Should You Pursue an Architecture Degree?

Architecture blends artistry, innovation, and practicality, making it a field for visionaries who want to leave a lasting mark on the world—imagine shaping skylines and designing intuitive spaces where people live, work, and connect.

But pursuing a degree in architecture requires commitment. It’s a path that takes years of study, creativity, and grit. That said, is architecture degree worth it?

This guide explores what an architecture degree entails, the skills you’ll gain, and the challenges you might face to help you decide if this dynamic field aligns with your passions and career goals.

Considering a Career in Architecture

As of 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports approximately 127,300 architecture jobs nationwide, with an anticipated growth rate of 8% through 2033—outpacing the average growth of most other professions.

Of those who earned a degree in architecture, 33% of graduates went on to pursue an occupation in architecture or a related engineering field. That said, not all architecture majors feed directly into the field. The coursework may also prepare graduates for related areas such as:

• Management
• Business and finance
• Art, design, entertainment, sports, and media
• Sales

Accordingly, earning an architecture degree equips you with versatile skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries.

What Draws People to Architecture?

There are many reasons why one might be drawn to an architecture degree.

At its core, architecture is deeply human-centric. Architects don’t just design buildings; they craft the way people experience, move within, and interact with their environments. From workplaces that foster collaboration to homes that provide comfort and refuge, architects shape the spaces that influence daily life, balancing beauty and functionality to meet the needs of those who inhabit them. 

For others, the appeal lies in architecture’s potential to drive meaningful change on a broader scale. Urban design and preservation offer opportunities to address critical global challenges, such as:

• Climate change
• Social inequalities
• The pressures of rapid urbanization

Through sustainable design practices, architects reimagine how cities grow—integrating energy-efficient technologies, revitalizing neglected communities, and promoting equitable access to resources.

Whether inspired by the chance to create iconic landmarks, contribute to environmental solutions, or foster human connection, architecture offers a uniquely impactful and multifaceted career path. 

Key Questions to Ask Before Pursuing an Architecture Degree

When considering an architecture degree, it’s important to consider that architecture is a multidisciplinary field that combines art, science, and technology. Before committing to the major, ask yourself:

1. Are you comfortable with math and spatial reasoning?
2. Are you keen on designing and redesigning?
3. Do you enjoy problem-solving?
4. Are you willing to dedicate extensive time to studio work and projects?
5. What design style and methodologies are you interested in?
6. Does the program offer study abroad and/or internship opportunities to build experience?
7. What backgrounds and specialties do the program's professors offer?
8. Is the school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)?

Understanding the Commitment and Educational Pathways

Earning an architecture degree is a significant time investment that extends far beyond attending lectures or completing assignments. Most architecture programs require students to dedicate countless hours to studio work, where they develop and refine their designs, build models, and present their ideas for critique. 

This hands-on experience is at the heart of architectural education, fostering creativity, technical skill, and the ability to think critically under pressure.

Time Investment for an Architecture Degree

Generally, undergraduate architecture programs are five years, spanning beyond a typical undergraduate degree. A Master of Architecture degree will require two to three more years. Ultimately, however, the duration will depend on the specific programs you choose and your personal schedule. 

Undergraduate and Masters programs offered at Thomas Jefferson University include:

• BS Architectural Studies
• BS/MS Architectural Studies/Historic Preservation
• BS/MS Architectural Studies/Real Estate Development
• BArch (NAAB) Architecture
• BS/MArch (NAAB) Architecture
• BS Construction Management
• BS Interior Design
• BLA Landscape Architecture
• BLA/MS Landscape Architecture/Sustainable Design
• MS Architecture and Design Research
• MS Construction Management
• MS Construction Management/Real Estate Development
• MS Historic Preservation
• MS Interior Architecture
• MS Real Estate Development
• MS Sustainable Design
• MS Sustainable Design/Construction Management
• Master of Urban Design (MUD) Future Cities

Licensure

After graduation, those pursuing a job in the architecture industry will require additional internships to gain practical, real-world experience through the Architecture Experience Program (AXP) program. This program requires aspiring architects to:

• Gain 3,740 hours under six experience areas: practical management, project management, programming and analysis, project planning and design, project development and documentation, and construction and evaluation.
• Pass the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®)
• Obtain a National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) Certificate

This process can take several years to complete. 

Financial Aspects: Tuition and Supplies

The financial cost of an architecture degree will depend on the school and program you choose. Generally, students can expect to pay roughly $19,000 annually for a public undergraduate degree, and $34,000 for an undergraduate architecture degree at a private school. Master of Architecture programs often cost more.

Books, studio supplies, and software can also cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 annually.

