DesignIntelligence magazine has released the latest ranking of America's leading architecture universities. Experts have compiled two lists of the best schools - in which architectural bachelor's and master's programs are presented, respectively. The publication conducts such research annually; the analysis uses the results of a survey of managers and personnel officers of architecture bureaus about the work of recent graduates of architecture departments.
Among the undergraduate programs, Cornell University, based in Ithaca, New York, took first place for the third time in a row, and Harvard traditionally became the best among masters. The Institute of Architecture of Southern California and the Pratt Institute made themselves known again: in the undergraduate ranking they took eighth and tenth positions, respectively, displacing Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Southern California from the top ten. The top 10 for master's degrees includes programs from Syracuse and Pennsylvania universities. At the same time, Washington University and Virginia Polytechnic University lost their points.
Top 10 US Universities - Bachelor's Degree
1. Cornell University (Ithaca, New York)
2. California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, California)
3. Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York)
4. Rice University (Houston, TX)
5. Virginia Polytechnic University (Blacksburg, Virginia)
6. University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
7. Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, Rhode Island)
8. Pratt Institute (New York, New York)
9. Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama)
10. Institute of Architecture of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)
Top 10 US Universities - Master's Degree
1. Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
2. * Cornell University (Ithaca, New York)
2. * Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
4. Columbia University (New York, New York)
5. Yale University (New Haven, CT)
6. University of California at Berkeley (Berkeley, California)
7. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
8. Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York)
9. Rice University (Houston, TX)
10. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
* Universities with the same number of votes
According to Architectural Record magazine, an architect is one of the most prestigious professions in America today. According to a study by the Harris Poll Institute, architects are the seventh most prestigious profession, and approximately 87% of parents would approve of a child's desire to become an architect. But, despite the flattering public opinion, there are still formidable barriers in the architectural environment: discrimination based on gender and ethnic origin (this is mainly a white men's profession), irregular working hours, and growing tuition fees. And the university is the beginning of the beginnings, the starting point from where these problems grow. Nevertheless, according to the founder and editor-in-chief of DesignIntelligence, James Kramer, architecture schools are gradually growing with new social groups. It is known that women make up half of the current students; in addition, schools try to attract a more ethnically diverse population. In general, the number of architecture schools is constantly growing, which is important - in proportion to employment prospects and salaries. Among architects, there is practically zero unemployment (according to the US Department of Labor, only 3%). The unemployed category includes mainly those specialists who cannot keep up with modern technologies and experience difficulties in working with the latest software.
Yesterday's graduates of architecture universities were even more fortunate with their initial salary: on average in the country for the first year of work, a young specialist receives $ 42,000. up to $ 10,000 at all,”says James Kramer.
As it turned out, the Grade Point Average does not really matter in employment, the prospectors cite it as one of the least important factors. Employers look at personality first, with a good portfolio and work experience a priority. “Employers are looking for energetic, curious people with good communication skills,” explains Kramer. But before the average can breathe a sigh of relief, the editor of DesignIntelligence continues: "Bosses are waiting for employees who can do the work that brings immediate results." This is why high schools like Harvard tend to be in the top ten. “Firms believe that graduates from prestigious universities can be reaped very quickly as they quickly adapt to new circumstances,” explains Kramer.
If we talk about the learning process itself, then, as the magazine revealed, in addition to acquiring skills in building construction, the close attention of young architects is directed to the entrepreneurial aspects of the profession. In addition, students devote a significant amount of time to issues of sustainable development, climate change and new technologies. At the same time, more than 90% of students are satisfied with the quality of education (62% of students rated it “excellent”).
