"UCLA = B.Arch starts at 3rd year, then M.Arch lasts 1-3 years in grad."

UCLA AUD's undergraduate program in architecture is not a B. Arch. It is a B.A. in Architectural Studies, which is not an accredited degree. You will have to apply to a M. Arch I graduate program, which is 2-3 years depending on the school (Berkley and USC are 2, UCLA is 3.) Personally, I liked this route, because I had two years (freshman/sophomore) before deciding what I wanted to major in.

"And if I go to UCLA, is it hard to get into UC Berkeley or USC's graduate schools for architecture?"

This depends on your performance of course, but if you do well, then I would say it is easy especially because the UCLA AUD undergraduate program is geared towards getting students into the top M. Arch I programs. (From what I understand, UC Berkley's program isn't as great as what it used to be, and it's in the College of Environmental Design. If sustainability and environmental design is what you want to pursue, then by all means. If you are heavy on design, then I would suggest UCLA or SCI-Arc for west coast M. Arch I's.)

My bias advice: Go to UCLA, get A's in all the Architectural Studies pre-requisite courses. Look at the students work in Perloff Hall, especially in the Currents Exhibition room ,every quarter. At the end of each school year, go to the RUMBLE Exhibition. Get to know the professors at AUD, especially those in charge of the undergraduate program. Work on your portfolio. Get into the program. Even if you don't get in and want to pursue an M. Arch I, talk to the professors and you can probably take portfolio courses that they offer for M. Arch I applicants.

If you do get into UCLA's undergraduate program and want to succeed, expect to have barely any life outside studio. I can count with one hand the number of times I partied with friends during the two years I was in the program (enjoy your freshman/sophomore year, because that's the only stereotypical college partying you'll have time for.) Time management in this program is key, seriously. The first quarter tech course is relaxed compared to every studio/tech course which follows. Don't expect to double major, unless you plan to stay another school year. Architectural Studies is a full-time commitment.

During your winter, spring, summer beaks, work on your portfolio if you want to apply to an M. Arch program while a senior. Good luck.

"Huh, say what?  Why would you even apply to Case Western if you wouldn't go there?

Are you another one of those morons that wants to be an architect?  If so then please go away because there are already enough morons in this profession, yo!"

- HandsumCa$hMoneyYo

Irony, you haz it.

audaciko93 is obviously in high school. Teenagers aren't supposed to know everything. Why do you think he/she asked a question?

Yes, I am in high school who is graduating. 
Thank you a lot Anxiety!!
You just saved one architect-wannabe.

I applied to CWRU for knowing that they offer pre-arch, but realized that they don't have master's program.

I honestly am leaning toward UCLA for its atmosphere and architecture program. And especially UCLA's faculty is incredible (Denali?).

So Anxiety, are you in UCLA now? If so, what grade?

But spending 3 years may be harsh for me, cause I am a permanent resident (out-of-state), who is expected to pay 50k at loans.

Any thoughts on UVa or others?

1) are you dead-set on going to grad school? If so, go for one of the pre-arch (BA or BS) programs. If not, go to a B.Arch and skip grad school, you won't need it.

2) Don't limit yourself to going to the same undergrad and grad school. Expand your horizons. After 4–5 years at a school, it's time for a change.

OP - i missed something.... do you HAVE to get a masters or you want to get one (and in the shortest time possible)? auburn has a 5 year, professional bachelor's, which is all you need to get registered. you could always do a post-professional masters (what i did) and get it done in 1 or 1.5 years.

you may want to elaborate a little on why a masters vs. professional bachelors....

@audaciko93

Neil Denari* is a professor only in the masters programs, so you won't have him during your bachelor's. Great guy and architect :)

I graduated from the undergraduate program last year, and got into the M. Arch I for this fall. I haven't looked into / applied to the other schools you've mentioned.

I wouldn't say it's limiting to go to the same school for undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture. They are of the same pedagogy, but you wouldn't be repeating the same courses.

Well, I thought of grad school as a mandatory. Wow I am not so prepared.. Is there any differences between professional bachelors and masters degree? so is bachelors degree accredited enough to become an architect? I currently live on auburn and wanna leave for change. it maybe so wrong but I thought that non-accredited degree/school is not worthy of going.. And what would be any test for getting professional bachelors?

if you live in auburn, why not go visit with the school over there and talk to someone about your options. if you go to the dean's office and make an appointment, i'm almost sure they'll be happy to go through all your options. especially since you've already been admitted.

in fact, here's the contact: Student Services

For more information, or to see speak with an advisor about Undergraduate and Graduate admissions please contact Student Services office at jordada@auburn.edu or 334.844.5350.

