Ryerson's "accreditation" only applies to the master's program. The bachelor program at Ryerson is just as unaccredited as the waterloo and uoft one (I don't know much about carleton)

One thing to consider is the fact that if you go through U of T's undergrad you'll have a better chance of grad school once your done than if you go to a school like Ryerson.

Its true they do tend to neglect the youngins but if you do a Hon BA with a specialist in Arhictectural studies and a concentration in design, after first year you get 2 full design studios a year with access to some great profs (although no designated studio space)

Its a good mix, U of T definitely gives you a chance to explore other interests and broaden your scope. The Campus is amazing too.

LQQK, are you or have you attended U of T? Could you tell me more about your first year? What courses did you take?

Also, I was searching and I found this:
http://www.cacb-ccca.ca/index.cfm?Voir=sections_liste&Id=2789&M=1357&Sequence_No=2789&Niveau=2&Repertoire_No=660386109

It shows which programs are accredited and Ryerson doesn't appear to be on the list.

If you're a "design and artsy type", I'd say that Carleton is probably your best bet. If I were to do a spectrum from technical to artsy, it would most likely look something like this: Ryerson, Waterloo, Toronto, Carleton.
Also, Ryerson does not yet have an accredited M.Arch degree (although they are in the process and will shortly become Canada's newest architecture school).
I think you really need to decide what you want out of an undergraduate education though. Do you want a full-out architecture experience, or do you want a broad arts/science/humanities education with an architecture focus? Toronto for all intents and purposes for example, is primarily a graduate school of design, unlike Carelton or Waterloo where undergrads are part of the faculty and take studio courses during their entire education.

And for the record, there is no such thing really as an accredited undergraduate degree in architecture (in Canada). The B.Arch has been completely phased out in favour of the M.Arch. Regardless of it's name (Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Environmental Design, etc.), your undergraduate degree is a non-professional degree.

LQQK: what makes you think that you'll have a better chance of getting into grad school if you go to UofT for undergrad rather than Ryerson?

I graduated from Ryerson and quite a few people that were in my year alone are now attending various grad programs including in Canada and the United States (including two at Columbia) and Europe....and that's just from my graduating year alone.

so...really, it's about the type of experience you want to get. Ryerson, allowed me to explore whatever interests I had in architecture all at the same time giving me a good technical and theoretical background. And, most of all, you get the studio experience for all four years of school, which makes transitioning into grad school easy in that respect. If you want to write a lot of papers, the undergrad at UofT is your answer, but if you actually want to start practicing design, Ryerson is the option for that (along with Waterloo and Carleton)

carleton really prides itself on being a school that embraces the creative side of architecture. i went there for a tour, and a student told me how the program is very artsy and social. many profs describe the program as such. anyway, i agree with IamGray. Carleton is a very artistic arch school.

what i know about uft is that you just go into first year arts&sci with a focus on architecture... and it's more like a year to build a portfolio to get into arch school for second year? not necessarily another school, but i just mean 2nd year is when the real program starts, i guess. that's what some rep at uni fair told me, though.

anyway good luck with everything :).

i wish carleton's website wasn't so terrible and outdated. it kind of leaves a sour taste in my mouth about the school.

I applied to Carleton, anyone else?

yah that website looks like a whole year has gone by since being updated.

isn't it too late to apply anyways?

I keep hearing Carton is an artsy school ... but I don't know what to say


Carleton
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?&id=504259881&s=6&hash=539d5e5758608b041841e1e2d07dcd98#/photo.php?pid=1440244&id=504259881


Waterloo
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?page=2&aid=61170&op=24&id=504259881#/photo.php?pid=1440238&id=504259881

A studio-mate attended Carleton but left with the explanation that it was too artsy of a school - which is saying a lot for this particular person. About 1/4 of the faculty members at my school previously taught at Carleton, and my opinion is that they do emphasize the artsy aspects of architecture (not to be confused with superficial beauty) as a way to get into the work, and to be really critical of typical architectural design processes and representation... I could go on.

