There are five key factors to consider when you are choosing colleges for architecture: reputation, faculty, cost, graduate education opportunities, and industry connections. All five factors affect quality of your degree and the ability to translate your achievement into a career. Graduates of architecture programs become architects, property managers, and designers.
The reputation of the different colleges for architecture programs is very important. Look at the annual statistics on awards, research grants, well-known architects, and the contribution to the local community to learn about the professional reputation. Then investigate the student experience reports. These annual reports are based on student survey responses on issues such as support services, course availability, and administration.
Read the website for the different colleges for architecture degrees and specifically research the biographies of the faulty or professors. Investigate recent publications, projects, courses and professional experience. Most architecture professors have worked as architects and many school hire prestigious architects to teach a few courses a year. The skills and experiences of the faculty are critical when reviewing the options between different colleges for architecture.
Tuition costs for architecture programs tend to be higher than for a Bachelor of Arts or Science. Include equipment costs, drafting boards and software in your total tuition calculation. Compare the financial aid available between the different schools and look for scholarships, bursaries and grants specifically designed for architecture students. The additional costs for architecture programs are among the highest for any professional program. Look closely at the details so that you are not unpleasantly surprised.
Graduate opportunities include specific courses or a full graduate degree in architecture. Schools that offer these types of programs tend to have a wider range of course offerings, as they have faculty with a deeper breadth of knowledge available. Explore graduate certificates that focus on a specific industry or skill that is of interest to you.
Industry connections include internship opportunities, annual design shows and exhibits, magazine articles about the school and participation in contests and competitions. All these items increase the profile of the school and provide opportunities for students to showcase their skills to potential employers. Meeting industry leaders and added these items to your resume improve your employment opportunities right after graduation. Selecting the right school for you is an important decision, so devote the required time and effort in advance to make the best selection.