I believe UVA is not an accredited BS Arch.  One of the questions you should be asking yourself is what type of college environment you want to be in: as much time as we spend in studio, it's also valuable for you as a person to consider what other experiences you will have while at school. Academically and within design schools UVA and Michigan are highly respected.  Pre-arch normally means the ability to transfer into an accredited program after finishing pre-reqs, often used to save on cost (let's face it architects don't make a lot of money out of school and debt can be crippling in grad school without undergrad debt).

Gregory is right, talk to the schools, students and visit, you're going to spend some of the best 4~5 years of your life in college; don't just base it on numbers and reputation, go where it feels right.

I'd never recommend someone do a bachelor's in architecture.

Especially in this economy.

It's good to have an extra-skill-set on which to fall back onto if you can't find a job out there, or if you decide that architecture is not what you want to do.

Also, with the sort of convergence of fields that is happening in design, someone with with an undergrad in computer science or environmental engineering would have a huge edge over most entry-level architects, and i'm not even trying to qualify how such degrees force you to think in ways that are far more similar to architectural practice than academia.

^I agree. If you're worried about loans now, a bachelor's degree in architecture won't relieve that anxiety. UCLA and UVA are top public schools in the country, and even if you major in business or engineering, you can apply to an M. Arch I. If you get your M. Arch I degree and decide to not use it, you have your B.A/B.S. from these top schools to fall back on (if you still remember what you learned.) This would be a much more stable route in financial terms.

Environment-wise, I would like to study at UCLA.

Wow it actually is intimidating me, but I should face and endure it.

So far from what I understand,

UCLA

 - Path I

• 1-2 yr = pre-major courses
• 3-4 yr = B.A.. in Architectural Studies
• --------------
• 1-3 yr = M.Arch

 - Path II

• ???
• --------------
• 1 yr = M.Arch

Auburn

• 1-2 yr = pre-Arch
• 3-8 yr = B.Arch.

Virginia

 - Path I

• 1-3 yr pre-professional degree (B.S. in Architecture)
• --------
• 1-3 yr M.Arch

 - Path II

• 1-4 yr undergrad degree (B.Architectural History or B.Urban & Environmental Planning)
• --------
• 1-2 yr M.Arch

Are these correct? I may definitely have to consider of going other options when I graduate with undergrad degree.

So far, UCLA's program sounds ok but grad school may be too long. (so as UVA)

But UCLA's offering me undeclared major allows me to experience different fields of studies and to get different degrees, which may meet my parents' idea of getting diversified and well-prepared skills that will help me from financial agony in these days.

+ Anxiety: If you're worried about loans now, a bachelor's degree in architecture won't relieve that anxiety
-> does this mean that B.Arch is less competitive than M.Arch in job-wise?

And is studying Chinese, Arabian, or one of European helpful to get a job at there (after finishing intern in US)?

Thank you so much guys, I got so much detailed help from yall!

"does this mean that B.Arch is less competitive than M.Arch in job-wise?"

no, I meant that architecture as a profession is not financially stable, so having a degree in a more stable field would be a good decision.

For example, it's easier to get into a master's of architecture program with a B.S. in engineering than the other way around.

audaciko93 - May I suggest that you are making this much more difficult that it needs to be.  How confident are you in becoming an architect.

Assuming you wish to become an architect, you will need to pursue 1) education - an accredited professional degree (BArch or MArch), 2) experience - fulfill IDP - 5600 hours of work under the supervision of a licensed architect, and 3) examination - take and pass all divisions of the ARE.

With their are some exceptions, your education can be the five year BArch at Auburn, or four + two year pre-professional degree (BS) and (MArch) at UVA, UCLA, or Michigan.  The BArch is the quickest route to the accredited degree while the 4+2 allows you to attend two different institutions.

Visit http://www.archcareers.org and http://www.naab.org for more details.  Also, consider obtaining the book - Becoming an Architect, 2nd ed.

i found this one really really helpful when i was in third year of college:

http://www.amazon.com/Architect-A-Candid-Guide-Profession/dp/0262621215/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333316987&sr=1-4

Thank yall!!
I finally narrowed the choices down: UCLA and UVa.

I want to study deeper, and studying at Auburn has same time period to earn a degree has little merit over UVa and UCLA.

I am leaning towards UCLA, because they offer whole different environment, which is viable and lively. And UCLA's great setting and student body really get me determined to go there. I wish I were studying different majors in undergrad, and hopefully getting in M.Arch (not necessarily UCLA's AUD).

I searched over from this site, and found UVa and UCLA's architectural methodism and hues in style.

If anyone knows about different school's style and faculty's quality, please make a comment. Thank you.

* and is UCLA's Perloff Hall ever going to be renovated?

UVa

"and is UCLA's Perloff Hall ever going to be renovated?"

Not anytime soon. They actually surveyed the building a couple years ago, but with budget cuts, nothing has happened. The program is spending money on a new CNC mill for Perloff and a few machines like a five-axis mill for the planned off-campus location, which I think is a much better investment than fixing up a building.