Architects employ creativity, artistry and technical know-how to dream up and plan buildings and environments. As an architect you will be able to leave your mark on the physical environment, implementing plans to improve the health and well-being of entire communities.
You must be determined and focused in order to succeed in this major. This is a competitive field that combines both art and engineering, requiring you to not only make aesthetically pleasing structures, but also safe and functional structures. Architecture is not easy, but this could be an excellent major for someone with technical skills, artistic vision and a competitive drive.
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General Architecture Degrees in the United States
#127Most Popular Major
4.8kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
In 2021-2022, general architecture was the 127th most popular major nationwide with 4,814 degrees awarded.
Our 2025 Best General Architecture Schools ranking analyzes 57 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for general architecture students. Explore this or one of our many other custom architecture rankings further below.
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Requirements for Getting a Degree in General Architecture
As an architect you must be able to do more than draw precisely and to scale. It is important to accurately focus on small details, while still having the big picture in mind. Use creativity and imagination in order to distinguish your style when designing physical structures. Students will learn how to analyze problems using critical thinking skills, as well as learn to understanding scientific theories and work through difficult math problems. Communication skills are highly important in order to communicate your vision. Architects in the field will encounter a range of tasks from designing a building to acting as a project manager.
Architects need to understand historical, modern and contemporary designs. Your skill set will not stop merely at design talent, but you will also take into account environmental and social concerns. As an architect, you will need clear engineering ability. An architect also needs to be business savvy and communicate effectively in order to be successful.
Work experience is required in order to become a licensed architect. Students need to complete the Intern Development Program (IDP) which is a minimum of three years of professional experience. This includes a variety of tasks that allow you to smoothly transition from student to professional.
ADBLOCK #171
Getting Accepted Into a General Architecture Program
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most architecture degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional architecture certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of General Architecture Degrees
There are many different architecture degree levels. You can get anything from a in general architecture to the highest architecture degree, a . The time it takes to complete a architecture degree varies depending on the program.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to architecture, with approximately 42.4% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for architecture workers below.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
47.1%
Master’s Degree
23.0%
Doctoral Degree
10.0%
First Professional Degree
9.1%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
6.9%
ADBLOCK #172
About 96.3% of workers in careers related to architecture obtain at least bachelor's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in general architecture have received.
This of course varies depending on which architecture career you choose.
Career Opportunities for A Degree In Architecture Graduate
AverageNumber of Jobs
$50.8kAverage Starting Salary
5% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
A degree with architecture will leave students with a broad set of skills. Students will be able to work for architectural firms, though some may prefer to be self-employed so that they can have as much creative freedom as they want.
Growth Projected for Architecture Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your architecture degree? General Architecture careers are expected to grow 5.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general architecture.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Architectural and Engineering Managers
190,000
5.5%
Architects
134,200
4.2%
Architecture Professors
10,500
10.5%
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How Much Money Do People With a Architecture Degree Make?
General Architecture graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $50,841 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $17,819 to as high as $69,739. As you might expect, salaries for architecture graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Architecture Careers
Salaries for general architecture graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers architecture grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Architectural and Engineering Managers
$148,970
Architecture Professors
$99,320
Architects
$88,860
ADBLOCK #173
Getting Your General Architecture Degree
With over 259 different architecture degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased architecture school rankings to help you with this.
by our College Data Analytics Team
