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Garry
Student
Skokie, Illinois
1
Question
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What are the names of some small colleges, in the US, that have great architectural programs?
I’m a junior in high school and am thinking I’d like to be an architect and study architecture in a 4 year college. I meet with my career counselor next week and want to have a list of colleges in hand. Me and my parents have been discussing colleges like 4 years or starting at junior college a year and transferring to a 4 year program. I’m still not sure what I’d like to do but I do know I want to go to college and be an architect. I thought maybe if I look at small schools and a few larger schools I can make a decision.
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Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
235
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Here are some small colleges in the US with excellent architectural programs: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Pratt Institute, Cooper Union, California College of the Arts (CCA), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and University of Miami. These schools offer comprehensive architecture programs that focus on design, sustainability, and technology. Remember, when it comes to choosing a college, any decision you make can be a good one as long as it aligns with your interests and goals and if they provide scholarships/financial aid. Take the time to research and visit these schools to find the one that feels right for you. Good luck with your college search!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Garry
Kerry Fung
Technology Consultant
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kerry’s Answer
Hello Garry,
Great question! I went to a California central coast school called "California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo" or "Cal Poly SLO" and we have a well-known architecture program! What makes our school standout is our "Learn by Doing" philosophy; you take your major classes from day 1 vs the traditional college where you don't take major classes until your 3rd year. That way, you can really explore whether you like architecture early in your college career. In addition, what's really cool about Cal Poly's architecture program is that it is a 5 year program because during your 4th year, you are required to complete a study abroad architecture program or do an internship/co-op where the school will help you to find a program that aligns with your interests. I had a friend do the study abroad program in Rome and she absolutely loved it.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Great question! I went to a California central coast school called "California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo" or "Cal Poly SLO" and we have a well-known architecture program! What makes our school standout is our "Learn by Doing" philosophy; you take your major classes from day 1 vs the traditional college where you don't take major classes until your 3rd year. That way, you can really explore whether you like architecture early in your college career. In addition, what's really cool about Cal Poly's architecture program is that it is a 5 year program because during your 4th year, you are required to complete a study abroad architecture program or do an internship/co-op where the school will help you to find a program that aligns with your interests. I had a friend do the study abroad program in Rome and she absolutely loved it.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Oluwaseun Alli
Writer, UI/UX, Web Designer, Python
12
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Oluwaseun’s Answer
Hi Garry,
It's awesome that you're thinking about becoming an architect and looking into colleges. When you're making your list of schools to talk about with your career counselor, think about things like what programs they offer, where they're located, how big they are, how good their reputation is, and how much they cost. Here are some suggestions for both small and big schools with great architecture programs:
**Small Schools:**
1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - Famous for its architecture program and focus on hands-on learning and creativity.
2. Cooper Union - Has a tough architecture program with a focus on design and new ideas.
3. Pratt Institute - In New York City, Pratt has a full architecture program with chances for internships and real-world work.
4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Has lots of different architecture programs and chances to work with other design fields.
**Big Schools:**
1. University of California, Berkeley - Has a well-known architecture program in its College of Environmental Design, with a focus on lots of different areas and being eco-friendly.
2. University of Michigan - In Ann Arbor, its Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning has a tough program and great facilities.
3. Cornell University - Has a famous architecture program in its College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, with chances to do research and study in other countries.
4. University of Texas at Austin - Known for having a top architecture program and a lively campus.
When you're thinking about whether to start at a community college and then go to a four-year school or go straight to a four-year school, think about the good and bad points of each choice. Starting at a community college can be cheaper and lets you try out different classes before moving to a bigger school. But make sure the classes you take there will count toward your architecture degree later.
In the end, where you go to college and how you do it depends on you and what you want to do. Spend time looking at colleges, talking to students and teachers, and thinking about what will help you become the architect you want to be. Your career counselor can also give you good advice as you figure it all out.
It's awesome that you're thinking about becoming an architect and looking into colleges. When you're making your list of schools to talk about with your career counselor, think about things like what programs they offer, where they're located, how big they are, how good their reputation is, and how much they cost. Here are some suggestions for both small and big schools with great architecture programs:
**Small Schools:**
1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - Famous for its architecture program and focus on hands-on learning and creativity.
2. Cooper Union - Has a tough architecture program with a focus on design and new ideas.
3. Pratt Institute - In New York City, Pratt has a full architecture program with chances for internships and real-world work.
4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Has lots of different architecture programs and chances to work with other design fields.
**Big Schools:**
1. University of California, Berkeley - Has a well-known architecture program in its College of Environmental Design, with a focus on lots of different areas and being eco-friendly.
2. University of Michigan - In Ann Arbor, its Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning has a tough program and great facilities.
3. Cornell University - Has a famous architecture program in its College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, with chances to do research and study in other countries.
4. University of Texas at Austin - Known for having a top architecture program and a lively campus.
When you're thinking about whether to start at a community college and then go to a four-year school or go straight to a four-year school, think about the good and bad points of each choice. Starting at a community college can be cheaper and lets you try out different classes before moving to a bigger school. But make sure the classes you take there will count toward your architecture degree later.
In the end, where you go to college and how you do it depends on you and what you want to do. Spend time looking at colleges, talking to students and teachers, and thinking about what will help you become the architect you want to be. Your career counselor can also give you good advice as you figure it all out.
Oluwaseun, thank you!
Garry