Architectural Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Architectural Studies explores the design, evolution, and cultural significance of built environments across time and geography. This interdisciplinary field investigates how architecture shapes human experience, responds to ecological challenges, and reflects societal values through the lens of sustainability, urban development, and digital innovation.
- Architecture and Design Fundamentals: Core principles of spatial composition, structural systems, and aesthetic theory that form the foundation of architectural practice.
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Approaches to designing buildings and cities that minimize ecological impact and promote long-term environmental resilience.
- Historic Preservation: Methods for analyzing, conserving, and adapting historically significant structures and urban contexts.
- Landscape Architecture: Design strategies for outdoor spaces that integrate natural systems with human needs and cultural expression.
- Urban Affairs and Planning: Examination of city systems, land use policies, and community development to shape equitable and functional urban environments.
- Studio Art and Visual Communication: Hands-on creative practice in drawing, model-making, and visual storytelling to support architectural expression.
- Digital Media for Visualization and Analysis: Application of 3D modeling, rendering, GIS, and data visualization tools to explore and communicate design ideas.
- Material Culture and Ornament: Study of how objects, surfaces, and decorative elements reflect cultural identity and historical context in architectural settings.
- Contemporary Urbanism: Exploration of emerging models for city living, including adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, and resilient urban forms.
- Architectural Photography and Documentation: Techniques for capturing architectural form, context, and atmosphere to support research, critique, and public engagement.
Architectural Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Architectural Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Architectural Studies degrees, including Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 9,120 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1031 | $101,480 | $59,590 - $166,720 | 9,120 | N/A |
Architectural Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,410 in Washington to $138,600 in Louisiana—a 205% difference. The highest-paying states include Louisiana, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 9,120 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 Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Architectural Studies 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 Studies is found at Northeastern University (NU) (8 graduates), Drexel University (8 graduates), Endicott College (1 graduates), Smith College (1 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| Drexel University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Endicott College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Beverly, Massachusetts | Private | endicott.edu |
| Smith College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Northampton, Massachusetts | Private | smith.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Master's
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Master's
|
1 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Architectural Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Architectural Studies degree?
Salaries for Architectural Studies graduates vary by role and location. Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $101,480 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Louisiana average $138,600 compared to $45,410 in Washington. Approximately 9,120 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 Studies programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Architectural Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northeastern University (NU) (8 graduates), Drexel University (8 graduates), and Endicott College (1 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 Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 9,120 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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