Architecture Advising Sheet
Architects design and plan buildings like homes, office buildings, theaters, factories, and any other structures. Their
plans take into consideration how the building looks, safety, structure, and the needs of the people using them.
A bachelor’s degree in architecture is the minimum formal education needed. But many positions require graduate
school. Most architects earn a 5-year Bachelor of Architect degree (BArch). Others earn a master’s degree
(MArch) after completing a bachelor’s degree in another field or architectural studies. A master’s degree in
architecture takes from 1 to 5 years depending on the previous education or training of the student.
All States require architects to be licensed before they can be recognized as an architect and receive contracts. Until
licensure, individuals must work under the supervision of a licensed architect. Licensure involves a professional
degree in architecture, internship hours working under an architect, and passing all parts of the Architect
Registration Examination. There are nine parts to the exam.
LOWER DIVISION SUBJECTS REQUIRED BY MOST ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS
One year of English
English 101 & English 102, 103, or Phil 5
Most programs want at least one semester of calculus (Math 261). Please refer to
Math
institutions for specific requirements. For UCs and CSUs check assist.org
Most programs want at least one semester of Physics. Please refer to institution for
Physics
specific requirements. For UCs and CSUs check assist.org
Requirements vary by campus. Please refer to institution for specific requirements.
Architecture courses
For UCs and CSUs check assist.org
Note: All courses should be taken for a letter grade, not Credit/No Credit.
Major requirements vary, check with the individual campus for their specific requirements.
Employment
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics about 68% of architects work in architectural
and engineering companies and firms. A small number of individuals work for residential and nonresidential
building construction firms for government agencies building housing, community planning, or construction of
government buildings. About 21% of architects are self employed. Employment is expected to grow 16% for
architectural occupations by 2018.
Salary Information
According to California Career Zone the California average annual wage of architects in 2008 was $88,350.00.
Recommended Websites
American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architecture Students
ARCH careers.org
Association of Collegiate Schools of
Architecture
California Architects Board
National Architectural Accrediting Board
National Architectural Accrediting Board
www.aia.org
www.aias.org
http://archcareer.org
http://ARCHShcool.org
www.cab.ca.gov
www.naab.org
www.ncarb.org
Note: Information is subject to change without notice. Check with the individual campus for the most up-todate information.
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Select Universities with Architecture Programs Websites
CSU San Louis Obispo
www.caed.calpoly.edu
CSU Pomona
www.csupomona.edu/~arc
UC Berkeley
http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu
UC Davis (Landscape Architecture)
http://lda.ucdavis.edu
UC Los Angeles (B.A.)
http://www.aud.ucla.edu/#
California College of the Arts
http://www.cca.edu/academics/architecture
Newschool of Architecture and Design
http://www.newschoolarch.edu/
Otis College of Art and Design
www.otis.edu/academics/architecture_landscape_
interiors/index.html
Southern California Institute of Architecture
www.sciarc.edu/
University of Southern California
http://arch.usc.edu/
Woodbury University (Burbank campus)
http://architecture.woodbury.edu/
Woodbury University (San Diego campus)
www.woodbury.edu/s/131/
mba.aspx?sid=131&gid=1&pgid=1456
Note: Information is subject to change without notice. Check with the individual campus for the most up-todate information.
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