Architecture
Design functionality, safety, and beauty for buildings and spaces
What You'll Study
Architecture is the blend of Art, Engineering, and Sociology. Architects design the spaces we live, work, and play in. It requires creativity, technical precision, and a deep understanding of human needs.
- Architectural Design Studio
- History of Architecture
- Structural Systems
- Building Materials
- Environmental Systems (HVAC/Lighting)
- Digital Modeling (Rhino/Revit)
- Urban Design
- Professional Practice
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You drew floor plans of your house as a kid
- ✓You are artistic but want your art to be useful
- ✓You care about how spaces make people feel
- ✓You work hard (studio culture is intense)
- ✓You are good at visualizing 3D space
- ✓You want a licensed profession
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You want a 9-5 job (Architecture is famous for long studio hours)
- ✕You hate criticism (Design reviews are public)
- ✕You are bad at math/physics (You need structural basics)
- ✕You want to build it yourself (Architects design, Contractors build)
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Do you judge buildings when you walk in?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Civil Engineer
Design, build, and maintain infrastructure including roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems.
UX/UI Designer
Design intuitive and beautiful digital experiences that solve user problems and delight customers.
Management Consultant
Advise organizations on strategy, operations, and transformation to improve performance and solve complex problems.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Architect
- •Interior Designer
- •Urban Planner
- •Landscape Architect
- •Project Manager
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Sketch the floor plan of your room to scale.
Learn SketchUp (free version) and model your dream house.
Visit a local landmark, photograph it, and sketch its interesting details.
Related Majors
Civil Engineering
Design the infrastructure of modern society: bridges, roads, and cities
Architecture
Design functionality, safety, and beauty for buildings and spaces
Industrial Design (Product Design)
Design physical objects that are functional, ergonomic, and beautiful
Architecture
Design functionality, safety, and beauty for buildings and spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the B.Arch is typically a 5-year degree. A 4-year BA requires a Masters (M.Arch) later to license.
To call yourself an "Architect", yes. You must pass the ARE exams.
You need physics and geometry, but computers do the complex calc now. It's logic-heavy.
Starting pay is often low for the hours work. It grows significantly with licensure and experience.
Legendary. You live in the studio with your cohort. It creates strong bonds.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Architecture is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.