Grad schools typically want diversity in their prospective students, some grad programs require work experience too.

Certain schools look for certain things.

Perhaps if you had a better idea of what grad schools for M.Arch you would like to attend to narrow down what it is you need to do.

First of all, I want to say that you are way ahead of me when I was an undergrad. I foolishly did a "major" in architecture, even though I knew I'd need an M.Arch...b/c I knew nothing about architecture and wanted to try it. 7 years later (ugrad + march), after 6 years of studio, I wondered why i hadn't just majored in something else if i was going to need the M.Arch anyhow!

If you really want to be prepared - start thinking about what grad schools you would like to go to (like the previous poster said), and check out their pre-requisites. most grad schools require some art history, some math and even some simple physics (my college offered "physics for architects" - it was a sad, sad class).

In addition to those, you will need a portfolio for applying to grad school that shows that you have SOME studio experience, although it need not be architecture or 3D design - photography, fine arts, etc would all be ok as long as your creativity can be expressed.

Then pick a major that suits you! I would think than an applicant who had taken some art history and some studio classes, and who majored in something business-related, would be a great addition to an M.Arch class! Grad schools do NOT just want to see ppl like me who studied architecture non-stop. Well-rounded applicants bring more to the table.

Good luck!

A degree in business will go a long way if you want to one day have your own practice. It's the area that most architects don't have a clue about.

I would do a degree in sustainability engineering and a minor in business if i had to do it over again.

I agree that a degree in business will be beneficial. It will definitely help you on the practical side of things.

pre-med

with a minor in molecular biology... the make-up of water parasites is fucking awesome and you can sort of then relate it to architecture on a minute level

i watched discovery health and you should see the amazing power of skin eating parasites and the attack they planned on a water treatment plant in Milwaukee back in 93

no random evolution shit going on there, we were fucking designed

no way that kinda shit could happen randomly

but then I also hear that UCLA has some classes on porn so maybe you could major in that? I mean porn is sort of like an anthropology class and then we could connect that to architecture boo ya!

If your intention is to pursue a MArch, the major you choose as an undergraduate (other than architecture) does NOT matter. Graduate programs do not look at the degree you obtained but rather your academic performance (transcript), portfolio, and desire (statement).

At minimum, select a major that you know you will enjoy as your performance will be better. As well, take courses in art or freehand drawing to generate materials for your portfolio if you major is not art-related.

If you do select a more related major, there is a chance to possibly waive some courses at the graduate level saving time and money but it is not necessary.

Best!

Business, hands down. That way you can go into architecture, decide it doesn't work for you, then go back to business.

The b.arch + MBA would probably be the best, or get a bach in business, then a dual masters (MBA+MArch).


The key is that what you know now, and what you think, will not be the same in 10 years, regardless of what you end up doing. Having a business foundation makes you marketable for not only architecture, but any profession and opens the doors of possibilities.

Don't be locked down like too many of us did (I am with atsama - 7+ years of architecture, wish I had more than a minor in business now)


Good luck. Keep your dreams alive, but be flexible enough to build a foundation that will promise the most opportunities for your future.

Business! It is very useful and may I suggest you try real estate classes if you end up doing a dual mba/march
good luck!

all of these comments have been extremely helpful and motivational. Thank you all very much for your advice, it is greatly appreciated!