Selecting a School/Program

Most schools are excellent in their chosen areas of emphasis, but no school is excellent in all aspects of what you want or need to learn. Because of the diverse nature of architecture programs and the varied interests, aptitudes, and objectives of students, it is impossible to objectively rank architecture schools. There is no method of accurately assessing the quality of instruction from one program to another or quantifying different points of view.

Probably the most important factor in any educational endeavor is the student's motivation. Most architectural employers are far more interested in what you have accomplished and can do as a person than in the “prestige” of your degree. While you should seek as much information and as many opinions as possible, with a conscientious effort you will probably be in as good a position as anyone to make decisions regarding your own education and career.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture offers an online database of all architecture schools in the United States and Canada. This free service allows you to search by region, curriculum, size of school and more. Visit archschools.org to get started with your search.

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
has an extensive list of questions you may wish to consider about a school.