Most students interested in architecture decide to take on the broad major of architecture. This major provides courses that help students to become knowledgeable in all aspects of architecture so that they can practice a variety of types of architecture, including interior, exterior, commercial or residential. Some students who receive a bachelor's degree in architecture also go on to graduate school to earn a master's in architecture. In addition, architecture majors must be licensed before they can call themselves architects and provide architectural services, according to the United States Department of Labor. A license can be received by passing the Architect Registration Examination.
The major of interior architecture specifically focuses on the design of indoor spaces. Students focusing on interior architecture often become knowledgeable in areas of interior design, weather-related design such as seismic retrofitting, which helps to keep buildings safe during earthquakes, and even heating and cooling design. These majors also focus on making living and working spaces attractive, functional and comfortable.
Landscape architecture is a major that is becoming more and more common at architecture schools, especially as eco-friendly living becomes more popular. Students in this program learn skills such as site planning and plant layout. Landscape architects create visually appealing and functional outdoors spaces for residential, commercial and community spaces.
Architectural engineering is often offered as a major at architecture schools for students interested in both architecture and engineering. Architectural engineers specialize in designing and building structures such as high rises that need extra support. Students in this field often learn about building codes, construction and building materials. While architecture majors play an important role in supervising the building process of the structures they design, architectural engineers are usually more deeply involved in the actual building process.