The Advantages To Earning An Architecture Degree
An architecture degree provides individuals with the skills, knowledge, and training necessary to work as qualified professionals planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of buildings and other structures. Earning an online architecture degree is often one of the most convenient paths for most students to obtain a degree. Most colleges and universities have developed innovative online degree programs geared toward students managing work or family responsibilities while advancing educational and personal goals.
Online degree programs provide virtually the same educational materials, experiences, and instruction as their traditional brick and mortar counterparts. Online courses also generally give students the added benefit of flexible course scheduling in addition to a quality educational experience. Most online classes consist of groups of 25 students with one on one access to instructors and other students via Internet chats. Students participating in online courses also have the added advantage of 24 hour access to course materials. Online architecture degree programs are a great path to acquiring the knowledge necessary to expand educational foundations and advance professional goals.
What Students Learn Through An Online Architecture Degree Program
Students enrolled within an online architecture degree program gain the skills and training necessary to build, design, renovate, restore, and maintain numerous structures. Students learn how to model and draw their ideas while learning architectural styles of the past and present. Students gain knowledge regarding the materials, mathematics, engineering, and construction of various structures, sites, and buildings. Additionally, students within an architecture degree program specialize their degrees with electives based in construction, sustainable design, or historic preservation to expand skills and education necessary for future success. Most architects are required to possess a bachelor’s degree to qualify for employment though some students gain entry level employment with an associates degree.
Courses at an associate level include: architecture drawing, creative and innovation studies, fundamentals of design, introduction to computer skills, introduction to research, building construction, building materials, communication and study skills, introduction to digital imaging, architecture design and theory, architecture drawing, building structure, archetecture drawing, building services, architectural computing, architecture techniques, architecture science, and entrepreneurship.
Graduates who complete an associate’s degree may work as an architect’s assistant or advance to higher degree programs. Courses at a bachelor level include: mathematics for engineers, modern architecture, world history of architecture, AutoCaAD for architecture, basic drawing, modeling and visual displays, introduction to architecture, strength of materials, mechanical engineering design, project management, architecture design, engineering economic analysis, environmental design: green buildings, building systems, concrete structures, stone architecture, construction, introduction to civil engineering, interior design budgeting, communication and investigation, organization theory, experiential learning, fundamentals of knowledge, fundamental principles, and architecture, engineering, and environment.
Graduates from a bachelor level architecture degree program may advance to a variety of employment options or obtain a graduate degree. Students enrolled in a master’s degree program participate in courses like: spatial composition, environmental controls and sustainability, structures, architectural history, materials and methods of construction, digitally generate morphology, professional practice, perspective, design process and graphic representation, research contexts for architecture, design research context, design research process, design resolution, material research, materials and methods, environmental integration, environmental integration, history and theory, philosophy and critique, Computing for Design, context of sustainability, conservation and heritage, material resolution, design control and management, sustainable cities, architectural theory and analysis, environmental systems and lighting, design development, professional ethics and communication, structural design: dynamic loads, environmental systems and lighting, landscape and urbanism theory, and applying technology.
Graduates who complete a master’s degree program may advance to employment as qualified professionals or continue to a doctoral degree program. Students who pursue a doctoral degree in architecture may specialize training in building science and sustainability, environmental design and urbanism in developing countries, history of architecture and urbanism, social and cutural processes in architecture and urbanism, and design theories, methods, and practices. Courses at a doctorate level include: architectural history, advanced theory, visual studies, environmental design in developing countries, introduction to energy and environmental management, design and computer analysis of structure, design theories and methods, urban places, building technology, design computing, regional planning, construction and materials, organizational theory, experiential learning, fundamental principles, and fundamental knowledge. Graduates who complete a doctoral degree program are qualified as experts within the field of architecture and may work within a variety of settings.
