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Depending on the type of architecture they work in, architects may manage building projects at any point in the project life cycle 鈥� from planning, design, and construction to finishing a project. While most of us imagine architects at the drawing board sketching out new ideas for buildings, this is only a small part of the field. Some career options available to architecture graduates include being a lead designer, urban designer, architecture principal, studio director, graphic renderer, architectural detailer, and job captain.

Most accredited online architecture degrees at the bachelor's level combine theory with practical application. Students are typically required to take a certain number of general education courses, architecture-specific courses, and electives. Architecture courses may cover the history of architecture, surveys and mapping, architecture theory, conceptual design studio, figure modeling, building information modeling, and materials and methods.

According to the (NAAB), accredited bachelor鈥檚 degree programs in architecture should have a minimum of 150 credit hours. This can take about five years to complete.

There are accelerated options, however. Part of these credits are general education courses, which may be transferred from other programs, supplemented with work experience, or replaced with an associate degree. Speak with an academic advisor to see if you can graduate early.

The NAAB only accepts a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) as an accredited program, but a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Architecture can be just as useful. Often, BArch programs include certifications, credentials, and possibly licensure. BS programs in architecture, however, are considered 鈥�,鈥� so students complete the four-year program and can work at an architecture firm, but they cannot pursue licensure.

If you鈥檙e interested in becoming a licensed architect, a BArch program may be right for you. A BS program will help you pursue a career in the general field of architecture or help you transition seamlessly into a master鈥檚 degree program for architecture.

Yes, it鈥檚 absolutely possible to earn an online degree in architecture. Several universities offer architecture degrees online and provide quality education. These programs may be pre-professional or focus on the technological aspects of architecture. An architect鈥檚 tools are often through software programs or available online, and paperwork can be scanned.

An online degree is just as well-respected as an in-person degree.

Accreditation is an evaluation process that schools and degree programs go through to demonstrate that they meet acceptable higher education standards. Independent agencies evaluate them on the merits of their curricula, faculty, research programs, student resources, and more.

Attending an accredited school can help you feel confident about receiving a quality education that your future employers will value. Employers typically look upon candidates with degrees from accredited schools and programs more favorably than those without.

Accreditation is particularly important for students who plan to become a licensed architect. All U.S. states require architects to obtain a license. In order to be licensed, you typically must have a degree from a program that has been accredited by the NAAB. The accredits bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in architecture. Attending an NAAB-accredited program will also provide you with the best opportunity to gain the skills and education to become an effective and competent architect.

The following courses are common requirements in architecture bachelor's degree programs:

• Architectural Design: This project-based class teaches students to use technical skills, such as computer-aided design, to design simple architectural projects.
• Building Design: This course discusses standards for building design, codes, and regulations. It also covers how systems of common building materials perform.
• Design Communication: Students learn about different methods for describing a built environment, such as drawing, modeling, and photography.
• History of Architecture: This survey of architecture discusses how buildings throughout the world have evolved throughout history on technical and aesthetic levels.
• Seismic Design: Students learn about the ways in which physics and mechanics apply to buildings and how various materials work in different seismic environments.

While being good at drawing can help you in university and in your career, it isn鈥檛 absolutely necessary to be a good artist before you begin your architecture program.

Drawing can be used to get your ideas out of your head, communicate ideas to clients, and provide construction workers with technical drawings. Most of these are just for ideas and thoughts, so it鈥檚 okay if they aren鈥檛 perfect. For professional elevations and final presentations, it鈥檚 completely acceptable to use computer software in order to create work.

Having drawing skills before university is unnecessary, and you may even struggle with it by graduation. Courses, like the ones listed above, provide students with the skills to describe built environments, use software to create technical drawings, and communicate with clients in a professional, engaging way. Don鈥檛 let your drawing skill level hold you back from pursuing a degree in architecture!

Each architect has their individual style and voice, but there are certain skills that every architect needs to have. It鈥檚 important to know the laws, regulations, and common designs for your area.

Additionally, you need to understand how best to meet your clients' requests. Architecture degree programs can set you up for success by providing you with these skills:

• Project management
• Building information modeling (BIM)
• Accepting criticism
• Presentation
• Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
• Spatial reasoning and visualization
• Design thinking
• Networking

Although there is some variation in state requirements for licensed architects, many have the same three requirements: (1) the completion of at least a bachelor's degree in architecture, (2) fulfillment of a paid internship that generally lasts about three years, and (3) a passing score on the . In some states, however, the degree requirements and/or internship requirements may differ, which can open the door to some professionals who want to switch careers to architecture.

