TOP 15 SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF ARCHITECTURE

Each year, DesignIntelligence and the Design Futures Council conducts a study in conjunction with the Almanac of Architecture & Design (http://www.greenwayconsulting.com/almanac.htm) to determine the best schools and colleges for architecture in the United States. Principals of over 800 leading US architecture firms were asked the question "From which schools have you had the best experience hiring employees?" —relative to their experience during the past ten years. Respondents chose from NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) accredited programs.

This research is the only 'customer satisfaction'-oriented study of leading firms, including industry giants, top-sector leaders, and award winning firms. Firms in each market sector—including commercial, health care, education, hospitality, residential, institutional, laboratory, sports facilities, and office buildings—and throughout all regions of the country were contacted. The results of the third annual study are presented to the left, with the schools ranked in the order of the most highly acclaimed (with last year's ranking given in parenthesis). Firms were also asked to comment on their recruiting practices and compensation of recent graduates, the results of which can be found in the Almanac.



According to the Almanac of Architecture & Design,Third Edition (2001), the "Top 15 Schools and Colleges of Architecture" (with last year's ranking shown in parenthesis) are:

1. Cornell University (1)
2. Harvard University (2)
3. University of Cincinnati (6)
4. Syracuse University
5. Georgia Institute of Technology
5. University of Michigan (5)
7. Iowa State University
8. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
8. University of Virginia (14)
10. Texas A&M University (15)
10. Yale University (3)
12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (8)
13. Columbia University (7)
14. University of Notre Dame
15. University of Pennsylvania (11)

Source: http://www.caup.umich.edu/newsevents/2001/top15.html
According to the Almanac of Architecture & Design, Fourth Edition (2003), the "Top 15 Schools and Colleges of Architecture" (with last year's ranking shown in parenthesis) are:

1. Harvard University (2)
2. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
3. University of Cincinnati (3)
4. Cornell University (1)
5. Yale University (10)
6. Kansas State University
6. University of Texas at Austin
8. University of Michigan (5)
8. University of Pennsylvania
10. Auburn University
10. Columbia University (13)
10. Rice University
10. University of Illinios, Urbana-Champaign (8)
10. Ball State Univerisity
10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (12)
10. Texas A&M University (10)
10. Virginia Polytechnic and State University

Source: www.arch.ksu.edu/info/news/ARCH%20School%20Ranking%20for%20PR.PDF

Go Cal Poly!!!

I like how Cornell is ranked pretty high up at #4, given its location as one of the more small-town campuses in the US. You'd think that major, prestigious urban universities such as University of Chicago, Northwestern, perhaps UCLA would make the list, with Columbia being higher up.

According to the Almanac of Architecture & Design,Third Edition (2001), the "Top 15 Schools and Colleges of Architecture" (with last year's ranking shown in parenthesis) are:

1. Cornell University (1)
2. Harvard University (2)
3. University of Cincinnati (6)
4. Syracuse University
5. Georgia Institute of Technology
5. University of Michigan (5)
7. Iowa State University
8. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
8. University of Virginia (14)
10. Texas A&M University (15)
10. Yale University (3)
12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (8)
13. Columbia University (7)
14. University of Notre Dame
15. University of Pennsylvania (11)


Okay, does anyone see the irony in this ranking besides me?

Think large burning wooden phallic symbols devoted to the hatred of a rival (read:superior) University -- oh, and think unjust loss of 12 lives.

Okay, does anyone see the irony in this ranking besides me?

Think large burning wooden phallic symbols devoted to the hatred of a rival (read:superior) University -- oh, and think unjust loss of 12 lives.
In 2003, UT ranked #6 and TAMU #10. :lol:

Yeah, it's sad those kids had to die because of the carelessness and irresponsibility of TAMU's administration, yet the Aggie Bonfire continues. I supposed those 12 lost lives are sacrifical lambs to the great Bonfire.

At least one Indiana school is on each list, hooray.

I'd love to be an architect, but not enough pay!!

Its all about teh money and development!!!

Did/does anyone attend any of these schools? Tell us about your experience.

Okay, does anyone see the irony in this ranking besides me?


Not really, they are architects not engineers. They don't make it stand up, just make it look good.

