I really think you've answered your own question...

From going to NJIT I can tell you that you will get out of it what you put into it, but you won't be pushed there like you will at Pratt. We had great professors, an amazing variety of architectural and planning classes, and it's dirt cheap if you live in-state. Other than that you aren't challenged as much theoretically as you are technically.

I went there because I had a good balance of both through past experience and wanted to continue both aspects of my education. You, on the other hand, already have as much of the technical as you want at the moment and seem intent on developing your creative aspirations.

The more art/creative-focused programs at Pratt will allow you to truly see what you have inside of you to present to the world, and will be able to be infused with your technical knowledge to create some great projects both in school and in the built environment.

On a less professional note, the students in the MArch program at NJIT are mostly students from other countries who have already practiced architecture elsewhere and need a method of getting the necessary education to pursue licensure in the US. While the diversity offers a truly amazing learning environment, these students are not proficient in many of the programs we are used to utilizing (whether it be CAD, PowerPoint, etc), and thus the entire curriculum sets itself back to feel like a repeat of First Year Undergrad BArch as they are caught up to speed. Most of these students are also commuters, thus the studio environment which typically encourages healthy competition is non-existent. Again, if you are looking for theoretical challenges, I don't think the environment is so conducive.

I hope this helps in some manner, and I look forward to comments from others since we all gain different perspectives.

Good luck with whichever program you choose!

BluLite -

Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it. After re-reading my post it does sound like I answered my own question. The truth is I'm still not sure. I visited both schools and got to see graduate projects on display. At NJIT, there were very few models and probably one site model in the whole architecture building. What was stressed on their drawings were HVAC systems and connection details. At Pratt, the models on display were so well-built, prob some of the best I've ever seen, and the drawings were so graphic and abstract. The architects just came across as artists. I did sense that NJIT was more laid back and your response explains why that was the case. I also have to admit that when I first stepped into the studios I thought I was in a computer lab. It took a second look around to realize I was in an architecture studio. I got totally different vibes from both schools but I do appreciate the beauty behind both approaches. NJIT just didn't grab me the way I wanted and Pratt seemed too out of the ordinary. Simply put, one felt safe and the other a bit intimidating.

Another factor that is coming to light is tuition. Graduating with 10k in debt as opposed to 90k is a HUGE difference. Especially since architects don't get paid well to begin with. Then again, I don't know if I should be putting a price on an education that I've always wanted.

How many of you guys decided to go to your dream school and live with the debt and how many settled with the cheaper option? Was it worth it? Any regrets one way or the other? Are there any grads in major debt but still happy?

Any input would be great... thanks!

you were probably looking at undergrad studio drawings, because i can tell you that HVAC systems were non-existent in any of my studios throughout the m.arch program

if you want to put a lot into your education, you can get a lot at njit as well. if you are theoretical, it wont be ignored, so long as you meet the technical side they tend to emphasize there.
but you will not be challenged in the same way you will be at Pratt. not saying its worse, since i didnt go to Pratt i really dont know.

i had a very theoretical and non-technical background before going to grad school, which is part of the reason i chose NJIT. you will become very technically proficient in any program you want to, it will all be at your disposal. but you need to use it in your studies there, they will expect very nice computer renderings there, and all computer drawings for presentations (for the most part, some professors are different).

i think NJIT gets a bad rap a lot of times because of the many issues there. but with any m.arch program, you will get what you put into it. grad school is a whole different ballgame compared to undegrad. i wouldnt go to NJIT for undergrad, but i am satisfied i went there for grad school.

debt is another big factor in the decision, at least it was for me

then again i didnt have a dream school, so if Pratt is your dream school, i dont know how happy you would be at NJIT

what kind of studio environment do you like when you are at school? the grad program at njit has a good number of older students who commute and really dont work at school
but in my studios, there were those core 8-9 people who were always there and we all bonded and it was a great situation for me

it all depends which is more important to you

marmkid -

Thanks for the post, getting insights from alumni of the programs I'm looking into is very helpful. What issues are you referring to that have given NJIT a bad rap?

As for studio environment, I do prefer the "healthy competition" that BluLite mentioned. Seeing others dedicating themselves to the work will only make me work harder. I'm afraid an atmosphere that's too laid back will not allow me to make the most of the experience.

Now that I've heard from NJIT grads, are there any Pratt grad students who can offer their insights? I didn't get to talk to any students when I visited Pratt. Based on first impressions the air just felt more up-tight and def more competitive. I could be totally wrong...

Hope to hear from you guys soon.

Bottom line, NJIT's M.Arch program is just as good as any other in the NYC area, and often has many of the same professors as Columbia, Parsons, and Pratt. NJIT's problem is their lack of consistency in the caliber of student they admit. There are many talented designers that come out of NJIT, just as good as those from any top grad school, but there are also just as many bad ones and everything in between.

KM has it pretty on the spot

not to say they will let just anyone in at NJIT, but there do seem to be some question marks who manage to sneak their way in, and then sneak their way through every single semester


all in all
if you are not concerned with a name school and are willing to put in a lot on your own, you will do very well at njit and can get a lot out of it