Hi! I have a question for everyone. I know that the MArch is supposed to be a professional degree, but is it really rare for someone to pursue it without the intention of eventually becoming an architect? I have a bachelors of computer science with a minor in visual arts, but am interested in going back to school to study architecture -- I originally was accepted to Cornell's undergraduate architecture program, but didn't end up going because it was too expensive without financial aid. I took the summer program at Berkeley after I graduated from college as a spur of the moment thing and really loved it. 

I am interested in rigorous academic discussion about aesthetics and design, and want to develop design skills in that sort of setting. I'm also really interested in architectural history from an academic POV. However, I'd be more interested in using what I learn in architecture school in conjunction with my technology background than becoming a traditional architect. I brought this up with one of the Berkeley professors and they advised I don't mention this in my personal statement if I apply to MArch programs... but is it really expected that everyone who goes through an MArch program becomes an architect? Are there other programs that I should be looking at that would fit my intentions better?