Criteria for a Good Architecture College
Aspiring architects have a lot to consider when choosing a college to pursue their dream of becoming an architecture. Cost, location, strength of the faculty, student activities, and study abroad programs are all important factors when selecting the best school for aspiring architects. The programs in architecture vary widely so researching each school to see if the school’s architecture program is appropriate for the student’s style. Here are the criteria aspiring architects should consider when researching and applying to architecture college programs.
Ranking
The first consideration most architects have when researching an architecture college is ranking. According to U.S. News & World Report 2021 Best Colleges Rankings, the top five schools for architecture programs are the California Polytechnic campus in San Luis Obispo, Syracuse University, Cornell University, University of Southern California and Harvard University. Ranking will give prospective students an idea about the strength of a particular school’s architecture program.
Cost
Tuition costs can also be a primary factor in deciding on a college. Cost should be taken into consideration during the school selection process as well as during the architecture program itself. Most programs have standard tuition and fees, but occasionally the cost of textbooks, supplies and other miscellaneous expenses can increase the cost exponentially. Aspiring architects need to look into what the cost will be to complete their degree program, including the financial aid packages that are available.
Faculty
Another factor future architects need to consider is the faculty. The faculty of a college’s architecture program should include architects who are trained in the latest technology and theories. Studying with renowned professionals can help students gain knowledge, experience and a strong contact network. Also, most professors at architecture schools will have connections to notable firms that might provide opportunities for potential job placement after graduation.
Student Activities
Architecture students should look into the student activities and clubs offered at each school. These activities provide students an opportunity to explore their field of interest in a more unconventional setting. The activities and clubs that students join should be related to the topics they plan to pursue while they are in college. Joining student activities gives aspiring architects chances to have portfolio projects, internships, and other career opportunities.
Study Abroad
Besides the usual college experience, architecture students should consider the study abroad programs offered in each college. Studying abroad and visiting world-renowned buildings, monuments, and cities can provide students insightful knowledge and valuable experience. Participating in the study abroad programs allows students to gain international experience while they are completing their architecture degree, and gain appreciation and knowledge of international culture and architecture.
Accreditation
The most important factor a future architect should consider is the college’s accreditation status. Accreditation is important for students because it will determine if their college degree will be accepted by another educational institution. An accredited school is a sign of quality and assurance of the transferability of credits. Architecture students should research and make sure the school they are applying to is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Conclusion
Overall, aspiring architects should heavily research architecture colleges and consider several factors during the selection process. Ranking, cost, faculty, student activities, study abroad, and accreditation are all important components that should be taken into account when exploring architecture schools. By avoiding the overshadowing factors and understanding the criteria for a good architecture college, an aspiring architect can make the best choice for their future.
Internships and Co-ops
Internships and co-ops give architecture students the chance to get real-world experience while they are still in college. Internships usually involve the student spending a summer or semester helping out at an architecture firm, while co-ops involve the student being employed at a firm for two six-month periods. Not all schools offer internship and co-op programs, but those that do provide valuable opportunities for students to learn and understand the work environment.
Networking
An important part of a student’s career is networking. Architects need to make connections with employers and other professionals in their field. To do this, an architecture student should attend workshops, special events, and conferences to meet potential employers and other professionals in the industry. Additionally, an architecture student should join professional organizations or groups to obtain new opportunities and gain knowledge.
Publications
Researching and writing architecture-related articles and publishing them is a great way for an architecture student to gain exposure and build their portfolio. Publications can be used to demonstrate the student’s knowledge and passion for the field. Reviews and commentaries can be published to reviewed journals, while more technical papers and projects can be published in specialized research journals.
Online Lectures
The internet has made studying architecture easier with the proliferation of online lecture series. Online lecture series give architecture students access to experts of different specialties in the field, both inside and outside of the classroom. It also allows students to make connections with professionals worldwide, to stay up to date with the latest architecture trends, and to gain knowledge from different perspectives.
Competitions
Competing in architectural competitions can provide architecture students with valuable exposure and experience in the field. Competitions range from academic projects to career opportunities. In addition, competitions are a great way for architecture students to gain recognition and awards in the field. By participating in competitions, architects can raise their profile and build their portfolio.
