Earning a master’s degree in architecture is rewarding and if you refer to study online, check out the best online architecture schools in this post.
Architecture is a discipline that involves creativity and it requires sketching designs for buildings using your hands or computer software.
Architecture is a hands-on discipline, so you will hardly find an undergraduate program offered online. It’s easy to find an online graduate program at schools.
However, it’s important you conduct proper research to ensure you find a degree program that is accredited.
In a moment, we will list the best online architecture schools, so stay with us till the end of this post.
What to Look Out for When Choosing an Architecture Program
As a student, it’s important you apply to a degree program with valid accreditation. We strongly recommend that you search for schools with;
- National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accreditation for professional architecture degree programs
- Regional accreditation
- Institutions or schools of architecture with a good reputation
- Career centres that provide good job placement
- Internships and hands-on laboratories organized in your area
- The same faculty should teach and offers on-campus and online courses
Also Read: 15 Architectural Competitions for Students 2023
Do I Need a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Accredited Online Architecture Degree?
The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the agency responsible for accrediting architecture programs and colleges.
According to Geteducated.com, without earning a degree from a NAAB-accredited institution, you will not get state licensure to be recognized as a legally employed architect.
So, you see why it’s essential to do proper research before applying for any online architecture program. Earning a degree from an accredited institution validates your status as an architect.
Accrediting a degree program is an indication that the program has enough rigour and it’s up to standard to train the next generation of architects.
What Is the Cost to Obtain an Online Architecture Program?
Many online colleges offer online architecture programs. Tuition and fees will vary based on the college or university offering an online architecture program.
The cost will also vary for online programs offered at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Currently, the average tuition and fees for an online undergraduate architecture program is $26,728. The average tuition and fees for an online graduate architecture program are $12,716 for in-state students, while out-of-state students pay $30,145.
Career and Salary Outlook after Completing an Architecture Program
Architecture as a discipline requires creativity. It is a great career path that has better job prospects. The future is promising for architects with impressive skills to meet the new standards of design and creativity.
Architects earn huge amounts as annual salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they can expect an average annual salary of $82,320.
Some of the highest earners can earn over $130,000 as an average annual salary. Architects who earn over 130,000 as an annual salary usually have years of experience in the field.
List of the Best Online Architecture Schools
The schools listed here offer accredited online architecture programs. Some of these schools offer online degree programs at the undergraduate level but the majority offer master’s degree programs.
The best online architecture schools include;
- Academy of Arts University
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- University of Arizona
- Lawrence Technological University
- University of Florida
- Arizona State University
- Chatham University
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Boston Architecture College
The Best Online Architecture Schools
Let’s explore the colleges and universities that offer accredited online architecture programs.
#1. Academy of Arts University
- Location: San Francisco, California
First on the list is the Academy of Arts University. It’s a private for-profit arts school established in 1926.
With about 7,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, ART U offers an online architecture program to undergraduates.
ART U’s online architecture degree program has a rigorous curriculum that covers areas like construction and design. The Academy of Arts University is an institution where you will acquire hands-on experience through available resources.
At this university, students learn online with new technologies designed to structure future architecture. The university also has a team of faculty members who are eager to educate and train students in this field.
The online program offered at ART U also includes an intern development program which is designed to improve the technical knowledge and practical skills of students.
The Academy of Arts University is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
#2. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Location: Carbondale
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public research institution and home to over 11,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. SUIC is one of the best schools that offers an online architecture program.
The university offers an online Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
To enrol in the M.Arch programs offered at this university, you must satisfy a certain requirement. So, what is the requirement for undergraduates who want to enrol in the master’s program?
SIUC requires applicants to complete at least 126 hours of credit during their undergraduate program.
The online M.Arch degree program offered at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has a curriculum covering important topics such as architecture theory, global traditions in architecture, and environment behaviour studies in architecture.
SIUC’s M.Arch degree program can be completed within 16 to 20 months.
#3. University of Arizona
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
The University of Arizona situated in Tucson was established in 1885 and it was the very first university in the Arizona territory.
Arizona is one of America’s top public research institutions and part of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
UArizona offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments through its College of Architecture, Planning, & Landscape Architecture.
Studying an online program at Arizona gives you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of architecture. Their curriculum meets the standard to educate students in solving real-world problems in the field of architecture.
The University of Arizona provides the perfect learning environment and resources needed for students to excel as professional architects.
A master’s degree is also offered at UArizona, allowing students to earn a degree in Real Estate, Architecture, etc.
