Become an Architect

Have you ever dreamed of designing your own home or building? What about an entire cityscape? Architecture schools are accepting applications for the coming semester as we speak. Here's how you can get in on this challenging field of study.

What is Architecture?

Architecture professionals are concerned with designing attractive, functional, safe, and economical buildings for habitation, work, and play. From blueprint designs to the final structure, Architecture professionals have their hands in it all. You will use the latest technologies in the field of Architecture to create homes, schools, office buildings, and other necessary structures. The work is challenging but rewarding.

Opportunities in Architecture

As our cities and town continue to expend the need for professionals with advanced Architecture degree will continue to rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of architects is expected to grow about as fast the average for all occupations through 2014. Most of this opportunity will come from Architecture firms, but a good percentage will come from freelance opportunities.

Desired Skills for Positions in Architecture

  • Technical Expertise. Architecture schools offer courses in geometry, statistics, and other critical subjects that are required knowledge for this profession.
  • Creative Thinking. The field of Architecture is riddled with unique problems to solve in order to find the most advantageous design for a structure.
  • Multi-tasking. Successful Architecture candidates possess the ability to see the project as a whole as well as each individual stage of the process.

The Road to a Career in Architecture

In order to enter the field of Architecture, check out the various colleges and technical schools that offer degree programs in the field. Look for accredited programs that offer a variety of tools to help you succeed. The first step on the road to longevity in this field is to start with a solid background and hands on learning experiences.

  Architecture Colleges and Schools

New England Institue of Technology

Who They Are: New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, Rhode Island

What They Offer: Associate and Bachelor degrees in Architectural Building Engineering Technology

What You Learn: Architectural Building Engineering degrees focus on building systems and components. Students learn and use the latest versions of drafting and 3D visualization applications.

Need to Know: Earn your Bachelor degree in as little as 3 years. NEIT is Rhode Island's only Autodesk authorized AutoCad Training Center.


NewSchool of Architecture

Who They Are: NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego, California

What They Offer: Bachelor and Master of Architecture; Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture

What You Learn: Architectural Design courses combine instructor lectures and lab work on the studio floor.

Need to Know: Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees are intended for individuals intending to become registered architects. The BA and MS degrees are intended for people in related career fields.

The Buzz: Students must choose a minor from options in Art and Design, History and Theory, Professional Practice, Tectonics, or Urban Studies.


New England Institue of Technology

Who They Are: Pennsylvania Institute of Technology in Media, PA

What They Offer: Associate degree in Architectural/Civil Engineering

What You Learn: The principles of structural design, construction engineering technology and architectural design. The program includes coursework in computer aided design (CAD), building codes, construction materials, and more.

Need to Know: Advanced courses allow students to solve technical problems through the use of calculus and mathematical principles.



The Art Institute of Pittsburgh -
Online Division

What They Offer: BS in Interior Design and Diploma in Residential Planning