The US is home to some of the best public and private universities worldwide and in this article, we will be discussing the best architecture schools in the country.
Even when ranking the world’s best architecture schools, American universities are in the top ten best schools. MIT takes the top spot as the best architecture school in the world also taking the top position as the world’s best university according to QS World University Ranking.
Universities in the United States offer both Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and Master in Architecture (M.Arch) in the best learning environment.
So if you are searching for the best schools in the US to study architecture, continue reading this guide to find out the best institutions.
What Is an Architecture Degree?
Architecture involves the design and construction of buildings and infrastructures, combining mathematics, arts, science and logistics.
Studying for an architecture degree involves learning how to draw designs of buildings accurately with your hands or computer software.
Also Read: 15 Best Schools for Architecture in the World
How long is an Architecture Degree?
If you are a high schooler looking towards obtaining an architecture degree, expect to study for a period of three to four years.
Once you have earned your Bachelor of Architecture, you will be expected to complete a one-year practical work experience before moving to study at the postgraduate level.
Obtaining a Master in Architecture (M.Arch) usually takes two or three years. If you want your degree to be certified and acknowledged, then ensure you attend a National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited architecture program.
After you obtain your architecture degree, you need to apply for a license in your state, which normally requires completing an internship and passing an examination.
Eligibility Criteria for Studying Architecture in the US
Generally, every American college and university has its specific requirements. Students are required to satisfy basic requirements based on their college or university of choice.
Below are the eligibility criteria for studying architecture in the US;
- Undergraduate architecture degree or a degree in any related field
- IELTS or TOEFL scores in English language proficiency tests
- GMAT/GRE scores
- CV/ Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
What Is the Cost for Architecture Programs in the US?
Currently, tuition and fees for in-state students studying architecture at an undergraduate level is about $11,387, while out-of-state students pay $37,301.
For graduate students, the cost to study an architecture program is about $12,716 for state residents, while out-of-state students pay a fee of $30,145.
List of the Best Architecture Schools in the US
Here are the best schools to study architecture in the United States;
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Rice University
- Harvard University
- Cornell University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- Columbia University
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Yale University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- New York University
- Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
- Princeton University
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Carnegie Mellon University
The Best Architecture Schools in the US
According to Collegetuitioncompare.com, there are about 143 colleges in the United States that offer architecture programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Here, we have only listed the top 15 best architecture schools in the country.
#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
According to QS World University Rankings, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the best university worldwide. MIT is also the best university to study architecture in the world.
The university is a renowned private research institution known for offering top-quality education in fields like engineering, technology, and science.
Getting into MIT is quite challenging as the university only accepts about 4 to 5% of applicants in each academic year. MIT offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in different areas of study.
Students enrolled in the university’s architecture department learn about the built environment. MIT remains one of the best places to study if you want study to become an architect.
#2. Rice University
- Location: Houston, Texas
Rice University is one of the best places to study architecture in the United States. The university’s student-faculty ratio makes it a perfect spot for learning.
According to Amberstudent.com, Rice University’s architecture program is the smallest in the country. The university ranks in the top 100 best universities in the world.
The Texas-based private research institution offers over 50 undergraduate majors in areas like architecture, engineering, music, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Rice University’s Preceptorship programs allow its students to acquire first-hand experience in architecture. This means that students will complete an internship with a top architecture company in the country or abroad.
The one-year Rice Preceptorship program is designed to offer students a practicum between their fourth and fifth years.
#3. Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
The oldest university in North America is not just one of the best architecture schools in the US, it’s also among the best worldwide.
Harvard University is a renowned private research institution and it’s no surprise it’s included on this list. The university’s architecture programs focus on educating students for future careers in architecture.
Researchers at Harvard University recently uncovered the secrets of how Roman architecture has survived for so long. This new discovery shows that researchers at Harvard are interested in studying the past to improve future architecture.
Architecture programs offered at Harvard include Master in Architecture (M.Arch), Landscape Architecture (MLA), Architecture II, and M.Arc+MLA.
Also Read: 15 Architectural Competitions for Students 2024
#4. Cornell University
- Location: Ithaca, New York
Established in 1865, Cornell University is one of the finest universities worldwide. It’s a private Ivy League research institution and as you would expect, Cornell is quite selective with an acceptance rate in the single digits.
Cornell University is organized into several colleges with the Weil Cornell Medicine-Qatar.
Cornel offers architecture degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. The university’s College of Architecture, Arts and Planning (AAP) offers these architecture programs.
At Cornell University, they offer Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Post-Professional Master of Science, Advanced Architecture Design (M.S AAD), History of Architecture and Urban Development (PhD), and Post-Professional Master of Science, Advanced Urban Design (M.S. AUD).
