Are you 100% set on on Architecture (Licensed)?

If so, you'd be silly to go into more debt for the MArch.

If not, sounds like NYU would be a better option.

Debt is clearly not on the table for you since you didn't mention that, so I would focus on whether architecture is truly what you want. If you're interested in an intensive architecture education then pratts probably the place. But at NYU you can probably play with options a little more in terms of degrees and majors. 

Always go with your gut though. It's your happiness that's on the line :]

Whether it's on the table or not, it's still silly.

Debt is not much of an issue. I'm pretty sure architecture is what I want to pursue. The only reason I'd be going to NYU is for the amazing campus and the ability to call it my alma mater because of the prestige and name recognition. Is Pratt highly respected in the world of architecture?  

I mainly just wanted to know if a degree that is so heavily emphasizing Architectural history rather than any study experience would even be able to prepare me adequately for a M. Arch in a competitive school. Also if Pratt's quality of program is worth passing up NYU's awesome campus and reputation. 

The one thing I can say about the 4 + 2 track is it gives you a chance to change course and get more than one perspective, a B arch program in a smallish program will limit your exposure to other design and professional ideas. that being said both schools are in a wonderful city and extracurricular opportunities and academic opportunities outside of your program at both schools should be excellent.

Congratulations on having two good choices

Peter N

Hi Zallesda,

Here's two cents from someone with a 5 year B.Arch and 3 years of professional experience.

To answer your latest question, I think NYU's reputation will not matter in the architectural field, while Pratt's will. But NYU will be more broadly known outside architecture. Pratt generally has a great reputation within architecture, but in my experience Master's degrees generally get more respect than undergraduate degrees. An M.Arch also allows you to teach while a B.Arch won't get you very far on that front. Of course you can always add an M.Arch 2 on top of the B.Arch.

Has someone said explicitly that NYU's program will prepare you for a 2 year M.Arch 1? Most M.Arch 1 programs I am familiar with are 3 or more years. They often have an option you can apply for which gives you advanced standing because of your undergrad. architecture experience, so you may be able to complete it in 2.5 or so years. If, however, NYU does not offer any studio courses, I would not be confident you could avoid 3 or more years of an M.Arch 1.

People apply to M.Arch 1 programs from all sorts of majors, and the typical story is that by the end of the program, everyone is on an equal footing, even those who may have had some architecture in undergrad.

My comment is that you seem to have two good options, but let the future happen organically. Your perceptions of architecture/your self/the world will likely be different 4-5 years from now. A broad undergraduate education can allow you to place architecture within a larger context. NYU Gallatin school has the Global Design program, which could be an exciting opportunity if you had access to those resources. 

Good luck!