Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 3/23/2008

Question
 I'm 16 years old going on 17 on July 12, I dropped out of high school on October 7, 2007 due to all the drama going on in my life, I am getting a GED, then I'm going to attend a Community College to take classes required for being an Architect. Could you please let me know what classes are required for earning such a degree? Or how many years at a University it would require? That would be extremely helpful.
My inspiration came to me at about age 5. My grandfather, Paul S. Reinermann jr., was an amazing Architect, and the most amazing person on Earth to me. I would make blueprints by hand from age 5 till now in my free time, also whenever i can.
Thank You for your time.

Answer
Hi Allison;
It sounds like you have a good plan going forward.  Architecture is a great career.  You will need four full years of High School level math and sciences in order to get into a good Architecture program at the University level.  Geometry is the math subject that I find myself using the most (and still infrequently doing real raw calculations) on the job.  I have less of a need for algebra and only once or twice have I even thought about using the calculus I took in college; but they still want you to take the courses and do well in them to get your degree.
Most university programs in Architecture are 5 years at the undergraduate level.  This leads to the degree 'bachelors of Architecture' at an accredited school.  I got a 4-year 'bachelors of environmental design' degree in the late 70's.  Not having the full 5-year degree made it more difficult for me to get my license to practice.
Many people choose to get a 4-year bachelors of fine arts; and then take Architecture as a 3-year Master's degree program.
Good luck; I hope this helps you chart your path towards following in your grandfather's footsteps; who would be very proud, I am sure!
PS: I am also a former teenager ... hang in there ... I can tell from your writing that you are a smart person and will surely do well in whatever you choose.