Architectural technology combines artistry with technical skill, as it involves the design and construction of buildings that are long-lasting, functional, and safe. Architectural technologists understand building methods and materials, create blueprints and diagrams, and ensure structures comply with current safety regulations. But what are your degree options, and what will make you successful in this field?
Associate Degrees and Diplomas
Getting an associate degree in Architectural Technology is a great starting point for those who want to enter the field quickly and at a lower cost. These jobs are mainly entry-level technical and support roles in architecture, construction, and design firms. For example, drafters use software such as CAD (computer-aided design) to create technical drawings for architectural and engineering plans, and they typically enter the field with an associate degree or certification. This path leads to a stable technical career.
An associate degree falls short if you decide you want more creative control over design decision-making. Managerial or specialized roles, such as architectural technologists or design leads, require higher education and often pay more in the long term.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree provides a greater grasp of in-depth technical knowledge and design theory than an associate’s degree would. This knowledge is better suited to roles in advanced study and leadership, which is why higher degrees are usually required for these careers. Those who hold bachelor’s degrees tend to have more opportunities for advancement and higher pay rates. Employers tend to prefer candidates with a four-year degree, as they have more career mobility and advancement opportunities.
The biggest downside of getting a bachelor’s degree is spending more time in school, along with more tuition and living expenses than if you only went into a two-year program. It is also possible that the job you want only requires an associate degree, so do your research on what jobs require a bachelor’s degree for entry.
Master’s Degree
A master’s program is the most in-depth of the three and covers topics such as advanced design, sustainability, research methods, and emerging technologies. This advanced technical coursework prepares students for careers in research and teaching, advanced consulting, and international opportunities. If your end goal is to become an architect, many employers prefer candidates with postgraduate degrees.
While it can lead to many opportunities, a master’s is the biggest investment of time and money. In certain cases, experience might outweigh education in regard to job prospects. Licensure is also important to think about, which usually requires either a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or a Master of Architecture.
Conclusion
Knowing where you want to end up is the most important aspect of choosing your education.
An associate degree is a good way to get into the field quickly and with less student debt. Depending on the circumstances, many people choose to work for a couple of years with an associate degree, then go on to finish a bachelor’s degree.
If you wish to expand your job prospects and have more liberties in the field, you can go directly to a bachelor’s degree.
A Master's is for academic roles and opportunities to do more research and experimental-based projects.
Citations
What is an Architect Technologist? - Indeed.com
Architecture and Engineering Drafters - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment Projections - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Is a 2-Year Architecture Degree Worth It? - Research.com
How Advanced Studies Can Shape an Architect's Future - GIFA.org
Online Master's in Architecture - Architecture Tools