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BA ARCH - transfer student dilemma
Hey all, need some advice.
So I went to community college and got my Associate's degree. I transferred to a University last fall to pursue a BA in architecture. So far I'm loving my classes, the location, basically everything. BUT--and it is a big BUT--the way this University's arch program is structured, it will take me another 4 years just to finish my BA. They accepted all of my transfer credits but they just don't offer the ARCH classes I need, when I need them. I've talked to many academic advisors and the consensus is that I'm stuck here part time for 4 years, so yay I have time to minor in something? So, my question is, would it be worth it to try and move cities and transfer to a different school where I could potentially finish the BA in 2 years (as generally expected with an Associate's), or would it be best to stick it out for four years and get a minor in sustainable urban development? For reference, the state I live in requires a Master's for licensure so either way I'm probably looking at at least 4 years of education even if I get the BA done in 2. And look, I'm already 22. I'm prepared to be in school until I'm near 30 but at the same time I am itching to learn as much as I can, and I'm frustrated that the only thing holding me back is this university's schedule. Any advice or related experience would be much appreciated, I'm really at a cross roads here.
Go the shorter route. Having the BA itself will prove more useful in my opinion than having a minor in another field, unless you want to work as an urban designer or an environmental specialist. After you are working at a firm it will be easier to discern what direction is best for you + you'll be making money (less school = less debt to pay off). School is mostly what you put into it I think, the job at a firm will force you to learn; more of sink or swim situation. It sounds frustrating, I have a friend who did similar, who is still in school.
I can't imagine that 4 years at the current school is going to be less expensive than 2 years somewhere else. Not to mention that delaying the start of your professional career (where so much of your architectural training is going to really happen) is not a good thing.
And schools that can't or won't get their students through their program in a normal time frame usually suck in other ways as well.
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