Architecture and drafting are crucial professions for the entire world’s economy, as they provide sound, safe, and aesthetically pleasing structures for communities across the globe. Architects employ their skills and education to engineer and coordinate buildings. Artists who make even our grocery shopping a more aesthetically pleasing outing, architects design every place we enter, even parks. Earning an online Bachelor of Architecture degree is a viable option for motivated, artistic individuals, and these top three online schools provide outstanding programs for hardworking and self-disciplined students.
The median annual pay as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $80,750 with a job outlook through 2028 of 1%… slower than average, adding an additional 1,100 jobs. The top 10% earned upwards of $137,620 annually.
Students in any of these three programs receive an excellent undergraduate education in Architecture that prepares them for entry- to mid-level positions in the field, particularly those that involve internships and real-world experiences. Many graduates decide to continue their education in prominent masters degrees in Architecture or related majors. The curricula involve training in all of the most relevant technologies and design methods needed to enter smoothly into the profession.
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People Also Ask:
What is the best degree for Architecture?
Becoming an architect requires the proper credentials. Typically, you will need either a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.) or a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree, depending on your needs.
Can I be an Architect without a Bachelor’s degree?
No, you will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. And actually, sometimes a master’s degree is required for promotions or job advancement.
What college has the best architecture program?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a great Architecture program; however, our list features the best of the best in Bachelor of Architecture degrees designed to fit the needs of the online learner. Distance learning degree programs provide a convenient and flexible learning option!
Will I need to pass an exam to obtain my license to be an Architect?
Yes, upon graduation from your bachelor’s degree program, you should be eligible to sit for the Architect Registration Examination. If you pass, good for you!
What skills will make me a good Architect?
Many good architects started out with an interest in the topic at a very young age. Certainly, a few skills and personal attributes will be helpful, such as:
- Attention to detail
- Nice customer relations skills
- Good communication – verbal and written
- Design skills
- Building knowledge
- Proficient in computer skills and related software
- Creativity
- Problem-solver
- Analytical Thinker
- Team player
- … just to name a few!
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quick links
An impressive read: 25 Most Impressive Examples of Religious Architecture
Or are you interested in a trade degree in a related field? Check these out: Online Schools for Carpentry Programs and our choices for the best Online Trade Schools for Home Inspector
Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Architecture Degrees
METHODOLOGY: This ranking was composed according to the following criteria:
- A Bachelor in Architecture, Architectural Design, or Architectural Technology,
- 100% Online or Hybrid Availability,
- Retention rates no lower than 50%,
- Prestigious among reputable journalistic, academic resources, and positive student reviews,
- Ease of transfer credits into the Master’s degree program,
- Financial Aid Opportunities,
- Prepares students for entry to mid-level jobs.
Readers should be aware that these three online Bachelor of Architecture degrees are the only distance education degrees of their kind that are apparent to the researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com.
For more information, look to the following Methodology page.
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
ONLINE B.S. SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS
Program Standouts:
The University of Arizona’s Bachelor in Sustainable Built Environments degree is offered through the College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture. Students gain an in-depth understanding of sustainable structures and their design, development, and implementation in communities across the country. The curriculum provides the opportunity to solve real-world issues within the field of architecture so that students can carry that knowledge over into positions such as architectural designers, environmental researchers, and agents working in government agencies. Both concentration options provide these incredible opportunities as well as the platform to earn master’s degrees in Real Estate, Architecture, and more.
Campus Location: Tuscon, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Real Estate Development
- Sustainable Buildings
Acceptance Rate: 83.6%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 60.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA’S ONLINE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS DEGREE
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
ONLINE B.S. IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Program Standouts:
Architecture students in this online school major in a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology – Architectural Design Technology Concentration. This curriculum is a degree-completion program that requires students to have completed a qualifying Associate’s degree. The coursework emphasizes leadership in the industry, as well as the most modern software, technologies, and development. Graduates exit the program and go on to lead a team of designers, after having had practical experience supporting professional architects in real-world projects. Students gain exposure to drafting, computer drafting, construction, visual communication, management, and other crucial laws and methods involved in the architecture profession.
Campus Location: Greenville, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Architectural Drafting
- Sustainable Design
- Urban Form and Design
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 61.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The Academy of Art University’s online Bachelor of Architecture Degree is available to distance education students and includes a rigorous curriculum in design and construction. Students in this online program use high-tech and up-to-date architecture technologies and are trained by a supportive team of faculty members. The well-accredited coursework is guaranteed to give students a solid foundation in modern architecture and methods of sustainability. The degree also includes an Intern Development Program that drastically improves their knowledge and practical experience in the field, and makes them much stronger candidates for positions of employment and prominent master’s degrees.
Campus Location: San Francisco, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
Sampling of Coursework:
- Color, Perception, and Space
- Materials and Methods
- Digital Visual Media
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 4.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE DEGREE
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I earn an online Bachelor of Architecture degree through an online distance learning program?
Since programs offering 100% curricula in the study of architecture may be few and far between, often hybrid degree programs are the next best thing. Through the hybrid format, most coursework can be completed online; however, the occasional on-campus attendance is required, as well. Your online Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program will take about five years to complete if you wish to become a licensed architect.
Coursework should include classes in basic drawing, mathematics, energy and environmental design, construction methods, and history of architecture. You can also expect to concentrate on project management, building information technology, drafting, structural design, as well as, architectural history and graphics.
Can I get a job as an Architect upon earning my Bachelor’s in Architecture online?
Graduates of an architecture program can earn an entry-level position with an online Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture (B.S.) to become a designer, landscape architect, architect’s assistant, or drafter. However, if you wish to become a professionally licensed architect, you will need an online Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree. Either program provides an excellent foundation to build upon, such as earning a Master’s of Architecture degree if you would like to receive advancements and a higher salary.
Are online degrees in Architecture easier than on-campus degrees?
The online architecture undergraduate degrees will, in all likelihood, be somewhat more challenging than on-campus programs, but this does depend on the student. Students are required to complete in-depth drafting and design projects that demand an understanding of the latest technologies, but online students have access to tutors and advisors and high-tech software, the same as the on-campus students.