Also Read: What Are the Best Architecture Schools in the US?
#4. Lawrence Technological University
- Location: Southfield, Michigan
If you are looking for a university that offers an accredited online Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree program that can be completed within 15 months, then Lawrence Technological University is the perfect school for you.
LTU is a private university with just over 3,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. it offers an online M.Arch degree program with a concentration in architectural design and practice.
NAAB accredits LTU’s online M.Arch program. The online program has a rigour curriculum that covers courses in design theory, ecological issues, and professional practice.
Graduates of LTU can sit for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to become licensed architects.
#5. University of Florida
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida is one of the top architecture schools offering an online master’s degree program.
UF’s Master in Sustainable Design is an academic program that combines architecture, construction, design, urban planning, and preservation.
The program usually starts in August and covers important topics like ecological issues in sustainability and international sustainable development.
The University of Florida is a research institution that is interested in students gaining hands-on experience through practice. Students studying online at UF also have the opportunity to go on an international trip, with the cost of accommodation covered by tuition.
#6. University of Missouri
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
Established in 1839, the University of Missouri is the largest public university in the state. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities and it’s also classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities.
Mizzou’s Department of Architecture Studies offers two graduate programs. The two options available are Design with Digital Media and Environment and Behaviour Studies.
The University of Missouri online Master of Arts/Science in Architectural Studies is a unique academic program. It provides an opportunity for graduate students to pursue successful careers in architecture.
Besides offering an online master’s program in architecture, Mizzou also provides resources to assist students financially.
#7. Chatham University
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chatham University is a private institution with just over 2,000 students attending.
The university offers an online Master of Science in Interior Architecture (MSIA) degree through its College for Containing and Professional Studies.
This online master’s program is available on a full-time and part-time basis. If you want to study full-time, it takes one year to complete the program and earn your degree.
The online master’s program is designed for undergraduate students with a bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design.
Also Read: 15 Best Schools for Architecture in the World
#8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is one of the best places that offer online programs. It offers a 36-credit Master of Science in Architecture degree.
The online Master of Science in Architecture program offered at this university is affordable. Tuition and fees are not expensive but students get top-quality education as well as support services.
Students studying at this university must complete either a field research or an internship program. They are also required to write a thesis before obtaining their degrees.
#9. University of Washington- Seattle Campus
- Locations: Seattle, Washington
Established in 1861, the University of Washington is one of America’s top universities. It’s an excellent centre for research with a large student body.
This university offers an online master’s program through its Department of Urban Design and Planning. You can earn an online Master of Infrastructure Planning and Management program at UW.
This online program is designed for graduate students, especially those who wish to pursue future careers in infrastructure planning and management.
The University of Washington is a perfect place for graduate students to study an online master of infrastructure planning and management program.
#10. Boston Architectural College
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
In 1889, some professional architects started a professional club which is today known as the Boston Architectural College.
Boston Architectural College completes our list of the best online architecture schools. BAC offers a professionally accredited online Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree program.
This online master’s program consists of 36 credit hours as well as 3,000 practice hours. This online master’s program also has the same rigorous curriculum as students studying on-campus.
BAC allows students with more academic experience or architectural work to enrol in its two-year Master of Architecture program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked about the best online architecture schools.
What is the best degree for architecture?
Before you enrol in a Master of Architecture program, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree in architecture. A master’s degree in architecture takes about two years, while a bachelor’s degree requires more.
Also Read: 25 Best Architecture Schools in the World 2023
Can I become an architect without a bachelor’s degree?
Becoming an architect requires studying for years to earn a degree in the field. Without a degree, you cannot become an architect.
Which college offers the best architecture program?
According to QS World University Rankings: Architecture and Built Environment, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the best place to study architecture in the world.
Will I need to pass an examination to get my license as an architect?
Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree in architecture, you should be eligible to sit for the Architect Registration Examination.
Conclusion
Several colleges and universities offer online architecture programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. However, it’s quite difficult to find an online bachelor’s program for undergraduates.
But if you searching for an online master’s program, there are several schools offering online Master of Architecture programs.
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References
- https://www.collegevaluesonline.com/rankings/architecture-degree-online-top-values/
- https://www.collegeaffordabilityguide.org/subjects/architecture/online/
- https://www.onlineschoolscenter.com/best-bachelor-architecture/
- https://www.geteducated.com/top-online-colleges/online-architecture-degree
- https://www.gradschoolcenter.com/best-online-masters-of-architecture/
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