Expert: Cary Simmons - 7/29/2010

Question
What type of degree do you need for this profession?what level of math is used in this profession?

Answer
Monica:

It has been many years since my schooling and licensing as an architect and some things may have changed.  To become a registered architect in any state one must take and pass that state's registration exam.  In order to be eligible to take the exam, most states require proof of either an undergraduate or graduate degree in architecture plus a fixed period of "apprenticeship" to a registered architect or similar professional, during which time the candidate was engaged in an architecturally-related pursuit.  Some states permit a very lengthy apprenticeship in lieu of a professional degree.

Regarding that degree, there are many fewer colleges and universities today offering undergraduate architectural degrees than when I was in school.  Most are now offering only graduate degrees.  So to do the math, 4 years of undergraduate, perhaps 2 years of graduate studies, perhaps 3 years of apprenticeship before taking the exam.  It's best to check the specific requirements of the state in which you might want to be licensed by going to that state's architectural registration website-generally in the Secretary of State's office.

Now the good news-good math skills, like good drawing skills, help in some forms of practice, but are no longer very important.  Both have been pushed aside by computers.

Best of luck.