Architecture Major

• What is Architecture?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Architecture?
• What Courses Do Architecture Majors Take?
• List of Architecture Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Architecture Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Architecture?

Architecture is the art or practice of designing and building structures, especially habitable ones. Architects have a key role in the shaping of our environment. They are involved in design activities that range in scale from city and community design to house and furniture design. They work in with planners, engineers, and graphic designers. They work in large and small offices in both the public and private sector.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Architecture may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Architectural Drafting	Architectural Engineering
Architectural Environmental Design	Architectural Technology
Building Science	Interior Architecture
Interior Design	Landscape Architecture
Urban and Regional Planning

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What Kinds of Students Major in Architecture?

Architecture majors must possess basic skills in computer operation, computer software, and critical thinking on a variety of social, political, historical, and environmental issues. Architecture majors are often inquisitive, analytical, scientific, observant, able to think abstractly, able to solve math problems, able to draw, and understand scientific theories. Architecture majors have many hobbies that may include the use computers, drawing, conducting experiments, writing, and an interest in nature and art.

Is Architecture the right major for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it is one of your top recommended majors!

What Courses Do Architecture Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Architecture majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Architectural Design	Art
History	Integrated Building Systems
Materials	Methods of Construction
Professional Practice	Structures
Technical Integration	Tectonics (Earthquakes)
Theory of Architecture	Urban Theory
World Architecture

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List of Potential Jobs in Architecture

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Architect	Contracting
Industrial and Space Design	Public Administration
Real Estate Development	Research
Teaching

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What is the Median Salary Range for Architecture Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$42,900

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$78,300

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Architecture

MyMajors complete list has 299 schools in the USA with a major in Architecture.
-View the national listing!

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For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their programs listed on MyMajors, contact for details.