Advice on Architecture Schools in North Carolina

I'm a high school junior planning to major in architecture, and I'm currently exploring different states for my college education. North Carolina caught my attention because it seems to have a good mix of rural and urban settings, which might offer diverse learning opportunities in architecture. Could someone recommend architecture schools in North Carolina? I'd love to hear about their programs, reputations, and any unique opportunities they provide. Also, how do these schools compare to programs in other states? Thanks for any help you can give!

Sure, happy to help! North Carolina has several strong choices for architecture-related fields of study.

Firstly, North Carolina State University (NCSU) has one of the most respected architecture programs in the country. The College of Design offers both Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture (BEDA) and Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degrees. With NCSU's strong emphasis on design thinking and innovation, it'd be an excellent place to study architecture.

Another option to consider is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Their SoA (School of Architecture) provides Bachelor's degrees in Architecture and a B.A. in Architectural History. It also offers a Master of Landscape Architecture, if that's a field you'd be interested in exploring.

Finally, we have The University of North Carolina at Greensboro which offers a B.A. in Interior Architecture. It emphasizes socially responsible design and the course work includes aspects of interiors, preservation, and community development.

I would suggest that you look into these universities individually, see their course content, and check if they align with your interests. Additionally, these schools provide hands-on training and studio work, which will enable you to get practical knowledge of the field.

Comparing these programs to schools in other states, for instance, Rhode Island School of Design or Cornell University, they stack up very well. RISD is highly ranked and globally known for its design programs. Cornell, on the other hand, has one of the oldest and most respected architecture programs in the country. That said, NC schools tend to be more affordable, especially for in-state students.

In terms of unique opportunities, lots of architecture programs will offer real-world experiences, like internships or co-ops, which could be a great way to get a feel for the job before you graduate. When considering schools, particularly in the architecture field, it could be good to consider whether you prefer a rural or urban setting, both for lifestyle and the types of buildings you'd like to design.

Hope that helps and best of luck in your college search!