What should I study to become an architect in the US?

I'm interested in pursuing a career in architecture and want to know which subjects or majors are best to focus on in the US. Would love advice on picking courses or any recommended colleges known for architecture.

In the United States, there are two primary paths for studying architecture at the collegiate level: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Architecture or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Architecture, which are typically pre-professional degrees, and the professional degree Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.).

The B.Arch. is a five-year professional degree program that can lead directly to an architectural license. This program intensely focuses on architectural design and theory backed up by a foundation of liberal arts courses.

On the other hand, the B.S. or B.A. in Architecture is usually a four-year program that combines liberal arts courses with a concentration in architecture. These degrees often serve as a stepping stone to a Masters of Architecture program, another route to eventual licensure.

For your studies, you will likely focus on subjects related to design, historical preservation, urban planning, construction methods, professional practices, sustainability, and physics. Elves through a range of studios, seminars, and lecturers, you'll gain skills and knowledge that encompass creating design conceptualization, project management, and building systems and technologies.

As for the choice of colleges, there are many reputable programs across the US. Some consistently top-ranked architecture schools include The Cooper Union, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Southern California (USC), which boasts the oldest architecture school on the West Coast, and Carnegie Mellon University. Nonetheless, the "best" school will also highly depend on what exactly you're looking for in an architecture program, like faculty, curriculum, hands-on experiences, and post-graduation opportunities in the area.

Lastly, make sure the architecture program you choose is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is a requirement for licensure in most states. It's also wise to consider a minor or double major in a relatable field, like interior design or structural engineering, if you are pursuing a B.A. or B.S. It could broaden your knowledge and potentially open up more opportunities down the line.