Career Change: From Business to Architecture

Question:
I'm looking for a career change. I hold a BSBA and now want to be an architect. I'd like to complete my degree online, but I am struggling to find an online architecture program. With my background, would I be able to pursue a master's degree or do I have to begin with a bachelor's degree?

Answer:
To start, it's important to earn your degree from an accredited institution, and you probably won't find an accredited architecture program that can be completed entirely online. The study of architecture requires a significant amount of hands-on learning. While you may be able to take some classes online, most likely many courses will need to be taken in a classroom with an instructor.

Go to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) website to search for accredited programs by state, or look at their list of accredited architecture programs in the U.S. As of November 2007, there were 115 institutions offering accredited architecture programs. Make a list of accredited universities you would consider attending, and contact them to see if any of their required courses are offered online.

Indeed, with your business degree, you should be considered for graduate studies in architecture. But without a bachelor's in architecture or a related field, you might need to study for up to four years to earn your master's degree. If you earn a bachelor's in architecture, many of your courses from your first BS might transfer, and you could complete your new degree in as little as two years. Of course, this typically varies by institution, so you should add this to your list of questions for potential schools.

Good luck!