Not really, they are architects not engineers. They don't make it stand up, just make it look good.
Mr. Obvious, it's not obvious as to what you're talking about. Care to explain?

Mr. Obvious, it's not obvious as to what you're talking about. Care to explain?

Well, if I'm reading correctly, PHXbevo found it ironic that a highly ranked architecture school had a "structure" collapse killing several students. Architects are not experts in designing stable, reliable structures. That is what structural engineers do. So, if this was a list of top notch structural engineering schools, then I could see the irony.

Well, if I'm reading correctly, PHXbevo found it ironic that a highly ranked architecture school had a "structure" collapse killing several students. Architects are not experts in designing stable, reliable structures. That is what structural engineers do. So, if this was a list of top notch structural engineering schools, then I could see the irony.
Hmmm, I see where you're coming from. You do have a point. In post #5, I replied with this notion that he was talking about the athletic and academic rivalry between University of Texas--Austin and Texas A&M. I think he finds it ironic that UT ranked higher than TAMU.

Not really, they are architects not engineers. They don't make it stand up, just make it look good.

Part of making "it" look good is evermore becoming a part of engineering though. If you really want to design incredible buildings, DOUBLE MAJOR in both Architecture and Stuctural Engineering.

Of course I'm not even sure I can accomplish this career goal. I'm just taking it one semester at a time.

To answer James, I graduated from Cincinnati 89', Urban Planning, in the college of Design Arch. Art & Planning. (DAAP) All of these schools are top notch. DAAP is the co-flagship for UC, the other really good college at UC is the College Conservatory of Music.

http://www.daap.uc.edu/

the above is the link

from nowhere to #2... Cal Poly SLO-- what a phenomenal story! :D

Whoo hoo! UVA! Too bad I would never be able to get in. I dont wanna do architecture anyways.

To answer James, I graduated from Cincinnati 89', Urban Planning, in the college of Design Arch. Art & Planning. (DAAP) All of these schools are top notch. DAAP is the co-flagship for UC, the other really good college at UC is the College Conservatory of Music.

http://www.daap.uc.edu/

the above is the link
I envy you. :bow:

These types of lists are useless, they are basedon factors which have no conceivable effect on the education a student at the uni receives, and not to mention the people who compile them often have an agenda. And besides, do you really think you will make more money in your career if you get your degree from a university high on that list as opposed to one that's not on that list? I don't think so...

These types of lists are useless, they are basedon factors which have no conceivable effect on the education a student at the uni receives, and not to mention the people who compile them often have an agenda.
Useless? Wouldn't say that. Of course, there's a subjective compenent but to say agenda. Get out of here!

And besides, do you really think you will make more money in your career if you get your degree from a university high on that list as opposed to one that's not on that list? I don't think so...
Top schools produce the best architects who are more likely to get hired, in addition to making more money -- simple as that. Don't hate because you can't get into any the these schools. Neither can I...but you don't see me bitching.

go UVA / VTECH both my schools =)

Don't hate because you can't get into any the these schools.
Hey man, that hurt. :cry:

Actually it is well known ivy league schools inflate their grades. The people that go to those schools are no smarter than people in state schools. Richer maybe... But smarter, nah.

Rich? Yes.
Smarter? Probably.

I Just looked up Texas A&M's Architecture requirements and it's a 3.0
That seems fair.

How come many americans go to Mcgill university to study architecture?

It's a good school?? Maybe it's the girls :D

Hey man, that hurt. :cry:

Actually it is well known ivy league schools inflate their grades. The people that go to those schools are no smarter than people in state schools. Richer maybe... But smarter, nah.
:poke:

Ironically, I agree with what you just said. Or should we say they're dumber? Afterall, they have to be dumber than state school students to pay for an overpriced education. ;)

Seriously, though, an Ivy League degree is more than a degree it's a ticket into an elite club -- plain and simple. It's a way into a network that will get you places. Sucks, but that's life. :dunno:

But, wait a minute, the majority of the schools on both rankings are indeed state schools! :rock:

Anybody knows any classification for Europe also about architecture&planning departments of universities?

anyone know anything about the architecture programs in chicago and how they rank?