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I don't know what it is maybe im not looking that hard, but i cant seem to find any where on the internet, (one of the largest sorces of information) what is the best college for architecture. I would think that people, that have gone to college, and become an architect, would have put their thoughts somewhere, and said to someone what they would have done different. I would just love to know what anyone, who has gone to college, or is going to college, what is THE BEST architecture school in America is. I need a good start and a way to narrow down some of my choices. If you have gotten a good schooling in architecture from a certain college tell me, it would help so much. I can't believe I can't find the information that I want, and I can't believe that there isn't a list of the top rated colleges in certain degrees. I would like to get my masters in architecture so a college that can provide a masters in architecture would be the best. Give me any iformation that could help please!

By Haon (Haon) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 12:02 am: Edit

If you're looking for grad schools, Yale has probably the best architecture grad schools. Many undergraduate schools don't offer architecture majors...if Art History (which has many overlaps and leads to architecture grad school) interests you, I'd recommend either Williams or Yale for Art History. Both schools have excellent faculty, and amazing nearby or on-campus art museums and architecture.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 12:58 am: Edit

Actually, Yale has an undergraduate major in architecture to which my daughter has applied. There was a thread on the topic of architecture programs a few days ago. Here is the link:

http://www.collegeconfidential.com/discus/messages/4/42321.html

(or you can scroll down this page and find the thread)

By Savedbythebell7 (Savedbythebell7) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 04:27 am: Edit

Cal Poly SLO

By Gabushida (Gabushida) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 05:07 pm: Edit

Cornell has an absolutely amazing undergrad architecture program. However, it is EXTREMELY competitive. It is a 5 year program so you dont have to get a masters degree as you come out as a licensed architect. My dad did a similiar program at Pratt Institute, which is also good. If you go to one of the 5 year programs (or that have the same idea), you wont need to go to graduate program.

By Tata (Tata) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 05:14 pm: Edit

good schools for the 4+2 program ??
add: public schools (besides the schools mentioned in the other post)

By Vadad (Vadad) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 10:29 pm: Edit

Check out UVA's School of Architecture.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 10:53 pm: Edit

As I said, look at my post on the other thread that mentions 4+2 programs that my kid applied to. Since you mentioned publics, Vadad offers UVA....great one....also there is UMich and Berkeley and Penn State.
Susan

By Nikelaos (Nikelaos) on Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 11:07 pm: Edit

soozievt - Would you mind giving me your e-mail address (or sending it to nikela0s@hotmail.com , if privacy is an issue)?

I'm kind of in the same situation as your daughter right now, in terms of what I'm looking for in an Architecture program... If you're willing and you have the time, I'd like to ask you some questions


I understand, though, if you're busy (especially now!) or if you don't feel comfortable giving me your email address.

//nick

and good luck to your daughter!

By Nikelaos (Nikelaos) on Thursday, January 01, 2004 - 11:15 pm: Edit

oh and by the way cittybaby... according to the Almanac of Architecture and Interior Design (or some name like that :P) in 2003, firms across the US chose these univs. as the ones they felt spat out the best prepared students for the profession:

Harvard
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
University of Cincinnati
Cornell
Yale
Texas (I forget which Texas University... bleh)
K State
U Mich
Penn
Columbia
Rice

and others.

UVA is great too... in 2002, it ranked fourth I believe.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Friday, January 02, 2004 - 12:26 am: Edit

Nick, sure I can do that.
Be aware that it is hard to interpret that list cause you do not know if they are talking graduate or undergraduate programs in architecture. For instance, Harvard just has a graduate program (MArch) in architecture (one of the best in fact) but not an undergraduate major (except in History of Architecture) which is why my daughter decided to not apply there. So, do not forget you first have to decide if you want a five year BArch program or a pre-Architecture major after which you would then go on for the MArch in graduate school. You cannot compare a five year professional program with the undergraduate architecture major that leads ot a BA. So, you must interpret such "best" lists by which kind of program they are talking of....BArch? MArch? undergraduate pre-Arch?

Susan

By Wct (Wct) on Friday, January 02, 2004 - 03:28 am: Edit

I was surprised that CMU was not listed for their undergrad and grad architecture program. I thought they were highly regarded.

http://www.arc.cmu.edu/

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Friday, January 02, 2004 - 08:56 am: Edit

Yes, CMU is highly regarded. My daughter considered that on her final list. But then decided against five year professional BArch degrees and that is what CMU offers. That is why when compiling a list, it is important to discern between schools w/ the five yr. BArch degree, schools with an undergraduate BA degree in Architecture (then need to go on for 2-3 years of grad school to earn MArch), or lists of schools that compare the best architecture programs but are really discussing graduate programs such as a list on this thread that has Harvard on it (only has grad program).

So, CMU is a very good school belonging on the list of five year BArch programs!
Susan

By Spit (Spit) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 10:45 pm: Edit

UB

By Z00b (Z00b) on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 06:52 pm: Edit

Cooper Union is easily one of the top arch schools as well.

By Lunker21 (Lunker21) on Friday, January 23, 2004 - 12:09 pm: Edit

cittybaby1515... any luck finding a good list? THanks to everyone above for your suggestions. I have been checking out the Savannah College of Art and Design... they have Masters degree programs for people with undergrads in Arch (4 or 5) and also for people like me (Building Construction BS. from Virginia Tech) who have a related undergrad degree. Would you be willing to share what your inquiry has lead to?
also, found this book...

http://www.allbookstores.com/book/0768912954

(lunker21@hotmail.com)

By Tropicalpenguin (Tropicalpenguin) on Saturday, January 31, 2004 - 10:52 pm: Edit

i am also currently looking for a good architecture program too, can't find any ranking either. but does anyone know about the programs at Roger Williams University (RI), Northeastern University (MA), Wentworth Institute of Technology (MA), Princeton University (if i actually can get in) or University of Miami??? from new england, i know the least about umiami's program, except i have found that they do have strong academics. any info regarding any of the schools, really, would be appreciated.