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Architecture Universities in the USA: Which One to Choose?

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Aug 24,2023 10:30 AM IST

Starting a degree in architecture in the USA takes only a few steps beyond planning. Read the blog to know about universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture and urban planning in the USA with eligibility, course requirements, and career opportunities after a degree and ways to select a university from a wide number of options.

Architecture is a field that merges art and science to design buildings, landscapes and other physical structures. USA is known for its buildings and structures as for its academic programs in architecture. If names like Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan (well-known American architects of their time) have ever inspired a student to take the path of being an architect, designer or planner or if the student has ever had an innate desire to expand their horizon on the subject, USA offers excellent academic options to study architecture programs as bachelors and masters to international students.

Universities for Bachelor's Programs in the USA

A bachelor’s degree in architecture equips the students to become licensed architects with the knowledge and practice to integrate advanced digital technologies and sustainable design practices.

Architectural programs in the USA are offered in multiple forms like Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Architecture, and Bachelor of Science degrees with varying program lengths specific to the program. Read to know the universities in the USA offering undergraduate programs in architecture.

Universities	Location (City, State)
The University of Arizona	Tucson, Arizona
Arizona State University	Tempe, Arizona
Colorado State University	Fort Collins, Colorado
University of Connecticut	Storrs, Connecticut
University of Delaware	Newark, Delaware
University of Illinois at Chicago	Chicago, Illinois
Thomas Jefferson University	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (main campus)
Kent State University	Kent, Ohio
The University of Utah	Salt Lake City, Utah
Washington State University	Pullman, Washington
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee	Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Universities for Master's Programs in the USA

A postgraduate program in the USA is also offered as a Master in Architecture or Master in Science. It helps students to develop mastery in architecture with innovative design methods and technologies to construct sustainable environments and test and experiment with practices. The degrees help students develop a critical understanding of historical and contemporary practices and transitions in the industry, preparing students to become leaders with a strong vision and skills to solve critical problems.

Universities offering master’s programs in architecture and related fields are as follows:

Universities	Location (City, US State)
The University of Arizona	Tucson, Arizona
Arizona State University	Tempe, Arizona
University of Hartford	West Hartford, Connecticut
Suffolk University	Boston, Massachusetts
New York Institute of Technology	Old Westbury, New York
University of Illinois at Chicago	Chicago, Illinois
Thomas Jefferson University	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Kent State University	Kent, Ohio
Texas Tech University	Lubbock, Texas
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee	Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Programs in Architecture in the USA

Architecture programs offered in the USA are of varied types. At the same time, some focus more on computational technologies, some on urban and regional design, some on environmental design, and others on the landscape. Still, all of them cover the basic theoretical and practical aspects of the field. Below are the programs in architecture in the USA.

Undergraduate Programs in Architecture

Architecture Programs	Architecture Programs in Science	Architecture Programs in Arts
Bachelor of Architecture	Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) in Architectural Design	Bachelor of Arts in Design Arts and Practices
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture	Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture & Design	Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
	Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture Program (BSLA)	BA in Urban Ecology
	Bachelor of Science in Architecture
	Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies
	Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
	Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
	BS in Urban Ecology

Bachelors programs in arts, science and arts in architecture teach varied aspects of the field and follow different coursework. The major and minor requirements for some programs in architecture are given below and may differ with the university offering them:

Bachelor of Science in Architecture Electives: Renaissance, Baroque, 20th Century Architecture, Skyscrapers, Architecture of World’s Fairs, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Physics and more.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture Electives: Mathematics, Natural Sciences. Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Ceramics, typography and more.

Bachelor of Science in Architecture Electives: Critical Practices, the (Meta)Physics of Light, Material Matters and Urban Agency and more.

Postgraduate Programs in Architecture

Architecture Programs	Architecture Programs in Science	Architecture Programs in Arts
Master of Architecture	Master of Science in Landscape Architecture	Master of Arts in Design Criticism
Master of City and Metropolitan Planning	Master of Science in Architecture	Master of Arts in Interior Architecture
Master of Urban Planning	Master of Science in Architecture and design research
Master of Urban Design	Master of Science in interior Architecture
	Master of Science in Architecture, Computational Technologies
	Master of Science in Architecture, Health & Design
	Master of Design in Architecture, Urban Design

Master’s programs in arts and science in architecture have different course requirements. The major and minor requirements for some of these programs are given below and may differ with the university offering them:

Eligibility Requirements for UG and PG Programs in the USA

The eligibility criteria for different programs and degrees vary with the university, however, general minimum requirements for bachelors programs in architecture in the USA are as follows:

1. Scores and transcripts of grade 12

2. English language proficiency test scores like IELTS or TOEFL

3. SAT (Standardized Admission Test) or ACT scores

4. A portfolio of creative work (10-15 pages of visual work)

The eligibility criteria for master’s programs in architecture have the following general minimum requirements, which may vary for different programs offered at different universities.

