Architecture is the science and art of designing and building infrastructures. Architecture generally focuses on the aesthetics of the infrastructure, the experience it provides to people using it, and its effects on the surrounding.
Regarding architecture, the United States is blessed with various structures and monuments that draw millions of visitors each year. For international students seeking the most excellent education in the architecture field in the most accessible location, the United States provides a wide range of architectural degrees.
Most of the undergraduate architect degrees offered are pre-professional degrees that provide the foundation for a professional master of architecture degree. In contrast, some universities offer a 5 years professional bachelor of architecture degree.
Several top universities in the USA offer architect programs from bachelor's degrees to PhD levels.
The average salary of an architect in the USA is about $82,000 per year.
Over 200 architecture colleges in the USA offer various programs at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. According to the QS World University Ranking 2022 for architecture, 43 universities in the USA made it to the top 250 architecture colleges in the world.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked 1st globally among them. Harvard University and the University of California (Berkeley) were ranked 6th and 9th, respectively.
Some of the best universities for Architecture in the USA based on the 2023 QS Ranking are mentioned below:
|
Rank 2023 |
University |
|
2 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
|
6 |
Harvard University |
|
9 |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
|
15 |
Columbia University |
|
18 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
|
21 |
Cornell University |
|
18 |
Georgia Institute of Technology |
|
35 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
|
34 |
Stanford University |
|
40 |
University of Pennsylvania |
|
49 |
The University of Texas at Austin |
|
51-100 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
|
51-100 |
Carnegie Mellon University |
|
51-100 |
Pennsylvania State University |
|
42 |
Princeton University |
|
51 – 100 |
Texas A&M University |
|
51 – 100 |
University of Southern California |
|
51 – 100 |
University of Washington |
|
Talk to an ExpertTop Architecture University in the USA: Bachelor of Architecture
An undergraduate degree in architecture is generally offered as a pre-professional degree within the arts or science stream. The course duration of such a degree is 4 years, but the graduates are not eligible for licensure examination to practice as a licensed architect.
However, some universities offer a five years bachelor of architecture program, which is accredited, and graduates become eligible to sit for a licensure examination.
The USA remains the world’s most popular destination for international students to pursue top bachelor's programs in architecture.
It's a wonderful time to get into architecture, and our list of the Best Architecture Colleges and Universities in America can help you select the best school for your undergraduate Architecture degree.
|
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) |
5 years |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
4 years |
|
Columbia University |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
4 years |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies |
2 years |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) |
4 years |
|
Cornell University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
5 years |
|
Stanford University |
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design |
4 years |
|
Princeton University |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
4 years |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture |
4 years |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) |
4 years |
Academic Requirement:
- A high school degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
English language Requirements:
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 100 overall
- An IELTS score of 605 to 7.0 overall
- A DUOLINGO score of 115 to 125.
Portfolio Requirement:
The Bachelor of Architecture professional program requires applicants to submit a portfolio of creative works as a part of the application process. The department specifies the requirements of the portfolio.
Top Architecture University in the USA: Bachelor of Architecture (Tuition Fee)
|
University |
Tuition Fee |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
$57,590 |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
$48,180 (24,090*2) |
|
Columbia University |
$60,514 |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
$44,830 |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$31,500 - $36,500 |
|
Cornell University |
$61,095 |
|
Stanford University |
$36,982 |
|
Princeton University |
$57,410 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
$56,212 |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
$36,018 - $45,774 |
Top Architecture University in the USA: Master of Architecture
A master of architecture (March is a professional program that makes graduates eligible to sit for licensure examination to become a professional architect.
The course duration is generally 3 to 3.5 years, but the university also offers 2 years master of architecture program for applicants with advanced standing.
Students with a master's in Architecture degree in the United States are employed in a variety of settings, including the Department of Railways, the National Institutes of Urban Affairs and Housing, the National Building Organization, City Development Authorities, and the Central and State Public Works Departments, among others.
Students pursuing a master's degree in architecture are granted a generous remuneration at USA's top architecture company.
Besides these programs, nonprofessional master of architecture degrees is also available for working professionals.
|
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Master of Architecture |
42 months |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
Master of Architecture |
2 years |
|
Harvard University |
Master of Architecture I or II |
2.5 – 3 years |
|
Columbia University |
Master of Architecture |
3 years |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Master of Architecture (Professional Degree) |
3 years |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Master of Architecture |
2 or 3.5 years |
|
Cornell University |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
3.5 years |
|
Princeton University |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
3 years |
Documents Required:
- Statement of Purpose
- CV
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
- English Language Test Scores
- Portfolio of Creative Works
Academic Requirement:
- For a 3 or 3.5 years master of architecture professional program, a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum score of 3.0 is required on a 4.0 scale.
- For a master of architecture with advanced standing, a bachelor’s degree in architecture, design, or a similarly closely related creative field is required.
