Introduction
Architects are creative professionals responsible for designing buildings and structures that meet the needs of their clients and comply with building codes and regulations. Becoming an architect is a lengthy process that requires a significant amount of education and training. This article will explore the necessary education and training to become an architect and discuss how many years of college it takes to become an architect.
Exploring the Necessary Education and Training to Become an Architect
In order to become an architect, there are certain educational and training requirements that must be met. These include high school requirements, college requirements, and post-graduate requirements.
High School Requirements
High school students interested in becoming an architect should focus on taking courses in mathematics, science, computer science, art, and design. According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), “These academic areas provide the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to succeed in architecture programs.” Additionally, high school students should consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes and/or dual enrollment classes at a local college or university.
College Requirements
Most colleges and universities require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to have taken specific classes in high school such as mathematics, physics, and/or art. Once accepted into a college or university, students must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in architecture. Common courses that may be included in this type of program include architectural history, building construction, structural design, urban planning, and computer-aided design (CAD).
Post-Graduate Requirements
In order to become a licensed architect, individuals must complete a two-year master’s degree program in architecture. This type of program includes courses in environmental design, construction technology, and building codes. Additionally, many states require architects to complete a three-year internship program prior to being eligible for licensure.
How Many Years of College Does It Take to Become an Architect?
The length of time required to become an architect depends on the individual’s educational background and career goals. Generally speaking, it takes a minimum of six years of college to become an architect.
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture
The first step in becoming an architect is to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture. This type of degree typically takes four years to complete. During this time, students will take courses in building materials, design principles, structural engineering, and architectural history.
Master’s Degree in Architecture
Once a student has earned a bachelor’s degree, they must then pursue a two-year master’s degree in architecture. This type of degree focuses on advanced topics such as environmental design, construction technology, and building codes. Upon completion of the master’s degree, the individual is eligible to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) which is required for licensure.
The Path to Becoming an Architect: What’s Required?
In addition to earning a degree, individuals must also complete an internship program, obtain professional experience, and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) in order to become a licensed architect.
Earning a Professional License
In order to become a licensed architect, individuals must pass the ARE. This exam is designed to test an individual’s knowledge of the practice of architecture and consists of seven tests that must be completed within a five-year period. Once the ARE is passed, individuals must apply for licensure in their state.
Completing an Internship Program
Most states require architects to complete a three-year internship program prior to becoming eligible for licensure. During this time, interns will work under the supervision of a licensed architect on projects relating to the design, construction, and management of buildings and other structures.
Obtaining Professional Experience
In addition to completing an internship program, individuals must also obtain professional experience in order to become a licensed architect. This can be done through employment in an architecture firm or by working as a freelance architect. Experienced architects typically have a higher level of responsibility than newly licensed architects and are able to work independently on more complex projects.
Breaking Down the Steps to Becoming an Architect
Becoming an architect is a lengthy process that requires a significant amount of education and training. Below is a breakdown of the steps that must be taken in order to become an architect.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step in becoming an architect is to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture. This type of degree usually takes four years to complete and includes courses in building materials, design principles, structural engineering, and architectural history.
Step 2: Pursue a Professional License
In order to become a licensed architect, individuals must pass the ARE. This exam consists of seven tests that must be completed within a five-year period. Once the ARE is passed, individuals must apply for licensure in their state.
Step 3: Complete an Internship Program
Most states require architects to complete a three-year internship program prior to becoming eligible for licensure. During this time, interns will work under the supervision of a licensed architect on projects relating to the design, construction, and management of buildings and other structures.
Step 4: Obtain Professional Experience
In addition to completing an internship program, individuals must also obtain professional experience in order to become a licensed architect. This can be done through employment in an architecture firm or by working as a freelance architect.
An Overview of the Education Needed to Become an Architect
Becoming an architect requires a significant amount of education and training. Below is an overview of the education and training that is necessary to become an architect.
Bachelor’s Degree
The first step in becoming an architect is to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in architecture. This type of degree includes courses in building materials, design principles, structural engineering, and architectural history.
Master’s Degree
Once a student has earned a bachelor’s degree, they must then pursue a two-year master’s degree in architecture. This type of degree focuses on advanced topics such as environmental design, construction technology, and building codes. Upon completion of the master’s degree, the individual is eligible to take the ARE.
Licensure
In order to become a licensed architect, individuals must pass the ARE and apply for licensure in their state. Additionally, most states require architects to complete a three-year internship program prior to becoming eligible for licensure. Finally, individuals must also obtain professional experience in order to become a licensed architect.
Conclusion
Becoming an architect requires a significant amount of education and training. This article explored the necessary education and training to become an architect including high school, college, and post-graduate courses as well as the steps to obtaining a professional license and gaining professional experience. It generally takes a minimum of six years of college to become an architect.
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