The Best Architecture Schools in the U.S.

Harvard University

• Among the architecture schools with the top graduate degree programs in the nation, Harvard University is the best, according to "Architect Magazine" ratings for 2008. Rankings were based on methods similar to those used by "U.S. News & World Report." Surveys completed by prominent architecture school faculty members nationwide were the primary basis for determining the top schools. Harvard offers master of architecture degrees for students who have already graduated with a baccalaureate degree in the field and a program for those with a degree in another field of study. Other graduate degrees are the master of design, the PhD and the doctor of design degree. Harvard's graduate students engage in research, which is among the best in the field, that focuses on the areas of theory, history and urban planning. The School of Design also sponsors several research centers, such as the Center for Technology & the Environment and the Joint Center for Housing Studies. Harvard does not offer an undergraduate degree program in the field of architecture, but students can take courses through the Graduate School of Design to obtain advanced standing in the school for graduate study.

  Harvard University
  48 Quincy St.
  Cambridge, MA 02138
  617-495-5453
  gsd.harvard.edu

Cornell University

• Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art and Planning has both one of the best undergraduate programs and one of the best graduate programs in the nation. "Architect Magazine" ranked the school's graduate program third in the country, while ranking its undergraduate program second overall. Degrees at the undergraduate level are the bachelor of architecture and the bachelor of science. At the graduate level, master of science and master of architecture degrees are also offered. Cornell also offers a PhD, with particular emphasis upon the history of the discipline of architecture and urban development. Cornell also offers a master of science in computer graphics through the department.

  Cornell University
  130 E. Seneca St.
  Ithaca, NY 14853
  607-255-5236
  aap.cornell.edu/arch

Virginia Tech

• The best undergraduate program in architecture is located at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute's School of Architecture and Design (Virginia Tech). Virginia Tech also has an outstanding graduate program, which ranks fifth among all programs nationwide. Bachelor's degree programs offered at Virginia Tech are in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and industrial design. Both the master of science and the master of architecture degrees are offered as well. A PhD in the field of design research and architecture is also possible through the department. Virginia Tech offers its students extensive opportunities to study abroad and learn architecture from a variety of perspectives.

  Virginia Polytechnic Institute
  118 N. Main St.
  Blacksburg, VA 24061
  540-231-5383
  archdesign.vt.edu