Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, has the best undergraduate program in the country in architecture, according to "Architectural Record." The school's site claims its program is the oldest in the country. The program enrolls about 275 students at a time and offers the expertise of about 30 professors. In order to earn a bachelor's of architecture at Cornell, you must spend five years there studying in a very intense course. Beyond an application, candidates must also present a portfolio and undergo an interview before gaining acceptance.
Cornell University
College of Architecture, Art & Planning
129 Sibley Dome
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-4376
aap.cornell.edu/aap/arch
Also located in New York state, Syracuse University's School of Architecture is another one of the top programs in the country. It is a very competitive program: in 2009, 1,038 people applied for the program and only 138 were accepted. In order to gain admittance to the School of Architecture, students must submit a portfolio. According to the school's site, it is recommended that students take AP and honors courses in high school to prepare them for the rigorous course of studies as well as art classes that focus on drawing and 3-D art.
Syracuse University
School of Architecture
201 Slocum Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
315-443-2256
soa.syr.edu
The best architecture program on the West Coast is located in San Obispo, California, at the California Polytechnic State University, according to "Architectural Record." The architecture Department at Cal Poly has been one of the top-rated programs for decades and offers specializations in architectural engineering, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. The school's philosophy is based on polytechnic education, which means students will be versed in both art and science.
California Polytechnic State University
Architecture Department
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0282
805-756-1316
arch.calpoly.edu