Best institutions to study Architectural Studies
A program that focuses on the study of architecture, cities, landscapes, designed objects, ornament, architectural photography, and material culture in diverse places and time periods, and the social and aesthetic dimensions of contemporary architecture, landscapes, and cities, emphasizing issues of sustainable environments, new forms of urbanism, and the use of digital media for visualization and analysis.
9 U.S. institutions graduated 62 Architectural Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 04.0803, a specialization of Architectural History (CIP 04.08), and leads most directly to the Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC 25-1031).
About Architectural Studies programs
A program that focuses on the study of architecture, cities, landscapes, designed objects, ornament, architectural photography, and material culture in diverse places and time periods, and the social and aesthetic dimensions of contemporary architecture, landscapes, and cities, emphasizing issues of sustainable environments, new forms of urbanism, and the use of digital media for visualization and analysis. Includes instruction in the fundamentals of architecture, design, environmental and sustainability studies, historic preservation, landscape architecture, studio art, and urban affairs and planning.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Architectural Studies program, with a focus on Architectural History, delves into the study of architecture, cities, landscapes, and designed objects across various cultures and time periods. It emphasizes the social and aesthetic dimensions of contemporary architecture and urban environments, making it ideal for students interested in the intersection of design, history, and sustainability. This program is suited for individuals passionate about understanding the built environment and its impact on society. Students will explore fundamental concepts in architecture and design while considering issues like sustainable development and urbanism, preparing them for a range of careers in architecture and related fields.
Core coursework includes instruction in design fundamentals, environmental and sustainability studies, historic preservation, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Students will develop essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and active learning, which are vital for success in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Architectural Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree60 graduates / yr · 8 institutions97%
- Master's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution3.2%
Graduates over time
Architectural Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 62 |
CIP 04.0803 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 9 institutions for Architectural Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor's | 15 | 64% | — |
| 2 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OKPublicBachelor's | 11 | 68% | — |
| 3 | Smith College Northampton, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 89% | $17,183 |
| 4 | Endicott College Beverly, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 76% | $34,195 |
| 5 | Northeastern University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 91% | $18,925 |
| 6 | Belmont University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 71% | $29,246 |
| 7 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 78% | $36,004 |
| 8 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 94% | $14,126 |
| 9 | Rice University Houston, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 95% | $13,264 |
Offered in 7 states
Where Architectural Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all Architectural History programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 3 | 26 | Smith College10 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 15 | Kent State University at Kent15 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 11 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus11 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 4 | Belmont University4 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 3 | Drexel University3 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 2 | Washington University in St Louis2 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 1 | Rice University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1031, Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Architectural Studies program can pursue careers such as Architecture Teachers at the postsecondary level. The job outlook for this profession is projected to grow by 2% annually, with about 900 openings each year. The median wage for this occupation is approximately $101,480, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 04.0803
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary SOC 25-1031 | $96,870 | +2.0% About as fast as average | ~900 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Architectural Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as architectural design methods, aesthetics and design, and structures and materials.
- Evaluate and grade students' work, including work performed in design studios.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Tools and technology used
Other Architectural History specializations
The 3 other 6-digit CIP codes under Architectural History (CIP 04.08).
- Architectural History and CriticismCIP 04.0801129 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Architectural ConservationCIP 04.0802limited data7 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation04.0899
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in Architectural Studies.
What skills will I develop?+
Students will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and design, among others.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
Graduates can become Architecture Teachers or pursue various roles in architecture and urban planning.
What is the job outlook for architecture teachers?+
The job outlook is about 2% growth, with approximately 900 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Architectural Studies?+
Architectural Studies is CIP 04.0803 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Architectural History (CIP 04.08). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the study of architecture, cities, landscapes, designed objects, ornament, architectural photography, and material culture in diverse places and time periods, and the social and aesthetic dimensions of contemporary architecture, landscapes, and cities, emphasizing issues of sustainable environments, new forms of urbanism, and the use of digital media for visualization and analysis. Includes instruction in the fundamentals of architecture, design, environmental and sustainability studies, historic preservation, landscape architecture, studio art, and urban affairs and planning.
How many institutions offer Architectural Studies programs?+
9 U.S. institutions reported Architectural Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 7 states, awarding 62 credentials in the year. That is 31.3% of all Architectural History graduates.
How much do Architectural Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary occupation, which Architectural Studies most directly leads to, pays a median of $96,870 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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