If you love storytelling through space and want to leave a lasting impression on landscape and people’s lives, architecture is the perfect option. Studying architecture can lead you to travel the world to visit and experience structures and monuments firsthand.
Architecture in the USA is offered by top institutes at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The average cost of pursuing an architecture degree in the USA is $20,000 – $70,000, depending on the university. The average architect’s salary in the USA after graduation is approximately $50,000 – $140,000.
Table of Contents:
- Highlights
- Best Architecture Universities in the USA
- Admission Requirements for Architecture in the USA
- Career Opportunities for Architecture in the USA
- Frequently Asked Questions
Highlights
- Top Ranking Universities: The USA is home to the top-ranking universities in the world. Some of the top-ranked universities are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Cornell University, Columbia University, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and more.
- Blooming Career Opportunities: Having graduated from the USA leads to amazing career opportunities. A degree from the USA is usually highly accepted and valued worldwide.
- Unique Multicultural Experience: Students from all over the world come to the USA for their studies. Each student comes from a diverse background, with their cultural values and traditions.
Best Architecture Universities in the USA
Several top universities in the USA offer architecture degrees. Some of the top & best architecture universities and colleges in the USA are:
| University Name | Bachelor Program | Master’s Program |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) | Master in Architecture (MArch) |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | Bachelor of Arts in Architecture | Master of Architecture (MArch) |
| Cornell University | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) | Professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
| Columbia University | B.A in Architecture | Master of Architecture |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | BA in Architectural Studies | Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Architecture | Master of Architecture |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) | Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
Admission Requirements for Architecture in the USA
The admission requirements for architecture in the USA differ from the type of degree level you are pursuing. The basic requirements are:
- For Bachelor’s in Architecture: High school diploma or equivalent with a 3.0 grade
- For Master’s in Architecture: Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Architecture) or a relevant course with a Portfolio showcasing their work done so far
- For PhD in Architecture: Master’s degree or equivalent
Note: Some universities may require GRE scores for admission to the architecture program.
During the admission process, the university requires several documents. The required documents are as follows:
| Academic Transcripts | English Language Proficiency Scores |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Letters of Recommendation (LoR) |
| Resume / CV | Work Experience Proof (if applicable) |
| Portfolio | GRE Score (if applicable) |
Career Opportunities for Architecture in the USA
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of architects is projected to grow by 8% by 2033, indicating a huge demand for architects in the USA. Some of the top career opportunities for architects in the USA are as follows:
| Jobs | Average Salary |
| Landscape Architect | $85,000 |
| Urban Planner | $80,174 |
| Architectural And Engineering Managers | $107,500 |
| Architectural Designer | $70,000 |
| Architectural Design Professor | $88,500 |
| Architectural Technologist | $75,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an architecture degree take in the USA?
The bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 years to complete, while the master’s and doctoral degrees take 2-3 years and 5-6 years, respectively.
Which is the best university in the USA where you can study architecture?
Some of the best universities in the USA where architecture is studied are UC Berkeley, MIT, Columbia, Cornell, and UCLA.
What is the average cost of studying Architecture in the USA?
On average, studying architecture in the USA costs $20,000 – $70,000, depending on the university, location, and program.
Does architecture have a good scope in the USA?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of architects is expected to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, having a good growth rate of employment for architects.
I am an Indian architect, can I work in the USA?
Yes, you can work if you meet certain requirements. A work visa and a degree from an accredited university is required. You must meet the licensing requirements, which include completing the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
