An architect can be an inspiring and rewarding career that also boasts great stats. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, this job sector grows at 8%, which is faster than average and means that this profession is rather future-proof. On top of that, this job has a rather large number of postings (127,300) released every year and a fairly high median pay of $96,690 per year.
However, before you get on your path to this career, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and prepare well. In this guide, an expert essay writer with a degree and long experience in the architecture industry will tell you about architect education and everything you need to know about it.
Do You Need a Degree to Become an Architect?
If you are pursuing a career in architecture, the only pathway to accomplish your goal is to obtain a relevant license. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), there is no nationwide license in the US. However, it’s possible to receive yours from the individual licensing board in the state or territory you want to work in.
What about the education for an architect job? Despite a common misconception, earning your initial licence doesn’t necessarily require having a formal degree. Each jurisdiction has its own education requirements, and 17 of them have additional pathways to licensure for future architects who hold alternative or no degrees. So, if you are wondering whether you actually need to earn a higher education, the truth is that it’s possible to build a career even without a diploma.
Why Is It a Good Idea to Start Your Career With a Degree?
Although you may not be required to have a diploma to get licensed, it’s worth noting that there are also some other demands you have to meet, such as:
- Have a verified NCARB Record account that documents your level of education.
- Possess a proven track record of experience under the Architectural Experience Program.
- Have demonstrable additional professional experience if required by your jurisdiction.
- Pass the national licensing exam – the Architect Registration Examination.
- Meet any additional requirements applicable in your jurisdiction.
Although it’s technically possible to receive all the necessary qualifications and pass the exam without going to college, a formal degree still remains the most time- and effort-efficient pathway to a career in architecture.
As reported by NCARB, accredited education still remains the most optimal way to learn about the key concepts and specs of the profession, gain the necessary skills, and also unlock your access to programs and internships that will let you acquire the experience you need to get licensed. Due to this reason, the majority of new architects (85%) who acquire a license have a degree from a NAAB-accredited program. Besides, solid education always looks good on a resume and can potentially help you land your first job more easily.
What Education Does an Architect Need: 3 Options to Consider
According to the most common architect education requirements, future architects need to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in architecture to earn the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for their future career. Nevertheless, just like in any other field, there are several levels of education that you can obtain depending on your future aspirations.
Let’s consider each education option in detail:
Bachelor – Perfect for an Instant Start
Acquiring a relevant Bachelor’s degree is the fastest and most straightforward way to start a career in architecture. Such programs can take four to five years to complete, after which, you can launch the licensing process.
There are three options to consider:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – These two programs typically take four years and have a “pre-professional” categorization. Completing them won’t qualify you for a license right after graduation, but they can be a good start for people aiming to earn a Master’s degree.
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) – These are specialized programs accredited by the NAAB that can give you a solid foundation in architecture. These programs typically take five years and delve into the industry’s specs like safety, design, lighting, project management, etc. Combined with some professional experience, this degree is enough to get certified.
Master – Perfect for an Architect Continuing Education or Switching Fields
The Master of Architecture (MArch) is a professional program for continuous education meant for students who already hold B.A. or B.S. degrees in architecture. Such a degree will provide you with advanced knowledge, including design and engineering fundamentals, and the skills needed to become a certified professional.
Also, MArch is a pathway to a career in architecture for those of you who have obtained a BA in another field but then changed your mind and decided to switch your field.
Doctor – Perfect for High-Level Positions and Academic Aspirations
Lastly, there is an opportunity to receive an advanced degree, such as the Doctor of Architecture (DArch) or the Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture. Although you don’t need to hold such a high degree to get your initial certificate, holding a Doctorate degree has a few benefits. Namely, it:
- Delves into theoretical and practical concepts through architectural research.
- Enables you to complete high-level research projects and publish an extensive dissertation that can contribute to your field.
- Prepares you for more advanced architectural positions.
- Allows you to increase your initial earning potential.
- Gives you the qualifications needed to teach architecture in college.
As you can tell, this is the level of education an architect needs when their ambitions go far beyond entry-level positions or have something to do with academia and research.
The Bottom Line
As you now know, there are several pathways to a career in architecture. Each of them has certain pros and can serve various purposes.
And now that you have a detailed overview of the importance of education for becoming an architect and the available degree options, feel free to weigh all pros and cons to choose the path that works best for you and your goals!
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