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 90 to 100
- An IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5 overall
Portfolio of Creative Works
Applicants must submit a digital portfolio of creative works as a part of the application. The university outlines the content of the portfolio and generally requires to demonstrate of the experience and creative ability of the applicant.
Top Architecture University in the USA: Master of Architecture (Tuition Fee)
|
University |
Tuition Fee |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
$57,590 ($28,795*2) |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
$39,808 |
|
Harvard University |
$55,000 |
|
Columbia University |
$61,080 |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
$32,858 |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$33,130 |
|
Cornell University |
$29,500 |
|
Princeton University |
$57,410 |
Top Architecture University in the USA: PhD in Architecture
A doctoral program in architecture is aimed at training scholars in the history, development, and theory of architecture to make them eligible to carry out independent research works in government offices or private settings.
PhD can be completed in 4 to 6 years, depending upon the prior qualifications in the USA.
|
University |
Program |
Course Duration |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
Ph.D. in Architecture |
4 – 6 years |
|
Harvard University |
Ph.D. in Architecture |
4 – 6 years |
|
Columbia University |
Ph.D. in Architecture |
4 – 6 years |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Ph.D. in Architecture |
4 – 6 years |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Ph.D. in Architecture |
4 – 6 years |
|
Cornell University |
Ph.D. in History of Architecture and Urban Development |
4 – 6 years |
|
Princeton University |
Ph.D. in History and Theory of Architecture |
4 – 6 years |
Documents Required:
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendations
- GRE scores
- English Language Test Scores
- Transcript
- Resume
- Portfolio of Creative Works
- Scholarly Writing Sample
Academic Requirement:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 overall or in the final two years of study.
- Some Universities require completion of a professional BArch or MArch degree for admission into the PhD in architecture.
English Language Requirement:
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 100 overall, with at least 19 in each section
- An IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall
Top Architecture University in the USA: PhD in Architecture (Tuition Fee)
|
University |
Tuition Fee |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
$11,442 ($5,721*2) |
|
Harvard University |
$55,000 |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
$32,858 |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$29,140 ($14,570*2) |
|
Cornell University |
$29,500 |
|
Princeton University |
$56,010 |
Top Architecture University in the USA: Scholarships
Some of the scholarships awarded to international students are listed below. Besides these, students in the doctoral program are funded through external fellowships, teaching assistantships, grants, etc.
If you are planning to study architecture in the USA and need extra funding for your education, please have a close look at some of the top universities offering scholarships:
|
University |
Awards |
Amount |
|
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
Regent’s and Chancellor’s Scholarship |
Equal to the determined financial need and various other non-monetary benefits |
|
Columbia University |
Undergraduate Columbia University Scholarships |
Varies |
|
Graduate Columbia University Scholarships |
$3000 |
|
|
Cornell University |
E. Gorton Davis Traveling Fellowship |
Varies |
|
Georgia Tech |
GOLD SCHOLARS PROGRAM |
$21,000 annually and other benefits |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Recruitment Fellowships |
$26,000 per year |
|
Continuing Students Awards |
$1000 to $15000 |
|
Top Architecture University in the USA: Job Scopes
Architects work in the design and development of infrastructures, landscapes, interiors, etc. Architects combine design and engineering to create residences, high-rise buildings, and public spaces. This profession requires creativity, technical proficiency, and a sense of aesthetics.
One who has completed a doctoral degree in architecture work as a faculty member in the academic institute, a researcher in government and private offices, etc. You can work as a licensed architect, CAD technician, interior and structural designer, or urban designer after earning a master's degree in architecture in the USA.
They are hired by USA's best consulting companies, private firms, construction companies, government offices, etc.
Top Hiring Companies for Architects in the USA are:
- Gensler
- AECOM
- Kohn Pederson Fox
- CallisonRTKL
- Perkins Eastman
- Stantec
- Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill
- Jacobs
- NBBJ
The average salary of an architect in the USA is about $82,000 per year.
Let’s have a quick look at the job title and respective salary for an Architect, the graduate in the USA:
|
Roles |
Range of Salary |
Average Salary |
|
Architectural Designer |
$44,000 - $71,000 |
$55,780 |
|
Architect |
$51,000 - $97,000 |
$69,482 |
|
Design Architect |
$44,000 - $94,000 |
$62,457 |
|
Project Manager, Architect |
$58,000 - $114,000 |
$81,881 |
|
Intern Architect |
$37,000 - $57,000 |
$46,602 |
|
Construction Manager |
$62,000 - $139,000 |
$92,651 |
|
Interior Designer |
$43,000 - $77,000 |
$57,776 |
|
Architectural Associate |
$42,000 - $63,000 |
$50,951 |
|
Landscape Designer |
$46,000 - $71,000 |
$57,674 |
