Cornell University's Department of Architecture is one of the most respected and popular programs in the country. Construction.com ranks Cornell's undergraduate program as number one in the United State. Students will take at least five years to complete this intense study of architecture. Architectural students may pursue a degree in architectural history or a professional degree in architectural design. Applicants to the bachelor's program must complete a separate application for the department in addition to the regular admissions application for Cornell University, submit a portfolio and complete 16 units of mathematics including plane geometry, trigonometry and intermediate algebra, four units of English and one unit of physics before applying to the school. Cornell also offers a master's degree in architecture.
The University of Texas at Austin, a public school, offers one of the most respected architectural programs in the country. Construction.com ranks this school as number five in the country. The university's School of Architecture offers several degree programs -- architecture, architectural studies, architectural engineering and interior design. Admission is highly competitive; the school receives around 150 applications per year and can only accept a few students. Applicants will not need to complete a portfolio; instead, they are accepted based on past academic performance. Transfer students will need to complete several courses, including physics, history and government, before applying.
Syracuse University offers a comprehensive approach to teaching the discipline of architecture. Students are encourage to explore their creativity, as well as focus on technologies that affect the future of architecture. Leading practitioners, scholars and critics in the field of architecture are invited to the school to put on exhibitions and lectures. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of artwork, which can be drawings or photos. Syracuse offers both a bachelor's and master's degree in architecture.
The University of Southern California offers three different tracks for architectural students -- the Bachelor of Architecture, the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. The BA track prepares students for professional careers in architecture. The BSAS track is a non-professional architectural studies program that provides specialization in related fields like history and design communication. The BSCE emphasizes building science and focuses on engineering or construction with some coursework in architectural studies. The school also offers graduate degrees in architecture.