We're searching for a new Dean, and one of the three candidates is also from Carleton. Maybe I should have just gone to Carleton, I wouldn't have had to move halfway across the country. ;)

haha i saw those booths at explore design too... and i was really impressed with waterloo's booth too.
this makes me sad haha i really want to go to carleton but i don't know, all these little tidbits of ideas and opinions are scaring me...
grrr :(

Ryerson is not on the list of accredited programs in Canada because it is not yet accredited. As you listed on your earlier posting, the program at Ryerson is a candidate program.

I suggest you contact Ryerson or CACB directly to clarify your question.

For undergrads, I don't think you need to worry much about whether the program is accredited or not... at least not at this point. Getting into Waterloo or Carleton's undergraduate programs doesn't mean you'll be automatically promoted to their masters program. All undergraduate architecture programs in Canada are not accredited anyways.

I can say that the BA program has been improving and the faculty has been tightening up the standards of the undergraduate studio curriculum. For example, the final studio in the undergraduate program now has to integrate aspects of the structural and building envelope systems. The undergraduate studios are definitely becoming more "comprehensive", synthesizing conceptual and technical ideas.

It is true that you do not officially enter the architecture program until 2nd year (and enrollment is not guaranteed). In first year, you do one intro to architecture lecture course each term. However, since you'll need to combine your architecture major with another subject, you can explore other disciplines that you are interested in. This is the strength of U of T, you can combine architecture with visual studies, art history, geography, or even with economics, math, political science, life science...... anything within the Faculty of Arts and Science.

I applied to Carlton, waterloo and UofT, and this idea of the portfolio is pissing me off since i am so behind. For Carlton, is it better to include artistic pieces that describe yourself and the world around you rather than focusing on the geometric ideas of space and stuff? I have to hand it in by march 31 and i have only like 3 ready and well do you have any other ideas on portfolio styles? Also im thinking of including arcrilic paintings of emotions would that be somthing they look for?

My teacher keeps tellin me to incorperate the idea of layers and well im not sure if tats wht they want..

its not about what they want. they don't know what they want, or at least not in the sense that there is a list of things you can check off.

portfolio is impt, so try not to be pissed off by the idea of it. use it to show what you can do and what you think. it will be the latter that matters most. if you think emotions as paintings makes sense then do that. if you think its absolute rubbish (like me) then don't. they are looking for evidence of intellectual maturity with a dash of creativity and some critical thinking thrown in. make your portfolio about that stuff and they will at least get some sense about who you are and why you are applying to archi-school. if you can't do that then they will probably drop you into the rejection pile. or at last that is way i see it.

did you end up doing the acrylic archy? i applied to carleton too, and had one acryclic abstract thing, in some ways it was hard to tell what they wanted.

No, i thought about it but it didn't fit in my package and i sent it like 31 of March. Just made it. I got an interview for Waterloo but i highly doubt ill get it. Did u hear any good news about UofT's program, even though its a BA. what is better school to be an architect UofT or Carleton? Advice anyone.

I forgot to ask something...undergraduate degree really doesn't matter does it since the masters degree is more important? For my previous post i just want to design and minimum reading possible.

Yes I think the Masters degree may be what's important, more so than the undergraduate architecture degree...

Even if you have your mind set on architecture, and if you can look ahead and decide that you are interested in pursuing an accredited M.Arch, there is also another route than doing an undergraduate degree in architecture... Since most of the architecture programs allow you to apply to a 3.5 year accredited M.Arch from any 4 year degree, you could always do a degree in another discipline, get some exposure to something other than architecture before diving into architectural studies... I think alot of M.Arch programs actually welcome the diversity, and having a degree and some other knowledge from something else might benefit you once you are in archi-school, as well as once you are out in the industry... I've known people who went on to study architecture from undergrad degrees in music, film, industrial design, history, fine art, art history, physics, landscape architecture, structural engineering, computer science, business, civil engineering, graphic design, interior architecture, psychology, biology, environmental engineering, etc... and they seem to do well enough, having another perspective from another field can sometimes inform your design since architecture is never really stand alone, it always touches other things... If you think you'd like to try something before getting into it, I think it's not a bad option as well...