#5. Washington University in St. Louis
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Named after President George Washington, Washington University in St. Louis was established in 1853. Currently, over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Washington University.
WashU’s Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts is a leader in arts, architecture, design, and education. The Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts is offer architecture programs.
The programs offered at this school focus on areas such as technology, design practice, and social engagement.
Although Washington University is one of the most selective private research institutions in the US, it remains one of the best architecture schools in the country.
#6. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- Location: Berkeley, California
The University of California, Berkeley is currently ranked 8th as the best architecture school in the world (QS World University Rankings). UC Berkeley is one of the best schools to study architecture in the country.
The University of California, Berkeley is a public research institution with a large student enrolment. Berkeley’s College of Environment Design is where its Department of Architecture can be found.
Programs offered at an undergraduate level include a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Minor in Architecture.
Berkeley offers a Master of Architecture (M.Arch), a Master of Science, a PhD in Architecture, and a Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD).
#7. Columbia University
- Location: New York, New York
Columbia University is a top private research institution established in 1754, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US.
A private Ivy League research institution with an acceptance rate in single digits, Columbia remains one of the most difficult schools to get into.
Columbia University is an excellent centre for learning for undergraduate and graduate students. The university’s architecture programs are offered at Bernard College, a partner institution.
Architecture programs offered at Columbia include a Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, and Mater of Science in Architecture and Urban Design.
Also Read: 30 Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs in 2024
#8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
The University of California, Los Angeles is another UC school ranked 3rd among the best architecture schools worldwide (QS World University Rankings: Architecture & Built Environment).
UCLA is among the best public research universities in the world. it’s the most selective out of the nine UC schools but a large number of undergraduate and graduate students are currently studying at the university.
As a top public research university, UCLA offers architecture programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.Arch) at UCLA.
The university also offers M.A. in Architecture, M.S. in Architecture and Urban Design, and M.A. and Ph.D. in Architecture.
#9. Yale University
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Yale University was established during the early 18th century, which makes it one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the US.
The university is a small learning environment with just over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Yale offers architecture programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.
At the undergraduate level, Yale offers a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) at the graduate level.
#10. Georgia Institute of Technology
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology is a renowned public research institution, one of the best architecture schools in the US.
It’s a public research institution that is part of the University System of Georgia. Georgia Tech educates students through its satellite campuses in Savannah, Georgia.
It also has satellite campuses in countries like France, Singapore, and China.
Georgia Tech offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields of study. With the best research facilities, Georgia Tech is an excellent learning vicinity to earn an M.S. in Architecture, M.Arch, M.Arch/M.S. in Architecture and City and Regional Planning.
#11. New York University
- Location: New York City, New York
New York University is a private research institution with a large student body. As of the fall of 2018, the university’s overall enrolment is over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
NYU offers M.A. in Historical and Sustainable Architecture through the Institute of Fine Arts.
#12. Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Established in 1972, the Southern California Institute of Architecture is a small-sized private architecture school with about 500 students.
SCI-Arc is one of the best places to study architecture in the United States. They offer a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program which is accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).
It’s a five-year professional degree that focuses on design excellence and research.
They also offer two distinct Mater of Architecture programs which are the M.Arch 1 and M.Arch 2 both accredited by the (NAAB).
#13. Princeton University
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton is a renowned private search university with just over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students attending as of the fall of 2021.
Undergraduate students at Princeton study a wide range of disciplines that contributes to an architect’s overall knowledge. Programs offered at Princeton include an M.Arch and PhD in Architecture.
Also Read: 20 Art Schools in Australia | All Australian Art and Design Schools
#14. Carnegie Mellon University
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Named after its founder Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University is one of America’s finest private research institutions.
Carnegie Mellon University offers a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. Master’s and PhD programs in architecture are also offered at Carnegie Mellon University.
#15. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a renowned institution ranked among the top 25 best universities in the world. It offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its 19 colleges and schools.
This university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, a Master of Science in Architecture Design and Research, and a Master of Science in Architecture, Landscape Architecture.
Conclusion
American universities are among the best private and public universities worldwide. The institutions on this list are the perfect place to study architecture in the United States. Some of the institutions on this list are also ranked among the top 25 best architecture schools worldwide.
We hope this article on the best architecture schools in the US was helpful.
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References
- https://amberstudent.com/blog/post/12-best-architecture-schools-in-the-us
- https://currentschoolnews.com/us/best-architecture-schools-in-the-us/
- https://worldscholarshub.com/best-architecture-schools-in-the-us/
- https://www.upgradabroad.com/articles/universities-in-usa-for-architecture/
- https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/careers-and-education/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-an-architect-degree.html
- https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/majors/04.0201/architecture/
