Colleges That Offer Architecture Programs

I'm interested in studying architecture in college. Can anyone recommend schools with strong architecture programs? I'm looking for a mix of prestigious and less-known colleges.

Sure, there are a wide variety of schools known for their strong architecture programs, ranging from prestigious universities to schools that may be less famous but still offer exceptional instruction.

On the prestigious side, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is often highly ranked in the architecture field, and its Department of Architecture was the first of its kind in the US. Another top-ranked option is Cornell University, whose College of Architecture, Art, and Planning is well-regarded globally.

Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) has a good reputation for fostering cutting-edge design techniques, so that might interest you. The university doesn't offer an undergraduate program in architecture, but undergraduates can major in architecture within the art history and archaeology department.

Outside of these highly prestigious options, schools like the University of Texas at Austin, Virginia Tech, and the University of Southern California all have well-respected programs. These programs potentially offer less competition for admission than the aforementioned schools, while still providing high-quality education in architecture.

Certain schools like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Pratt Institute, while perhaps less known to the general public, carry significant weight in the design world. Both of these schools offer Bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and are known for their hands-on approach and vibrant artistic communities.

Remember to look at the curriculum of each program to make sure it aligns well with your academic and career goals. For example, some programs might be more design-focused, whereas others might stress the technical and engineering side of architecture a little more. It could also be beneficial to consider the opportunity for hands-on experience like internships or co-ops, the availability of study abroad programs, and the success of program graduates in the job market.