Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Pratt Institute
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The unaccredited arch program.....
Happy Easter Archinectors!
Okay so I have a huuuge black cloud over my head. As some may have experienced before, I recently obtained a BSArch (4-year) degree from a state school and have been sitting out for about 2 years now, gaining practical work experience and thoroughly examining my next steps, (entering grad school somewhere). So I've been a bit hesitant with actually following through with that next step because I think my interest may have dwindled a bit into sustainable development, but you see, I Love architecture with a passion! My previous alma mater has announced that will have a M.arch in place but being an infant program, it has to go for accreditation and there is no telling how long that will take.. So the dilemna I face now is do I enroll in the M.arch program at the previous institution (which will only take me 1 1/2 years to complete and a whole lot less expensive than other schools but also a possibility of it not being accredited) or do I jump ship? I know, its a no brainer, but given these present day times with the economy the way it is, all options have to be considered...
Thanks guys!
I'm not sure what you mean by sustainable development, but if you go into that versus traditional architecture, do you need a Master's degree at all?
If you have any desire to be licensed, you know you can't risk an unaccredited MArch program. I think the bigger question is whether you need a M degree at all.
Do you need a M. Arch? Especially a non accredited one?
I currently finishing up my M. Arch this May and I will be frank with you... it was a complete was of my time, and more money dumped into the endless pit. If it wasn't for it being accredited and a professional degree, I would have never attended. In general... fresh programs are usually unorganized messes. Our school has a few fresh dual degree options, and I am glad I didn't waste another year. Friends that did those options regret every second, and penny. So my advice to you would be to not waste your time. BUT what this all boils down to is your aspirations? Its a passion for you. But lets be realist about it for a second, and think about what you want to do.
Do you want to teach?
Do you want to be licensed?
Do you want to practice?
This also reflects on what state do you live in and also do you see in the future. Do you like to relocate? Be transient? If not, look into your state board and see what their requirements are in regards of getting licensed. I live in a state where I don't even need a degree (work experience can substitute), but I don't know if I will be living here say 2-3 years.
In my experience the only reason why I went to get my M.Arch was because my 4 year degree is considered a "non-professional" degree. Which results in issues with licensing in certain states, and what not. Plus I enjoy that teaching can also be another avenue I'd like to venture in.
Its all personally choice, but my advice to you is go to another school if you are really passionate about architecture.
Thank you for your pov's Donna and k4dmonkey, you guys are hitting a common point, that being what ARE my aspirations and which direction do I want to go in?.. Im getting a lot of push from my professors and mentors to go for licensure but I dont think I want to go that route. Like yourself k4d monkey, if the oppurtunity of teaching arises, I would love to and as far as a career, honestly, my future endeavors wold not require an M.arch degree...
I think I know what it is I have to do....just follow my heart.
And Donna, sorry I wasn't concise, by sustainable development, I meant "green" construction.
Thanks guys!!
There are 20+ states in the US (CA, NY, MD, IL, TX, CO) where you can get a license with a 4 year degree. In a large firm, once your licensed your abilities and client connections will take you farther than a m.arch will.
There are 20+ states in the US (CA, NY, MD, IL, TX, CO) where you can get a license with a 4 year degree. In a large firm, once your licensed your abilities and client connections will take you farther than a m.arch will.
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