The undergraduate programs will be interesting, they tend I think to have a little bit more emphasis on lecture / seminar type courses with a little bit of studios, but do not emphasize as much the technical or heavy etc. some have graduation projects, and graduates do tend to enter architecture professional school with a little bit of an edge in their graphic and design skill sets, but in the end, by graduation from architecture school, I think the graduates are pretty much at the same career point... Having another degree might be good, gives you something to fall back on if architecture does not work out or if you decide you want to diversify in your career... But it really depends on what you're interested in and what you'd like to do...

On the other hand, if you have a 4 year unaccredited architecture degree, you can also start working right away in the architecture industry, get some work experience at firms before going on to complete an M.Arch. degree...

Thank You...that's some good advice.
I was thinking Waterloo for Civil Eng, or UofT for Science and Arts to get that general idea, and carleton for arch undergrad since waterloo arch seems hard to get into

What is the proportion of girls at waterloo b.arch?

the grads I have ever interviewed have all come out of Waterloo, good skills, god co-op work experience, and no ego.

how much of a difference is Carleton's program to Waterloo

They both seem like "hard schools to get into".
Carleton seems to have a really cool curriculum but I have to admit their explore design booth scares me.

Aren't the easiest schools to get in are U of Montreal and Laval University?

how is the architecture program at UBC regarded?

Depends who you're talking to. Some love it, some hate it.
Sorry for the cryptic answer, but I think as you get more immersed in it, you'll find that there really aren't any quick and easy answers regarding arch schools... especially in Canada, where they're all publicly funded institutions (read: on relatively even footing in terms of funding, ability to draw "big names", etc.). Finding the right school really is going to be about what you're into.

That being said, UBC is generally unimpressive, with way too much focus on computer usage, little physical modeling and drawing, and no significant studio culture to speak of.... But then again, that's just one man's opinion!

so the waiting game commences...
does anyone know when carleton gives out their offers?
i heard it was late april mid-may or something...
good luck to everyone!! i really do hope i get in...

First I see the booth from explore design, nothing much to capitalize on...but then there is McLean's, forums, reviews all giving Carleton a bad rep.

Is it worth applying at Carleton school of architecture?

Should I look at Carleton as a whole or just it's architecture school?

this info might be a bit dated, I know alot has changed in architecture schools, but here is some info, specifically on canadian m.arch programs:

http://www.archinect.com/forum/threads.php?id=35820_0_42_0_C

i think all canadian schools are now m.arch professional programs...

...it is a bit dated, but thank you

most of them have b.arch or adjunct program leading to a m.arch

what is cool about quebec's university bachelors is that they are probably the cheapest, the most funded, the most intensive in canada and take only 3 years to complete vs 4 or 5 elsewhere but if i want to get my masters in the us will this end up being a disadvantage

Just my honest advice, but I'm not sure I would look for the school with the shortest program... architecture school is pretty tough, it's intense and there's alot to be learned... In my opinion, there is no need to rush... and you may find that you want to take a break in summers etc. to travel or study abroad, or work at a firm, do an internship, or do other things...

I think, especially in Canada where education is more affordable, I wouldn't worry too much about trying to get out as fast as possible, would not choose the 3 years bachelors degree, unless i really liked the school and had no doubts i wanted to go there. The reason being: the standard in the states and in canada for an accreditted professional architecture degree is an M.Arch, which except in a few cases, accepts only graduates from *any 4 year (honors) bachelors degree, in architecture or in a different field... It's a model where having a 4 year degree allows you to have the flexibility to choose *any school* for m.arch... you could apply to canadian schools, u of t or ubc, etc. or to almost any american school... or other schools like AA, schools in asia, etc...

university of montreal may be a really good school, but if you choose to go there, i would complete the full professional program there, i'm not sure that you can apply to most m.arch programs unless you have a 4 year degree.

