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Career Guide

Architecture

Architects are licensed professionals who design buildings and other structures. The design of a building involves far more than its appearance alone. Buildings also must be functional, safe, economical, and suit the needs of the people who use them. There are three main steps to become an architect: the attainment of a professional degree in architecture, work experience through an internship, and licensure through the passing of the Architect Registration Exam. Explore Become an Architect at NCARB.org.

Degree Requirements

Students choose from three paths to obtain a professional degree in architecture:

  • 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) degree: most transfer students do not choose this option due to course sequencing or
  • 2-year master’s degree after obtaining a 4-year bachelor’s degree in architecture or related area (M. Arch) or
  • 3 to 4-year master’s degree after obtaining a 4-year bachelor’s degree in a major other than architecture (M. Arch)
  • You will also need a license to practice architecture
Most MCC students are advised to transfer to a 4-year institution for a related major of their choice, and then apply to a Masters in Architecture (M. Arch) degree. Bachelor degree major options include: Engineering, Studio Art, and many others.

Criteria for Acceptance

Criteria of Importance for Acceptance to Architecture School

  • Grade point average
  • Portfolio if required (freehand drawing, painting, graphic design, sculpture, etc.)
  • Personal interview
  • Past practical work experience related to the field (construction, building, planning, etc.)
  • Strong art, math, and science skills (especially physics)

MCC Prerequisite Courses


Suggested MCC courses for skill and portfolio development. These are not necessarily required for admission, and not all of these courses need to be completed at MCC prior to transfer.
  • MTH 210 Calculus I
  • BIO 116 Intro to Environmental Science
  • MET 101 Technical Graphics
  • MET 121 Computer Aided Drafting/Design
  • SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
  • ART 118 Art History I: Ancient
  • ART 119 Art History II: Modern
  • ART 104 Drawing I
  • ART 204 Drawing II
  • ART 109 Two-Dimensional Design
  • ART 125 Three-Dimensional Design and additional 3-D courses (ex. sculpture)
  • CIT 122 Elements of Building Construction
  • CIT 112 CAD for Construction
  • PHY 145 & 146 College Physics I & II or PHY 161 & 261 University Physics I & II
Note: Physics requirements vary. Check with the transfer institution to see what level of physics they require.

Application Notes

Due to the sequential nature of the coursework, transfer applicants for bachelor degree programs in architecture are often considered for admission as first year students. Four or five additional years to complete the program may be required.

  • Each architecture school has its own set of requirements. Research each school for specific information.
  • Make sure to check application deadline dates. It is common for architecture degree programs to be fall start only.
  • Mechanical drawing and CAD, while valuable to understanding the profession, may not be required for admission.
  • Architects need the ability to “conceptualize.”

Institutions


The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. Since most state registration boards in the United States require any applicant for licensure to have graduated from a NAAB-accredited program, obtaining such a degree is an essential aspect of preparing for the professional practice of architecture.

Local institutions in New York State Offering an Accredited Professional Degree in Architecture:

Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch‐5 year)
  • Cornell University
  • SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
  • Syracuse University

Note: SUNY University at Buffalo (UB) offers a 4-year bachelor's in architecture degree. Students need to complete 4 years there, and then apply to a master's degree program. Courses taken at MCC may reduce the number of classes needed, but will not reduce the number of years it will take to earn the bachelor's degree. This is due to course sequencing requirements. UB also offers a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design degree that may be of interest. This is a more transfer-friendly degree but does require two specific courses to be accepted into the major.

Master of Architecture (M. Arch)
  • Cornell University
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
  • Syracuse University
  • SUNY University at Buffalo (UB)

Other Important Information


Related occupations include Architectural Drafter, Civil Engineer, Commercial & Industrial Designer, Graphic Designer, Landscape Architect, Construction Management, Urban or Regional Planner, Environmental and Interior Design/Interior Architect.

MCC has an AAS Degree in Construction Technology that can be good preparation for transfer to Civil Engineering Technology (ex. at RIT) and Construction Management (ex. at SUNY Alfred State) programs. Be sure to seek transfer planning advisement if looking to transfer into one of these programs.

For more information about architecture:
While every effort is made to ensure that the information in this guide is accurate, students are advised to contact transfer institutions for specific course requirements and the most up-to-date information.

Updated 09/23/2025