What degree is required for an architect?

I am an architect in the United States. To become an architect in the US you need to have an architecture degree from an accredited university. Typically this means a 5 year degree or in some cases a 6 year degree. Another route that is emerging is to have an undergraduate degree in another field, and then attend a 3 year graduate program in architecture (also from an accredited university).

After graduation, you need to complete a minimum number of hours working under the supervision of an architect or some very similar setting. Typically it takes about three to five years for most intern architects to satisfy all of these hour training requirements. The reason it takes longer for many people is because the training hours you need are broken down into categories - and younger interns may not have much opportunity to get experience in some of these areas.

In addition to the degree and the training hours, you also need to pass seven different license exams. Currently, each exam is $210 and passing rates range from 60% to 80%. The tests cover concepts on Structural Systems and Structural Forces, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Plumbing, Contracts, Drawings and Specifications, Site Design and related issues such as drainage and contours and urban design, detailed characteristics on various materials such as concrete, masonry, steel, wood, glass, gypsum board, paints, tiles, roofing, etc - and the various construction techniques that are used to make these into a functional building, codes and regulations, and more.

It is a very lengthy road and the people who finish it all are usually pretty bright and have always been fairly good students, or they are very devoted and driven. Usually both. Also, it is common for smart young college students to embark on a career in architecture with a very romantic idea of what it is like to be an architect - then realize over the years (very gradually) that the nature of being an architect is something completely different that is perceived initially to be less desirable. Thus, many architects are also flexible people that can adapt to new situations. I would also say that a good quality for an architect to have (or develop over time) is the ability to focus pretty hard on what might seem like very obscure narrow topics. For example, in the workplace it may be that at least once a week you will have to research where or not a window system complies to a certain lab testing standard, or how to waterproof some strange geometrical condition tucked away in a hidden corner of a roof.

If you are considering a career in architecture, I would recommend that you try to interview a few local architects, architecture students, and architecture faculty. Often times, architects possess a very high work ethic and level of intelligence and focus that would enable them to succeed at many different advanced professions that are much more lucrative than architecture. Thus, you need to try and find out to the best of your ability if it is right for you from the beginning.