Here's what I can tell you through my experience with students, grads and employers in architecture who've attended the various arch schools in Ontario...

If you want to run your own prictice and build real architecture someday, go to Waterloo. If you want to be a CAD monkey, sitting in front of you computer working on technical drawings all day, go to Ryerson. If you want to design castles to build in the sky or end up doing graphic and interior design, go to Carleton.

Sure you will have to obtain your masters to eventually take your licensing exam. However, your undergrad is just as important as your masters. Having a strong undergrad education will benefit you while doing your masters.

If you have even the slightest doubt of going into architecture now, you might as well choose another career. Its a very demanding program in which even some top students decide to change careers and drop out. So

k....so i didn't get into Waterloo's Arch program, but FUCK IT. I'm waiting on their Planning program, so here's my question. If i do get into that, what would be better Civil engineering(structural) at Mac or UW, OR Planning at UW. I was considering applying to master in arch after either. Just wondering what would be a better transition and paying transition. THANK YOU

I think the undergrad architecture program at U of M suits me the best but wouldn't I be stuck doing my M.arch at the same school with a FRENCH 3 YEAR PROGRAM. It's not that their school of architecture is bad, it just seems like I would restrict myself to a whole bunch opportunities and different ideas.

acrhy, planning or civil could both be useful for you in the architecture profession, if you're planning on doing the m.arch afterwards... i know architecture firms sometimes have planning professionals on their staff... civil maybe you could work for an engineering consulting firm before going and doing an m.arch...

i3aht, i would call U of T or UBC, mcgill maybe or other architecture schools in the states with masters programs that take students from other 4 year degrees, and ask them whether they accept university of montreal bachelors graduates from the 3 year degree. if not, you can always finish your m.arch. at university of montreal. it's a good school i think...

hey Archy, if you aren't in a hurry and still want to attend UW Arch, I suggest trying again next year. There are many mature students in their late 20's and 30's taking that program. And to be honest, regarding your civil and planning option, they are both fairly different programs, but both inherent in the architectural program to some degree. If you wish to transfer to the arch program after a year, I suggest taking Planning or better yet general Arts because you obviously have the required marks to make it to the interview. You just need more work on your portfolio and something to prove the interviewers that you have interests in a variety of things. In the arts program, you have the opportunity to take courses like philosophy, cultural studies, fine arts, writing or some literature courses etc, all of which will be of greater help to you to get into architecture.


I3aht: If I'm not mistaken, you could probably get into another school's Masters program under the condition that you spend a year taking their undergrad degree and achieve the marks required for their master's admission. I have a friend from Argentina who wanted to get into Waterloo's master's program. He was accepted into the master's program after spending a year taking their 4th yr undergrad courses and achieving the required marks for entrance.

Thanks accesskb, really insightful. u have a point but i wanna keeping trying to get into the arch program but just in case it doesn't happen the 2nd time around i want to have something to fall on. Also after doing either isn't it possible to do a master in arch any where else, like UCLA (interest). All u need is masters to be certified architect and ill work on portfolio in spare time. Thanks

^^ yeah if you have an undergrad Arch degree, its possible to do your Masters in other schools given that you have the mark requirement and a good portfolio. There are 'some' grad schools like UofT that'll accept students with an undergrad degree not related to arch. However, its much tougher to get in. Remember, you will be competing with students who have their undergrad arch degrees so you will be required to have something exceptional to show them. Likewise, the experience and knowledge you receive from an undergrad arch degree is unlike any other program in university. Student I know who've gotten into UofT or UBC grad school with another degree had to take the undergrad arch program first, and transfer after one year. If you can, I highly recommend taking an undergrad arch degree in preparation for masters. Most students get accepted during their second try, provided they are determined and work hard. I'm sure the faculty who interviews you will like the fact that you didn't give up and are willing to keep trying. In the end, there are no shortcuts to take. Its better to take your time to improve yourself on areas of need or else you'll be grilled while in the program or while out in the real job.

