Bachelor
of Architecture (B. Arch.):
The Bachelor of Architecture is the mainstay of most universities. Students
enrolled in a B.Arch. program may begin an intensive professional education
in their first year of college. This type of program is well suited
for students who are confident in their career selection as an architect.
Perhaps
the biggest advantage is the amount of time typically required to study;
it is the shortest duration of time (5 years) from high school graduation
to college graduation. With this program, you are quickly immersed into
the field of architecture. It is not uncommon to begin drawing, designing,
building, and creating in the first weeks of classes. It provides an
excellent education for those who are quite confident in the decision
to pursue architecture as a career choice.
On the
down side, the Bachelor of Architecture is narrowly focused on architecture
and does not provide an overview on the liberal arts. It limits choices
if you decide against architecture later; credits may not transfer to
other majors.
Master
of Architecture (M. Arch. - Two Years):
Designed for those individuals who possess a a four-year pre-professional
degree, the M. Arch. offers a comprehensive professional education.
The Master
of Architecture creates more options throughout its typical 2+2+2 format.
If wanted, you can first pursue two years at a community college or
attend a different graduate discipline after receiving the pre-professional
degree. Lastly, because of its length, the Master of Architecture allows
for a more in-depth study of the liberal arts than the Bachelor of Architecture.
The downside
is when all totaled, it takes six years to complete. For those individuals
who want to get their hands "dirty" immediately, it does not
typically allow for that in the first year.
Master
of Architecture (M. Arch. - Three + Years): Designed for those individuals
who possess a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than architecture,
the M. Arch. offers a comprehensive professional education to students
with a variety of educational backgrounds.
