Hi everyone,

Looking for some help from anyone with the opinion on the following matter:

I have been accepted to both architecture program and computer science program at the university (two different universities, actually). Initially I was applying to architecture as it is the profession I saw myself going into and applied to comp science just as a back up. I got into both and now I am having second thoughts about it.

The computer science program will turn out cheaper for me as it is shorter (at least 1,5 years shorter) and I won't have to move halfway across the country for it (the school is literally ten minutes away from my home). I will still be fine and according to my budget should not have more that 10 thousand dollars in debt if I take architecture route. On the other hand I feel like I would enjoy doing architecture more than computer science. Another aspect is prospects after graduation, when you look at job websites you can't help but notice how many computer/software jobs are there compared to architecture. As a matter of fact, I barely saw any architecture job postings (mostly for senior architects or graduate architects with 5-10 years experience). How people find jobs right after the University is a mystery for me, yet every graduate of the program that accepted me found more a less related job in an architecture firm or design bureau. I talked to a couple of professionals from both sides and it seems as computer professionals have better work-life balance but architects enjoy what they are doing a bit more and are also more likely to work for themselves 10-15 years down the road.

I know what both professions entail and would not mind doing either but feel like I would enjoy doing architecture more but would not know for sure until I am fully involved in the process.

It has been three weeks since I started thinking about it and weighting these two together and I thought of every argument possible and exhausted myself to death, so I just need a fresh perspective from people already in the industry or in academia. What would you do in my place?

I know that it is ultimately going to be my own decision and nobody can decide what is better for me, I am just asking to point out maybe something I haven't thought of, any other positive/negative aspect of architecture (or computer science if any of you are familiar with the field).

Now, just to clarify, this is my second degree and it is going to be the last one I am getting too (unless I decide to do research in either field). So for computer science I am planning to build on my existing BSc and finish it in two years (six terms, including summers) and the architecture program is 3,5-4 years long.

Please and thank you!