Prospective Jobs For Architecture Degree Graduates
Graduates who complete a degree in architecture qualify for employment within a variety of businesses and organizations. Employment prospects for graduates with architecture degrees are dependent upon factors like: level of education, geographic location, related work experiences and areas of specialty. Students who complete formal architecture degree programs gain the skills relevant to design as well as the history and construction of architecture. Graduates with architecture degrees also gain a solid understanding of the use of computers and other technologies relevant to the field of architecture. Architecture degree graduates often work within firms designing buildings, spaces, and structures. Many graduates specialize training in fields like urban design, green building, construction, or engineering to increase skills and attract increased job prospects. Additionally, most architects are required to complete licensing requirements and certification exams necessary for employment as architects.
Graduates who complete associate degree programs may work as assistants to more experienced and qualified architects or as technical assistants. Graduates who complete bachelor degree programs often work as architectural draftspersons, project executives or coordinators, site supervisors, ACAD draftspersons, landscape project executives or architectural detailers and directors. Graduates with master’s degrees often work as architecture principles, lead designers, studio directors, graphic renderers, or urban designers. Graduates who complete doctoral degrees often work as lead architects, researchers, or instructors within firms, facilities, and colleges or universities. Many graduates upon acquiring experience and adequate funding establish self operated firms and work as independent consultants within the field of architecture.
Salary Range For Graduates With Architecture Degrees
Salaries for graduates with architecture degrees vary tremendously due to educational, geographic and employment factors as well as economic downturns since much of an architecture’s work is based upon the construction industry. Despite economic downturns, many architecture degree graduates have the potential to build lucrative careers within multiple industries. As with most careers the earning potential for graduates with architecture degrees is based upon the organization or industry of employment, level of education, area of specialty, related work experience, and geographic location. Earnings for graduates who work within established architectural firms also vary due to changes in business conditions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports median salaries for graduates with architecture degrees ranges between $53,480 and $91,870 annually. Graduates who specialize in green technologies or sustainability design are expected to have higher earnings than those employed within other sectors. Additionally, graduates employed by firms which design institutional buildings like schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities generally find steady and stable employment opportunities. Graduates with advanced degrees generally have higher earning potential with salaries starting at $119,220 annually.
Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities For Graduates With Architecture Degrees
Graduates who complete architecture degree programs are expected to find many opportunities for employment within a dynamic field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts employment for graduates with architecture degrees to grow by 18% at a faster than average rate in comparison to other occupations through 2018. The BLS expects competition for entry level architecture jobs to be highly competitive due to the number of graduates in comparison to the number of available jobs. Candidates who specialize training, gain work experience through internships, display creativity in design, and work within specific types of firms are anticipated to find increased employability. Additionally, as the occupational role of architects is based within the construction industry, during economic downturns, some graduates will find less prospects for employment as funding for projects is more difficult to finance. Geographic location also has an impact on employment for graduates with architecture degrees as many parts of the U.S. have decreased building and construction projects. Job prospects are expected to be best within Sunbelt States as population increases. Despite factors like the economy and geographic sensitivity, employment and advancement opportunities are predicted to be excellent for qualified graduates with architecture degrees.
Entry level graduates may find decreased employment options as many firms outsource the drafting of construction plans and basic designs to firms located overseas. Graduates with advanced training, experience, and education are predicted to find an increased employability. Graduates who gain employment as architects within a non-residential sector who design institutional buildings, like schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, healthcare facilities, retirement communities, and nursing homes will find more stable employment options less affected by recessions and economic factors. Graduates who specialize in sustainable design are also anticipated to have the potential for steady and stable employment as rising energy costs and environmental awareness have increased the demand for green buildings which reduce waste and pollution and conserve energy and water.
Graduates with architecture degrees who begin employment at an entry level generally work with more supervised architects until they gain work experience and require less supervision. As graduates become more established, they generally advance to more complex jobs and gain promotional and advancement opportunities. Many firms reimburse graduates who participate in continuing education allowing for advancement. Generally graduates who distinguish themselves with creativity, style, and reputation advance to supervisory or lead design positions within firms upon gaining work experience. Graduates who complete formal degree programs, gain experience, continue education, specialize skills, and earn adequate funding often advance to begin self operated firms as consultants.