That said, many universities offer scholarships and assistantships to help with costs, including:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships & Research Assistantships
• Dean’s Scholarships
• International Scholarships
• First Year and Transfer Scholarships

After graduation, NCARB licensure will require additional costs, which include:

• Examination: $1,500
• NCARB certification: $1,345 application fee and a $285 annual renewal fee
• Licensure: $100 application fee and a $100 annual renewal fee

Assessing Your Fit for the Field

The architectural field is dynamic and diverse, spanning from landscape architecture and real estate development to urban analytics and sustainable design. 

Determining whether this multifaceted profession aligns with your strengths, interests, and goals is a critical first step in deciding to pursue an architecture degree.

Skills and Qualities of Successful Architects

Becoming a successful architect requires a well-rounded skill set and a range of personal qualities. These skills and qualities may include:

• Creative and analytical problem-solving 
• Attention to detail
• Knowledgeable about sustainability practices, building codes, and design principles
• Effective collaboration and communication
• Receptive to constructive criticism 
• Adaptive and curious
• Empathetic, demonstrating cultural and political awareness

Passion vs. Practicality in Architecture Careers

While you may be passionate about what goes into innovative city and residential designs, your choice to pursue a career in architecture must also be a practical one. You must consider:

• Time investment – Architecture is a demanding field that requires a significant time commitment, both in terms of education and professional growth. Once in the field, architects must balance tight project deadlines, long hours in the studio or on-site, and ongoing professional development, making time management a critical skill.
• Pay – As of 2023, architects earn a median annual salary of $93,310. That said, the pay in architecture can vary significantly depending on your experience, location, and the type of work you pursue.
• Work environment – The work environment in architecture can range from collaborative, fast-paced office settings to on-site project management in more hands-on roles. Architects also spend significant time working alone, particularly when designing and developing concepts. While some may enjoy the creative freedom of individual design work, others may prefer the team-oriented atmosphere of a larger firm or the outdoor elements of site-based projects.
• Job outlook – The job outlook for architects is generally positive, with a projected growth rate of 8% through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, job availability can vary depending on your location and the economic climate.

Career Opportunities and Trajectories

Over the next decade, a projected 8,500 architecture jobs will open yearly, providing ample opportunities to enter the workforce.

That said, what can you do with a architecture degree? 

Traditional and Emerging Roles in Architecture

Available jobs in the architecture field include:

• Architect
• Urban planner
• Landscape architect
• Interior designer
• Construction manager
• Sustainability consultant
• Real estate developer
• Architecture professor

Less traditional roles may encompass architecture journalism, architectural photography, or sales.

Growth and Advancement Potential

Over the next ten years, the U.S. BLS projects that 9,900 more architecture professionals will enter the workforce.

• Sustainable design
• Urban planning
• Digital design technologies

Additionally, acquiring higher-level licenses and certifications, such as becoming a LEED-accredited professional or specializing in green building practices, can enhance your career prospects.

Experienced architects may also take on leadership roles within firms, such as project managers, senior designers, or firm partners, where they can influence project outcomes and organizational direction. If you have entrepreneurial aspirations, starting your own firm offers the potential for greater creative and financial control, too. 

The Challenges and Rewards of a Career in Architecture

While the profession can be incredibly fulfilling, it requires commitment, persistence, and an ability to navigate complex and often unpredictable environments.

Real-world Challenges Faced by Architects

Architects may be challenged by:

• Long hours
• Budget restrictions
• The balance of creativity with practicality
• Complex regulations
• Navigating social, cultural, and economic influences

The Fulfillment of Creating Enduring Spaces

Despite the challenges, a career in architecture can offer immense personal and professional fulfillment, providing opportunities to:

• Build well-designed, human-centric buildings that improve quality of life
• Shape public spaces
• Promote sustainability
• Learn new technologies
• Collaborate with like-minded professionals

Alternatives to a Traditional Architecture Degree

While a traditional architecture degree is a common route for those interested in shaping the built environment, it’s not the only option.

Related Fields and Interdisciplinary Studies

For those interested in aesthetics and design, related studies include:

• Urban design
• Graphic design
• Engineering
• Product design
• Industrial design
• Fine arts
• Commercial real estate

Making Your Decision

Before committing to an architecture degree, weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Consider the long-term benefits, such as job stability, career satisfaction, and the impact your work could have on society. However, also think about the challenges, including time commitment, financial investment, and potential job stress.

If you decide architecture is the right path for you, consider earning your degree at the College of Architecture & the Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University.

Our programs incorporate forward-thinking design education to help guide students along their career paths, encompassing everything from interior design and landscape architecture to historic preservation and real estate development.

Explore our College of Architecture & the Built Environment programs today to get started.