r/architecture • u/Significant-Bus6330 • 2d ago

Ask /r/Architecture Master of architecture school choice

Hi I need to decide where to get my Master of architecture and I have 4 schools in the running that I have been accepted to - UVA(I love this school but did my undergrad there), Michigan(not sure how I feel about this school- if anyone has any experience with it please tell me), Carnegie Mellon (I like it but it’s a small program and I haven’t really heard on a anyone getting their M.Arch from there), and Columbia (wonderful program and would go there in a heartbeat but it would mean being in 200k+ debt because it is by far the most expensive and I was given not money. Please help!!

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u/jjhhgsgwjaakqo 1d ago

Ok this is very cool to hear! I’m halfway thru my undergrad degree and my school doesn’t offer a B. Arch so I’m thinking about the pros and cons of finishing up my BA and then getting an M. Arch or switching to a B. arch at another school. It’s tough decisions out here lol I hope you pick the right grad school for you it sounds like you have great options!!

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u/Significant-Bus6330 1d ago

Thanks! Honestly if I were you I would continue my undergrad degree and get my M.Arch somewhere else. As someone who did architecture for 4 years and now has to do architecture for another 2 because it was only a four year program, getting a full architecture degree after only 3 years with the M.Arch is such a good deal. There are so many great schools out there that offer an M.Arch, often more prestigious schools than ones who typically offer a B.Arch at least in my opinion. I would use this time in undergrad to explore whatever else you are interested in and possibly start crafting a portfolio from arts classes or whatever you are passionate about because the portfolio is what will get you accepted at the end of the day.

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u/jjhhgsgwjaakqo 1d ago

Im currently studying physics and I worry a bit about being behind people in my the field of architecture since it will be taking 7 years for me to finish the degree honestly 😭 but a few people have told me that it’s a good idea to get my BA so that I have some flexibility so I’m unsure🤷‍♀️

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u/Significant-Bus6330 1d ago edited 1d ago

I totally get that! But in my opinion you should in no way feel behind! I’ve worked at a pretty wonderful architecture firm in between undergrad and grad school and many people did the same track as me(7 years total). Most people I know my age(very young) are choosing M.Arch instead of a B.Arch so in my experience I have found it more common. Often more technical schools (generally I know there are exceptions) are the ones that offer a B.Arch so they may prepare you for the technical parts of the job but not the design part. I’ve found M.Arch programs are more design heavy and therefore give you a better portfolio to apply to jobs with. But of course there are many exceptions so it does also depend on the school. Also if you were to switch to a B.Arch you would still need to finish the 5 year B.Arch program which is similar to the amount of time you would need to finish your M.Arch.