by our College Data Analytics TeamArchitects 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.
Studying General Architecture involves the study of Architecture. Read on to learn the essential details every general architecture student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering general architecture programs.
Nationwide, general architecture is a popular field of study, with 4,594 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best General Architecture Schools ranking analyzes these 112 schools to determine the best overall colleges for general architecture students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of general architecture programs later in this article.
Programs in General Architecture build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations general architecture graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set emphasized by a general architecture program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a general architecture major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several general architecture 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 102 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 3,648 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 767 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 77 |
People currently working in careers related to general architecture tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.8% |
| Master’s degree | 19.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 18.6% |
| First professional degree | 15.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in general architecture careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Majoring in general architecture can lead to numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to general architecture.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general architecture.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 489,715 | 11.8% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 362,012 | 1.0% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of general architecture graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $50,115 |
| 4 years | $63,317 |
| 5 years | $70,885 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for general architecture graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers general architecture grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $116,710 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,757 |
With 112 different general architecture programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased general architecture school rankings to help you.
Students interested in general architecture, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 4,504 |
| Architecture | 77 |
| Architectural Design | 7 |
| Architecture, Other | 6 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | 9,814 |
| 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.
