Architectural Design: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Architectural Design is a specialized academic pathway that prepares professionals to address complex challenges in the built environment through innovative, technology-driven approaches. This program emphasizes the synthesis of creative vision, historical context, and advanced digital tools to shape functional, sustainable, and aesthetically compelling spaces.
- Architectural History and Urban Theory: Explores the evolution of architectural styles, cultural influences, and urban development patterns across time and regions, providing a foundational understanding of how cities and buildings reflect societal values and transformations.
- 3-D Digital Technologies: Focuses on the use of modeling, simulation, and visualization software to conceptualize, analyze, and present architectural designs with precision and realism.
- Construction Systems and Methods: Investigates structural principles, material selection, and assembly techniques used in modern building practices, ensuring designs are both feasible and efficient to construct.
- Design and Fabrication Processes: Integrates hands-on and digital fabrication techniques, including CNC machining and robotic assembly, to bridge the gap between digital models and physical construction.
- Sustainable Design Practices: Emphasizes energy efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and the use of renewable materials to create buildings that support long-term ecological and social well-being.
Architectural Design Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Architectural Design Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Architectural Design degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary and Architects, Except Landscape and Naval. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 330,600 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1031 | $101,480 | $59,590 - $166,720 | 9,120 | N/A |
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval 17-1011 | $96,690 | $60,510 - $159,800 | 111,140 | $46.49 |
Architectural Design Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $97,743 in Utah to $144,810 in California—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Delaware, and New Hampshire. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 330,600 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Architectural Design by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Architectural Design programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Architectural Design is found at University of Massachusetts, Amherst (3 graduates), University of Miami (UM) (2 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Massachusetts |
Master's
|
3 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
University of Miami (UM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Master's
|
2 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Architectural Design programs
How much can I earn with a Architectural Design degree?
Salaries for Architectural Design graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $101,480. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $144,810 compared to $97,743 in Utah. Approximately 330,600 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Architectural Design programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Architectural Design degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Massachusetts, Amherst (3 graduates), University of Miami (UM) (2 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Architectural Design degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary, and Architects, Except Landscape and Naval. Related occupations employ approximately 330,600 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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