by our College Data Analytics TeamThis major is fun and exciting for those with a love of technology and an interest in architecture. Students will discover the many uses of modern technology in modern architectural development and design. During your time of study you will discover how to use technology to design new buildings and update older buildings. The program can include learning how to operate technology and machines, create eco-friendly buildings, solar design, and building conservation.
Some of the courses most programs offer include graphics, mathematics, drafting, history, physics, and three dimensional modeling. Students will also take computer-assisted drafting and design, environmental systems, some engineering courses, and environmental and sustainability courses.
Concentrations in this major include fields such as Architectural Technology Technician and Architectural and Building Sciences among others. Not all colleges will have these concentrations so make sure that you check if you desire to specialize.
Studying Architectural Sciences & Technology involves the study of Architectural Sciences And Technology. Read on to learn the key facts every architectural sciences & technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering architectural sciences & technology programs.
Nationwide, architectural sciences & technology is a widely-pursued major, with 9,814 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Architectural Sciences & Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 183 schools to determine the best overall colleges for architectural sciences & technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of architectural sciences & technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Architectural Sciences & Technology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations architectural sciences & technology graduates commonly enter.
As an architectural engineer and technology major you need to have computer and technological skills. Subjects studied in this course are ever changing and expanding to keep up with the rate of technology. Students should have the imagination and creativity for great vision while at the same time focus on details. However, this major also focuses on environmental responsibility.
Like other career paths in architecture, you will need to be persistent and determined. This filed requires long hours of creating designs and plans. As an architect you will exhaust your creative energy making and remaking many designs before constructing. People skills are helpful when working on a team to design projects. Many architects also pull double-duty as a project manager, making leadership skills essential.
The skill set developed in a architectural sciences & technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a architectural sciences & technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several architectural sciences & technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 95 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 642 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 3,902 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,117 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 58 |
People currently working in careers related to architectural sciences & technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 29.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 27.0% |
| Master’s degree | 17.5% |
| First professional degree | 13.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.3% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in architectural sciences & technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in Architectural Sciences and Management provides students with a broad set of skills. Students will be able to work on an architectural firm as part of a team, manage a team themselves, or be self-employed. Most careers will be centered around environmentally friendly design and retrofitting. Students will have the ability to specialize in specific areas of interest to them.
A degree in architectural sciences & technology can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to architectural sciences & technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to architectural sciences & technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 489,715 | 11.8% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 114,684 | 13.5% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of architectural sciences & technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,693 |
| 4 years | $64,053 |
| 5 years | $73,273 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for architectural sciences & technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers architectural sciences & technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,757 |
With 183 different architectural sciences & technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased architectural sciences & technology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in architectural sciences & technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology | 8,535 |
| Architectural Technology/Technician | 1,273 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other | 6 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 4,594 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning | 2,362 |
| Landscape Architecture | 1,050 |
| Interior Architecture | 756 |
| Environmental Design | 714 |
| Real Estate Development | 555 |
| Architecture and Related Services, Other | 166 |
| Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation | 151 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
