Designing building structures and their and relevant systems like acoustics, heating and air conditioning, fire suppression, lighting, plumbing and more are primarily the responsibility of architects, who are involved in the design of a new building long before construction teams and code enforcers come onto the scene.
Online Education Options for Degrees in Architecture
Because of the diversity of knowledge required, architects must be well-versed in a significant variety of engineering subjects, including but not limited to basic design, electrical engineering, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and the mechanics of materials. Because of this, a degree in architecture is a requirement for people who want to make this occupation their career. Additionally, course work typically requires many math and science courses, and students are usually required to complete an internship or apprenticeship before working without supervision.
Architectural programs are available in the following areas:
Please note that while there are no certification programs available online for those interested in architectural engineering, certificates are available in the related field of computer-aided design, which is a common entry-level position that provides a solid introduction to the basics of architecture.
Degrees in Architecture Career and Salary Information
A bachelor's degree is required at minimum for people who are pursuing architecture as a career, as well as the aforementioned internship or apprenticeship. Degrees in architecture typically equip students not only to do the work, but it also helps them develop a portfolio of their design ideas that showcase their skills and specialties.
Because of the steady growth in industrialization and globalization, job prospects for architects remain strong through at least 2016, with an 18% increase in growth projected through that time.
An architecture degree salary can vary widely in the engineering field based on the specific area of specialization (residential, business, etc.) and geographic location; however, additional education and super-specialization will improve salary earning potential. Median annual wages based on years of experience breaks down as follows: 1-4 years, $40,000-$78,500 ($5896 annual bonus); 5-9 years, (information not available) ($1750 annual bonus); 10-19 years, $68,047-$110,616 ($5000 annual bonus); 20+ years, $52,903-$103,177 ($1000 annual bonus).
Most people who work as architects are employed by public companies, the government (state and local), or private firms. Additionally, the most popular cities for this job are Austin and New York City.