1. Scores and transcripts of a bachelor’s degree in architecture or related fields

2. English language proficiency test scores like IELTS or TOEFL

3. A portfolio of visual creative work (minimum 10-15 pages)

4. Personal essay

Benefits of Studying Architecture in USA

A degree in architecture from the USA can be advantageous in ways more than fathomable, which includes extraordinary and unexpected opportunities to work and collaborate and being at the forefront of trends in the field of modern and sustainable architecture. Some benefits are delineated below.

1. Exposure to wider perspectives – Studying in a vastly multicultural environment doesn’t only impact the thinking process but also reflects in professional abilities that allow the creator to cater to varieties of stakeholders.

2. Improved prospects – The degree attained wouldn’t require an additional testimony of the student’s skills as the programs involve rigorous internships and hands-on experience.

3. Intensive internships – Internships at organizations in the US offer extensive professional experience with a chance to work on many aspects, including design, code, planning, drafting and more.

4. Global recognition - The degree is recognized worldwide and acceptable for higher education and professional stints in any region globally.

Jobs after Studying Architecture in the USA

Students completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree from the USA gain skills in architectural engineering, design, technology, interior architecture, landscape, urban planning and more. Following are the professional hats that architecture graduates can do.

Project Coordinator	Architectural Design	Structural Engineer
Computer-aided design (CAD) detailer	Project Manager	Interior Designer
Architectural drafter	Architectural Technologist	Landscape Architect
Building Architect	Industrial Design	Urban Planner
Junior Architect	Building information modelling (BIM) coordinator	Design Assistant
Building code specialist	sustainability coordinator

How to Choose a University to Study Architecture in the USA

If the university information is overwhelming or inordinate, consider the following points to choose well.

1. Budget – Degree programs in architecture range from $26,000 to $50,000. The student’s intent on the range of expenditure can help them decide which universities they want to apply to and get admission to.

2. Coursework – Architectural programs in arts, science and those that are core architectural ones have varying coursework requirements. A walkthrough of the program can help students make better decisions based on choices and interests.

3. Scholarships – If students are seeking financial aid, they can do so through internal and external scholarships. The availability of both can help narrow down choices to a minimum.

4. Location – USA offers architectural institutes in most states; hence a preference for a location can make it easier to choose.

5. Application Dates – If a student is late for applying, the application dates and the time for visa application processes can help students ascertain an institute.

Conclusion

With a great number of program and institute options for studying architecture in the USA, students can feel the need for expert consultation in international education to make a decision for the future. Making an informed decision based on information on all facets is imperative. Students should have the foresight to analyze best to use their resources, qualifications and abilities for an academic qualification that evokes pride. A single right choice can lead students to places where half-right choices cannot.

Also read: M.Arch in USA for indian students

FAQ

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

The average cost of studying architecture in the USA is approximately $50,000. These include tuition costs and living expenses, but these can vary depending on the university and lifestyle of the student.

Is the USA good for studying architecture courses?

The future scope of studying architecture in the USA is quite high. Therefore, students move on to jobs after pursuing the courses there.

How can I choose the architectural school or university in the USA?

You should consider the following factors while choosing the architectural school or university in the USA:

• Accreditation: The course at the school or university must be duly recognized.

• Degree Paths: You should consider the degree paths available to you

• Location: The location or city where the school or university is located should be kept in mind

• Academics: You should keep in mind the calibre of professors and their curriculum delivery as well as the mind

• Scholarships: You should also consider the scholarships that are available for the course

Which IVY league school offers architecture in the USA?

Harvard & Cornell University offers extensive studies in architecture in the USA.

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Architecture Universities in the USA: Which One to Choose?

Table of Contents

Universities for Bachelor's Programs in the USA

Universities for Master's Programs in the USA

Programs in Architecture in the USA

Undergraduate Programs in Architecture

Postgraduate Programs in Architecture

Eligibility Requirements for UG and PG Programs in the USA

Benefits of Studying Architecture in USA

Jobs after Studying Architecture in the USA

How to Choose a University to Study Architecture in the USA

Conclusion

FAQ

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Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

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