faculty, international exposure, and an opportunity to pursue a globally recognized degree. When candidates study abroad, they have the opportunity to work and eventually settle down in the country as per their future goals.

What is the duration of the entire course?

Some Bachelor’s courses in Architecture in the USA take up to 4-5 years to complete. Master’s courses vary in their duration and can take up to 2- 3 years to complete. Students must get in touch with overseas consultants at Canam to get more details about their courses.

Is work experience compulsory for admission?

To pursue a degree in architecture in the USA, a portfolio showcasing a student’s body of work is beneficial during the application process. Prospective students are advised to stay updated with the university requirements for each institution will have unique admission eligibility criteria.

Is it worth doing Masters in Architecture in the USA?

Pursuing architecture in the US prepares students for careers that applies their creativity to construct, design, and implement plans that impact the environment of people around them. Prospective students can choose from a range of architectural specialities such as historical to modern, from Asian to eco-friendly, among many others.

How much does it cost to study architecture in the USA?

For a Bachelors of Architecture in the USA which is a 4 to 5 years program, tuition fee ranges from approximately $20,000 USD to $60,000 USD per annum. For students pursuing Masters in Architecture, the tuition fee ranges from $11,700 USD to $62,580 USD per annum. Students must get in touch with their abroad education consultants from Canam to get proper knowledge about the costs.

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A Complete Guide to Pursue Architecture in the USA

Table of Contents

Why Study Architecture in America?

Educational and Training System in the United States of America

Specializations Available in Architecture in the USA

Admission Requirements to Pursue Architecture in the USA

Universities that offer Architecture in the United States of America

Bachelor's

Master's

Work Opportunities after Pursuing a Degree in Architecture in the USA

Conclusion

FAQ

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