Hey y'all, I'm thinking about applying to the University of Oregon and architecture is one field I'm seriously considering. Do any of you have experience or know about their program? Does it have a good reputation? Any bits of information would be really appreciated!
The University of Oregon's School of Architecture and Environment operates under the College of Design and is known for being a strong, comprehensive program. When you're looking at architecture programs, you want to consider a few things: curriculum, faculty, resources, and reputation.
The curriculum at Oregon is very practical and yet innovative, pushing students to not only envision structures but to understand how they will impact their environment. This stems from their commitment to sustainable design, which permeates a lot of their coursework.
As for faculty, they have a diverse array of professionals and academics who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from different sub-fields of architecture. These professors often have strong connections within the industry which can be valuable for internships and job placements post-graduation.
Resources are an important consideration when looking at architecture programs due to the highly technical nature of the field. At Oregon, the school has multiple on-campus labs for model-making, digital fabrication, and materials testing as well as comprehensive software packages available for students. In terms of reputation, it's important to note that the University of Oregon's architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is a key indicator of a high-quality program. Another thing to note is that architecture training is rigorous and requires a high level of commitment, with many hours devoted to studio work and related projects. Therefore, you should also evaluate whether the university's overall environment is one where you'd feel comfortable spending significant time and giving your best.
Finally, looking at what alumni from the program are doing can be a good way to understand the types of opportunities available post-graduation. So, I would advise reaching out to the admissions department to get connected with some alumni or current students. This will also show your demonstrated interest, which can be helpful during the admissions process. Hope this information helps in your decision-making process!
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