Is an Architecture Degree Worth It? Here's What You Need to Know.
Is an Architecture Degree Worth it?
Getting an architecture degree is no small amount of work. But it’s also the key to a creative, rewarding field, and it has some other benefits you might not know about.
Earning Potential
How much do architects earn? It’s always wise to look at multiple sources to try and determine how much a profession pays. According to Indeed.com, one of the most widely used and respected employment search sites, the average base salary of an architect is $103,000 based on October 2023 job openings. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, which uses median salary instead of average salary data (thus eliminating the disproportionate influence of extremely high or low-earning positions), the median salary for an architect is $82,840, though its data is based on May 2022 data.
Either way, architects earn significantly more than the average annual salary across all professions of $59,428, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But what about job growth? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, architect jobs are expected to grow 5 percent over the next decade, higher than the 3 percent average job growth over all professions.
Is a Degree Necessary?
In order to be a licensed architect, the majority of states require a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Those states that don’t require a degree—such as Arizona, Hawaii, Colorado, Tennessee, and Washington—instead require significant additional work experience that often takes much longer than getting a degree. For instance, Hawaii requires 11 years of supervised architecture work experience for those without a degree to apply for a license; Washington requires “at least 8 years of practical architecture work experience.” Those with degrees typically require less work experience; thus, even in states where it’s not required, getting an architectural degree can shorten the time required to become a licensed architect.
Perhaps more importantly, a degree will also prepare you for the Architect Registration Exam, which is required for licensure in every state.
Additionally, most firms favor hiring an architect with a degree over one without a degree. Schools with NAAB accreditation often have alumni networks and other networking opportunities that allow graduates significant advantages while looking for employment and advancing their careers.
What’s in a License?
As the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards notes, a license is required primarily to practice independently without supervision. Additionally, it makes it easier for potential clients to trust you, and provides you with greater career opportunities.
Transferable Skills
Getting an architectural degree will also allow you to develop skills that are applicable in many areas, both personally and professionally, including:
- Creative ability and design
- Strategic and logical thinking
- Ability to work well with numbers
- Thoroughness and attention to detail
- Complex problem solving, and ability to adapt to new challenges
- Project management skills and the ability to push tasks through to completion
- Verbal communication
Personal Perks
What other benefits are there to getting an architecture degree? Architects work in a rare field that is highly creative in addition to being both lucrative and respected. And it’s seldom boring. Seeing your vision for a project eventually take shape is extremely fulfilling, and you will also learn to better appreciate the buildings, landscapes, and city architectural trends around you. Put simply, your training as an architect will allow you more opportunities to take interest in the world around you.
Starting on Your Path to a Degree
Illinois Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture is internationally renowned as one of the best NAAB-accredited architecture schools in the country. Its students and faculty enjoy deep relationships with professional practice in Chicago, a city with an unmatched tradition of innovation in architecture, design, landscape architecture, and urbanism. Additionally, their award-winning Design/Build studios allow students to design and construct full-scale buildings, fulfilling the notion of a “hands-on” education.
Its degree programs (B.ARCH., M.ARCH., M.S.ARCH., M.L.A.+U., and PhD) are STEM-designated fields of study in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s STEM-designated fields list.
Those interested in learning more about Illinois Tech’s College of Architecture can contact the college at arch@iit.edu or 312.567.3260