Thanks, another good point...tats wht i need to work on...putting in more work.

anyone hear back from Carleton admissions yet??????

hey danbo, i heard from them on the 2nd of may. i accepted their offer :) good luck to you and everyone else

If you are not too sure about being an architect and want to have a more lateral approach to architecture then definitely U of T. If you are Howard Roark then Waterloo (good co-op program) or Carleton. Stay away from Ryerson, it sucks. The other three will give you a good education, and options for graduate school.

So now I have to choose between Ryerson and U of T.

Is U of T's first year more about lectures? Is it doing a lot more essays and writing etc?

It sounds like with Ryerson though, you'd start doing theory and especially studio work from the beginning.

I'm leaning more towards U of T though.

young,

Congratulations, both are good schools.

Visit both schools and talk to the school directors to get a feel of which school will suit you more.

Both will allow you to go to Graduate school and both are intensive. As per many of the previous threads, many graduates from Ryerson have gone on to graduate schools across Canada and at top schools in the USA.

Because of the rigorous approach and intensity of the program (at least when I was there, Ryerson B. Arch Sci graduate tend to excel down south in some of the top US schools. Many tend to stay and practice in the US--I wouldn't be surprised if there are more Ryerson Graduates in US firms/schools then any other Canadian school. I believe this is due to the US adapting the 4 & 2 system much earlier than the Canadian schools. Ryerson was actually always more in line with the American and UK system as far as I'm concerned.

All the best.

I go to U of T for undergrad architecture-
Their program is Bachelor of Arts, Architecture. B.A.A.S. Which is not a Bachelor of Architecture, ie. you 'need' to take a M.Arch, to get your license in Canada ( and states I think). Only Waterloo, if I am correct offers a B.Arch in Canada that is acredited-

Im a second year student in U of T, and it has been an amazing experience to be able to take a variety of courses- Yes, you take 1 lecture course in fall, and 1 lecture course in winter. The courses are not design based like all the other universities around the world, that I know of. (asking from collegues in my internship).

The U of T course, gives u more breadth- you can major in any other subject you wish in collaboration with the architecture course.
However, you need to be carefull, many poeple that do get accepted slack off in the first year, and end up not getting into the program-

best of luck-

Oh ya, feel free to email me about U of T-

lawrence.choww@gmail.com

I would like to know what are your thoughts on the CO-OP programs in some few canadian universities but also elsewhere. pros and cons.

/if you are the artsy types then I would definitely recommend U of T. Ryerson is a very technical based school..nothing wrong with that..but if u rather join a school whuch allows you to be wildly creative..U of T is the place to be... I have seen prjects from both schools and both have different strengths....

Plus if u get into U of T, getting into grad school is a lot easier ;)

Hi,
Does anyone know how the architecture program at Dalhousie and at U of Manitoba compares in terms of reputation?
I'm currently trying to decide between the two schools. The work experience gained through the coop program at Dalhousie is really appealing to me, but does that really make a difference when it's time to find a job? and how much do they help you in finding a job because if it's just as likely to find related work during the summers, I'd much rather go to Manitoba since it's closer to home and the tuition is more than 5000 cheaper for the first year.
Thanks!

teapot, I can't answer about Dalhousie, but I am currently a student at UManitoba...

Before I forget, are you interested in undergrad or grad level?

Anyway, regarding the work experience thing: Unlike most of the rest of north america, manitoba has not been noticeably hit by this recession/depression thing. I don't know anybody who didn't get a job this summer. With a co-op program, you get credit for work that you'd be doing anyway, which is great, but make sure that those credits actually REDUCE your academic time. If they don't, what's the point?

Reputation is something that can and has been argued incessantly on these boards, so nothing I can say will matter much. What I can tell you is that I like the UofM grad program - it's on the artsier side of things, but that's how I roll anyway so it fits me just fine.

Here's a little fact that nobody knows (because they don't want you to know): UofM grads had the highest ARE exam pass rate last year (91.33%) next to Princeton (91.44%). Take THAT, Ivy-Leaguers!