Choosing Right Architecture School

With so many schools to choose from, where do you begin? Well, you can look at manuals such as America's Best Architecture & Design Schools, which evaluates schools according to a variety of criteria. Or, you can check general rankings of college and university programs. But beware of these reports! You may have interests that aren't reflected in school ranks and statistics. Before you choose an architecture school, think closely about your personal needs.

If you have a computer, you may go to college for free. Hundreds of colleges and universities around the world offer free download of popular courses and lectures in architecture, urban design, and engineering. Yes, there are drawbacks. You can't chat with the professors or classmates. You can't earn credits or work toward a degree. But you'll get the same lecture notes and assignments as "live" students. In some cases, you can even download free audio files and videos.

Online courses can be a useful introduction to architectural studies. By taking architecture classes online, you can learn basic principles and possibly even earn credits toward a degree in architecture. Experienced architects may also turn to online classes to expend their knowledge. However, before you can earn a degree from an accredited architecture program, you'll need to attend seminars and participate in studios. If you can't attend classes full-time, look for universities that combine online courses with weekend seminars, summer programs, and on-the-job training.

Many factors influence the salary an architect earns. Income varies greatly according to geographic location, type of firm, level of education, and years of experience. While published statistics can be outdated, they will give you a general idea of the salaries, wages, income, and benefits for architects. According to US Department of Labor statistics, architects in the USA earned between $41k and $120k a year. The DesignIntelligence Compensation and Benefits Survey are published every year and includes income projections, cost-of-living differentials, and information about benefits and perks. For the most current data, be sure to check the most recent edition.