Online Architecture Degrees: Limitations And Advantages
Online architecture degrees do not follow the same path as other online courses. But the popularity of this unconventional means of education stems from cost-effective and practical reasons. At only a quarter of the price of top architecture schools and architecture graduate schools, a high school graduate can make their design dreams a reality.
How To Choose An Architecture School
But caution is necessary when trying to get a degree from an architecture class online offered by an accredited institution. Below are some tips you can keep in mind when looking for online architecture degrees.
1. Learn to separate a professional from a non-professional degree. The difference is actually very simple. A professional degree in architecture is accredited, meaning you can become a licensed practitioner after a specified number of training years and a board exam. On the other hand, a non-professional degree is for someone who does not intend to obtain a license afterward.
2. Only state-authorized boards have the power to grant accreditation to an architecture school. In the U.S., for example, such function is given to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
3. Aside from the architectural accrediting board NAAB, other reliable source of information to choose from the many top architecture schools would be: the American Institute of Architects and the different association of collegiate schools, especially with a focus on architecture. Also included in all of this is the Institute of Architects.
4. Unfortunately, online architecture degrees are limited to non-professional grants. At the moment, no architecture class online could allow you to be a licensed practitioner.
5. Some online accredited partial programs that meet the educational requirements can give a pre-professional architecture degree. Their offerings include the following: degree programs with specialization in architecture (Associate Degree, Masterís Degree, Doctorate Degree); diploma programs with specialization in architecture (Undergraduate Diploma in Architecture, Graduate Diploma in Architecture); and certificate programs with specialization in architecture (Undergraduate Course Certification, Graduate Course Certificate, Undergraduate Certificate).
6. Aside from the graduate courses offered by architecture graduate schools or continuing education, a degree program available online can take a period of either less than a year or less than 2 years. This is especially true for the certificate courses, where lesser time is necessary.
7. So long as you meet the educational requirements, you are eligible to pursue online architecture degrees. Aside from the graduate courses, you can also get into the program with a high school diploma.
Though it is true that online architecture degrees carry certain risks and limitations, but if it fits your lifestyle and plan then its advantages really outweigh its drawbacks.
