RESEARCHING PROGRAMS
Perhaps, the most critical part of deciding where to go university is RESEARCHING the Architecture Programs.
Last year, we authored a post entitled Love Spreadsheets, the focus of which was one method on researching and documenting the almost 200 architecture programs in the U.S.
https://www.archcareersguide.com/love-spreadsheets/
But, what about resources. Again, the above essay advocated visiting the website of each program to learn more about the program. While that certainly works, it is NOT the only resource available to you.
We direct our focus on the resources available to you when researching programs. To put this process in perspective, there was a single resource – The College Handbook – back during when we research colleges and universities; this was way before the internet.
RESOURCES
The following are resources to assist you in researching architecture programs; remember, these resources are designed to help you best assess which program is best for you.
At ARCHCareersGuide.com, we provide Architecture Program, a listing of the nearly 150 NAAB accredited architecture programs. Created using AirTable and embedded in the ARCHCareersGuide.com website, the following information is provided for each architecture program:
https://www.archcareersguide.com/arch-programs/
CONNECTION TO A UNIVERSITY / PROGRAM
Clearly, the best research is to visit a campus and program (see below); when you visit be sure to submit your name and contact information to receive information from the university / program.
CAMPUS VISITS/OPEN HOUSES
In our opinion, the best and most helpful resource is the campus visit. Campus visits are an absolute must, especially for your top choices. When arranging one, consider spending the night with a current student to get an inside feeling about the institution and the program. If possible, request that you stay with an architecture student. In addition, visit with a faculty member or administrator within the architecture program, ask for a tour of the facilities of the program, and attend a class or two.
During the fall, most schools host open houses as an opportunity for prospective students to meet with faculty and students and to learn more about curricular opportunities. While these are excellent opportunities, recognize that they present the campus at its best. In addition to these planned events, visit unannounced to see the campus, including the design studios, in its normal setting. Many graduate programs in architecture host an open house in the fall for prospective candidates and a parallel one in the spring for admitted candidates. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about a program and make an impression.
In the spring, schools again host open houses which are reserved for admitted students. Visit again as your schedule allows, but sometimes visiting on your schedule may be more helpful.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, VIDEOS, CATALOGS, AND WEBSITES
Next, the resource you will receive from most schools is the promotional materials. Be sure to contact the architecture program as well as the university admissions office. In some cases, the architecture program provides additional information or materials. All of these materials are helpful in learning more about the university and its architecture program; however, recognize that they are designed to persuade you to select the institution. Review the materials with a grain of salt.
If you choose to register your email address with the institution, we suggest you create an email address separate from your personal email. By doing so, you will be able to easily know the
CAREER DAYS IN ARCHITECTURE
https://www.archcareersguide.com/resources/college-fairs/
While many high schools host annual college fairs, these events do not focus specifically on the discipline of architecture. However, there are a few annual events that do.
Typically held each late September, the New England Career Day in Architecture is a great opportunity to learn more about a career in architecture by interacting with professionals; attending workshops on selecting a school, career options, and financing your education; and meeting with admissions representatives from close to 50 programs. For more information, contact the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) (architects.org).
Another event is the Chicago Architecture + Design College Day (CADCD) (chicagocareerday.org) typically held in October. The CADCD attracts close to 50 programs interested in both high school students and college students interested in architecture. Additional events are the 2B an Architect sponsored by the AIA Dallas and Center for Architecture
Held during AIAS Forum over the winter holiday break, AIAS hosts the College and Career Expo (archcareers.org) connecting students with architecture programs. As well, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) – noma.net hosts a college event during their annual conference typically held in October.
ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR / ADMINISTRATOR
As you narrow your choices, one of the best resources is an admissions counselor or an administrator (director, advisor, or faculty member) from the architecture program. Remember, the task of these individuals is to assist you in learning more about their university and the architecture program. Develop a personal relationship with them to obtain the information you need to make an informed decision. Do not hesitate to keep in touch with them throughout the admissions process.
STUDENTS, FACULTY, ALUMNI, AND ARCHITECTS
An often neglected but important resource is conversations with individuals associated with the architecture program—students, faculty, and alumni. During campus visits, ask for an opportunity to speak with students and faculty. Request the names of a few alumni in your area, both recent and older graduates, to ask their impressions.
Finally, seek out architects in your area and ask them their opinions about the schools you are considering for admission. If you are unable to visit a program, request the email addresses of students or recent alumni to ask questions. Another source would be to contact individuals via LinkedIN; simply use the SEARCH feature with the name of the academic unit – do not just use the name of the institution.
NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL ACCREDITING BOARD (NAAB)
https://www.naab.org/accredited-programs/school-search/
NAAB is the sole agency that accredits architecture programs in the United States. Their website (www.naab.org) provides a simple search for accredited architecture programs by degree program, state, or region. Each listing provides contact information for the program as well as details on the program’s accreditation.
ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM REPORT (APR) / VISITING TEAM REPORT (VTR)
As part of the accreditation process administered by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), a team representing the profession, educators, regulators, and architecture students visits each program in architecture every eight years, assuming that it has received a full term of accreditation. As part of the accreditation process, each institution prepares a related document called the Architecture Program Report (APR). The APR can be an excellent resource as you make your decision. It provides details of the program and describes the institutional context and resources; the document is public information and available from the academic unit on request. It may be too long for the institution to send to you, but it may be available in the library of the program or may be listed online.
Another useful document, the Visiting Team Report (VTR), also should be available to you upon request. The VTR conveys the visiting team’s assessment of the program’s educational quality as measured by the students’ performance and the overall learning environment. It includes documentation of the program’s noteworthy qualities, its deficiencies, and concerns about the program’s future performance.
While all this information may be overwhelming, these documents may be helpful to consider because they provide both an overview of the program from the academic unit itself and a review of the program by an outside group.
STUDYARCHITECTURE.COM
https://studyarchitecture.com/where-to-study/
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) maintains this online version of program information. It provides the ability to search the institutions and programs by several different criteria, including location (school, state, region), degree, population (female, minority, international, and out of state), curriculum (related disciplines and specialization), and financial factors (scholarships, tuition, residence, and degree level).
Let us know your questions by contacting us at archcareersguide@gmail.com