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January 22, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR MAUREEN O'BRIEN
ROZENHART IN WA
To be an architect you'll want to enter an architecture program
at
the university of your choice. What's important to you is
looking at is
what the university's emphasis is within their ciriculum so
you can get
your preference. For instance, when I researched architecture
programs
in California, I narrowed my choices down to Cal Berkley and
Cal Poly.
Both had excellent Architectural programs but Berkley's focus
was more
on theory and Cal Poly had more of a hands-on direction. Both
great,
but you may prefer one style over another.
Most architecture programs are 5 years for a degree and then
you'd do an
apprenticeship for a few years after that. You would also
most likely
work for an architectural firm for another 5-10 years before
before
going solo but that would be up to you.
Courses will include many topics involved in the design and
creation of
buildings including drafting, CAD/CAM (Computer Aided
Design/Manufacturing), various math courses like trigonometry
and
physics, mechanical engineering, technical illustration, etc.
and
general education classes like english, political science,
etc. All
very cool.
As for having to major in architecture to become an architect,
I'm sure
there are ways you can get your licenses without it and scads
of
on-the-job experience. However, I'd wouldn't recommend this
route
because you'd always be playing catchup with your competition
and all
that education you missed would have really come in handy
when you had
work to do. Also, a degree will get you a better entry level
salary. If
you're excelling in your courses, you have a much better shot
at meeting
employers during job fairs and getting offers from better
companies.
Best of luck to you.
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A: FROM MENTOR ANITA CARRASCO
IN NM
You definitely need a degree in Architecture to become an
architect because the field of architecture is a very competitive
one. Many schools (including the University of New Mexico
School of Architecture) have a Master's of Architecture program
which can take anywhere from 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 years to complete.
Courses include some advanced math, urban planning, history
courses, and possibly business classes. Many of the same classes
that civil engineers take are required of architect students
as well. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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