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Architect Major: Requirements for Becoming an Architect Major

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Published Nov 04, 2009

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Many institutions offer degree programs with a major in architecture. Pre-professional programs prepare students for graduate study or careers in related areas. Those who wish to practice as professional architects must complete a professional program. Some professional programs are offered as 5-year bachelor's degree programs. Alternately, students can pursue a master's degree in architecture after completing a 4-year bachelor's degree.

Architecture Degree Program Enrollment Requirements

Many schools offer pre-professional degree programs in architecture that usually lead to a bachelor's degree. Admissions to pre-professional programs generally follow the admission requirements of the school. Common requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, SAT or ACT scores and a 2.5 minimum grade point average. Some schools of architecture may require students to complete prerequisite coursework before enrolling in the architecture major.

Admission into a professional architecture program can be more competitive. Students must have a bachelor's degree. Some programs, such as 2-year master's programs, require a bachelor's degree in architecture. Students might also be required to submit transcripts from previous schools, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a portfolio of work.

Architecture Degree Program Completion Requirements

Pre-professional architecture programs generally last four years and prepare students for graduate study or for related careers. Students are required to take courses in design fundamentals, history and theory of architecture, building structures and drafting.

Students who have completed a pre-professional architecture degree program may be eligible for 2-year professional programs in architecture. Those who do not qualify can enroll in 3-year professional programs. Both lead to a master's degree. Courses in computer-aided drawing, physics, building structures and materials, construction methods and math are usually required.

Most architecture programs also include a design studio component. Students create their own architecture projects and apply their learning to architectural drawing and model-building.

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