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Architecture Major

Study of designing buildings and spaces that combine functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Entry: $50,000
Mid: $80,000
Senior: $120,000
Growth: 3% (average)

Overview

Architecture majors learn to design buildings and spaces that serve human needs while considering aesthetics, functionality, and environmental impact. The field combines art, science, and technology in creating the built environment.

Students study design principles, building technology, environmental systems, and architectural history. The curriculum emphasizes studio work, technical drawing, and hands-on model making.

Architecture majors pursue careers in architectural firms, urban planning, construction management, and sustainable design. The field requires creativity, technical skills, and understanding of human behavior in spaces.

Career Prospects

Architect
Urban Planner
Interior Designer
Landscape Architect
Construction Manager
Building Inspector
Sustainable Design Consultant
Architectural Historian
Real Estate Developer
CAD Technician

Top Universities for Architecture

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • 3.8% acceptance rate
US News
#2
2

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • 3.5% acceptance rate
US News
#3
3

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ • 4.5% acceptance rate
US News
#1
4

Columbia University

New York, NY • 65.0% acceptance rate
5

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • 7.6% acceptance rate
US News
#13
6

Yale University

New Haven, CT • 4.6% acceptance rate
US News
#5
7

Rice University

Houston, TX • 7.7% acceptance rate
US News
#17
8

Cooper Union

New York, NY • 65.0% acceptance rate
9

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA • 2.7% acceptance rate
US News
#7
10

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • 11.7% acceptance rate

Popular Courses

Architectural Design Studio
Building Technology
Architectural History
Structural Systems
Environmental Systems
Computer-Aided Design
Site Planning
Construction Documents
Professional Practice
Sustainable Design

Admissions Requirements

  • Strong visual and spatial skills
  • Portfolio of creative work
  • Mathematics and physics background
  • Interest in design and building
  • Drawing and sketching ability
  • Computer skills helpful
  • Attention to detail

Essential Skills

Design thinkingSpatial reasoningTechnical drawingComputer-aided designProblem-solvingCommunicationProject managementAttention to detail

Work Environments

  • Architectural firms
  • Construction companies
  • Government agencies
  • Real estate development
  • Engineering firms
  • Urban planning departments
  • Freelance practice
  • Educational institutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Architecture major?

A Architecture major opens doors to careers in architect, urban planner, interior designer, and many other fields. The skills you develop in design thinking, spatial reasoning, technical drawing are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Architecture graduates?

The job growth for Architecture related careers is projected at 3% (average), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $50,000, with potential to grow to $120,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Architecture programs?

Most Architecture programs require strong visual and spatial skills and portfolio of creative work. Additionally, many programs look for mathematics and physics background and interest in design and building.

Which universities have the best Architecture programs?

Top universities for Architecture include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Cornell University, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.