Architect Certification and Licensure

The main professional agency offering certification for architects is the . In order to earn this certification, candidates must fulfill all of the requirements that enable them to work as an architect in any particular jurisdiction. Once they have done so, candidates can apply for certification with this agency by submitting an online application and payment. Candidates must also provide official documentation stating that they have fulfilled all of the requirements to work as an architect. Since NCARB is made up of varying architecture boards in different states and regions, some of these boards may have individual requirements that necessitate individuals taking exams on specific areas of architecture.

Professional architects must be licensed in all 50 U.S. states, but the requirements to become licensed vary from state to state. In general, prospective architects should have a bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program, paid internship experience, and a passing score on the NCARB . Some states may allow candidates to substitute work experience for an accredited degree. Most states also require registered architects to complete continuing education hours either every year or every two years. It's always best to check with your particular state's registration board to verify their exact licensing requirements.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 鈥� as of May 2024 鈥� was $60,510 to $159,800, with a median annual salary hovering around $96,690. Importantly, salaries for architects working for the government tend to be higher than the salaries of those working for construction companies or architectural and engineering firms.

The BLS predicts a  though 2033. The field is growing the same as the national rate. It's projected that about 8,500 new architect jobs will be created every year through the end of the decade. These jobs will replace architects who are retiring or changing careers.

Although both roles contribute to the design and planning of constructed spaces, their focus is very different: The architect tends to focus on the design of the project 鈥� especially in terms of function, style, and appearance. The civil engineer has a far more technical perspective, with an eye toward construction logistics and project safety. If this is your desired career path, a civil engineering degree may be a more suitable choice. 

Careers in both fields usually require bachelor's degrees, and higher-paying positions usually go to those with advanced degrees. Additionally, the typical salaries for both roles is comparable, with averages around $80,000 to $90,000.

Architecture is a complex field with a lot of moving parts, so there鈥檚 a lot of information to learn. However, architecture degree programs are structured in a way that facilitates learning and prepares you to graduate ready to work. You may have a lot of studying and practical work to do, but if you鈥檙e interested in architecture, then all that work can potentially lead to a successful career.

Does architecture have a lot of math? Yes, it does: Geometry, Algebra, and Trigonometry are central to architecture. It's a good idea to brush up on these skills before embarking on an online degree in architecture.

A bachelor鈥檚 in architecture is the most obvious choice. Any degree program that鈥檚 accredited by the NAAB leads directly to becoming a licensed architect. Other architecture degrees from institutions that are accredited by other organizations can still lead to a career in architecture and/or a master鈥檚 degree program that can lead to licensure.

In general, you cannot become an architect without a formal degree. Most states require an architect to have either (1) a degree that鈥檚 NAAB-accredited or (2) a bachelor鈥檚 degree in an architecture-related program as well as additional work experience that leads to licensure.

If you have a related bachelor鈥檚 degree, NCARB offers an that teaches individuals the skills needed to become an architect, and it prepares them for the certification exam.

Earning an architecture degree online can open doors to new career opportunities because it provides the credentials needed to pursue licensure as an architect. You could also enter related fields such as urban planning, construction management, or sustainable design. 

Additionally, as the architecture field increasingly relies on brand new technologies, online programs are most likely to incorporate the latest software and digital design tools to ensure that students are well-versed in these advances. Online platforms frequently employ various multimedia resources, allowing students to engage with content through videos, interactive simulations, and digital tools. This can cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, enhancing the overall learning experience. Online architecture programs can also help you strike a better balance between your educational goals and other aspects of life. You can adapt your study schedule to accommodate work or family responsibilities, reducing the stress associated with juggling multiple commitments. 

There are also affordable master's programs in architecture to consider pursuing. A graduate degree helps prepare students for higher level positions that require managing others as well as advanced decision-making skills. Master's courses may cover design process, 2D/3D media, contemporary urban theory, architectural professional practices, construction documents and building codes, and material/methods of construction. Many master's degree programs require students to also complete a thesis project in order to qualify for graduation.