Posted by The first important step for students wishing to pursue a career in architecture is to find the best architecture college there is to offer. And that’s why we have provided in this article the best architecture schools in Texas.
In the following sections, we will discuss why you should study Architecture in Texas. We will also explore 13 of the best architecture schools in Texas, delving into what makes each of them stand out in terms of their academic offerings, faculty expertise, and many more.
Table of Contents
Why Study Architecture in Texas?
Studying architecture in Texas can be a great choice for several reasons:
- Quality Education: Texas is home to multiple schools that provide high-quality education in architecture. These include the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, and the University of Houston, among others.
- Comprehensive Coursework: The architecture programs in these universities offer a rigorous sequence of courses, providing students with a solid foundation in math, science, and physics. They also emphasize design, history, technology, representation, and structures.
- Practical Experience: Many of these programs offer practical, hands-on experience through design studios and internships. This helps students gain real-world experience and prepare for their future careers.
- Career Opportunities: Architecture is a stable field with a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers in various design-related fields, including graphic design, industrial design, interior design, robotics, and architectural design.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Architecture Schools in Texas
- Faculty Expertise: Evaluated the qualifications, experience, and expertise of the faculty members.
- Accreditation: Checked if the architecture program is accredited by recognized accreditation bodies such as the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
- Curriculum: Reviewed the architecture curriculum to ensure it provides a comprehensive education in design, theory, history, technology, and professional practice.
- Student Opportunities: Evaluated opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or study abroad opportunities.
- Industry Connections: Assessed the school’s connections with the architectural profession, industry partners, and professional organizations.
List of the Best Architecture Schools in Texas
Below is a list of the best Architecture schools in Texas:
- University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M University – College Station
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Rice University
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of Houston
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- University of North Texas
- Texas Tech University
- Austin School of Architecture
- Huckabee College of Architecture
- Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
- Lee College
13 Best Architecture Schools in Texas
1. University of Texas at Austin
- Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at UT Austin is approximately 31.4%.
- Tuition fee: The undergraduate tuition & fees at The University of Texas at Austin is $11,678 for Texas residents and $42,778 for out-of-state students.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a renowned institution with a long and historic legacy in providing next-generation leadership for design and planning education.
The School of Architecture at UT Austin values the melding of principle and practice to foster innovation while remaining grounded in serving communities. It offers a strategic balance of depth and breadth in its curricula, and the faculty is committed to student success.
The Architecture Program at UT Austin offers two graduate-level degrees, four undergraduate degrees, and a Ph.D. in Architecture with three areas of concentration. The school is recognized for its strong theoretical foundation and its programs have been ranked highly by Design Intelligence, one of the most influential and widely cited program rankings in architecture education.
2. Texas A&M University – College Station
- Acceptance rate: The overall acceptance rate for Texas A&M University – College Station is reported to be around 63%.
- Tuition fee: The undergraduate tuition & fees at Texas A&M University – College Station is $13,099 for Texas residents and $40,328 for out-of-state students.
Texas A&M University – College Station is a public, land-grant, research university located in College Station, Texas. It was founded in 1876 and became the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System in 1948.
The School of Architecture at Texas A&M University is one of the largest architectural schools in the nation with over 2,000 students.
The School of Architecture offers multiple programs across a range of disciplines that impact the built, natural, and virtual environments. The interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students to become leaders in their fields and embark upon careers that bring their ideas to life.
The Department of Architecture in Texas A&M’s School of Architecture offers graduate programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). These programs prepare students to address critical and complex challenges in the natural, built, and virtual environments as professionals.
3. University of Texas at Arlington
- Acceptance Rate: The overall acceptance rate for UT Arlington is approximately 82.9%.
- Tuition Fee: The estimated tuition fee for the Architecture program is around USD 23,486 per year.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is one of the oldest educational institutions in the United States, with a history spanning over 100 years. It is located at 701 W Nedderman Dr, Arlington, TX, 76013.
The School of Architecture at UTA is part of the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA). The school provides students with a comprehensive understanding of design, history, and the human condition.
It offers a range of programs, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Architecture: A four-year program that, combined with a two-year graduate program, forms a six-year Master of Architecture curriculum. This 4 + 2 model is a popular approach for combining liberal education with professional education.
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Design: A four-year program that focuses on the design of interior environments.
- Master of Architecture: A professional degree offered only at the graduate level.
- Master of Science in Sustainable Building Technology: This program focuses on sustainable practices in the field of building technology.
4. Rice University
- Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate for Rice University is around 8-9%.
- Tuition fee: The tuition for graduate students in architecture is $35,350.
Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is a leading research institution committed to fostering a strong intellectual environment for the next generation of leaders and thinkers. One of the notable departments at Rice University is the School of Architecture, also referred to as Rice Architecture.
Rice Architecture is the smallest professional degree program situated within a top research university, allowing individual attention to the breadth of study afforded by a major university. The school maintains an enrollment of just under 200 students.
The student-to-faculty ratio in the school is five to one, which encourages a close-knit community that provides both undergraduates and graduates with thoughtful instruction, particularly in the studio setting.
5. University of Texas at Dallas
- Acceptance rate: 78.6%
- Tuition fee: The average out-of-state tuition at The University of Texas at Dallas is reported to be $39,776 a year, while in-state undergraduates in Texas pay an average of $16,784 for tuition and fees.
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is a public research university in the University of Texas System. The main campus is in Richardson, Texas, on Telecom Corridor, 18 miles north of Downtown Dallas.
Regarding its Architecture department, UTD offers a course on Modern Architecture (AHST 3322), which is a survey of modern, postmodern, and contemporary neo-modern architecture from 1900 to the present.
6. University of Houston
- Acceptance rate: The overall acceptance rate at the University of Houston is approximately 66%.
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the Architecture department is approximately $6,528.78 per term (Fall/Spring) and $2,176.26 per term (Summer) for resident students. For non-resident students, it’s approximately $14,328.78 per term (Fall/Spring) and $4,776.26 per term (Summer).
The University of Houston (UH) is a public research university located in Houston, Texas. It has grown to become the fourth-largest university in Texas, offering over 300 degrees and programs across a wide range of disciplines.
The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design is one of the professional schools at the University of Houston.
The Architecture department offers a Bachelor of Architecture, a professional degree that enables students to pursue licensure after completing degree requirements. The degree plan is structured to immerse students in a focused education that will build their skills to be top leaders and innovators in the field of architecture. The curriculum emphasizes sustainability, critical thinking, research, and technology.
7. University of Texas at San Antonio
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Tuition fee (for non-resident undergraduate students): $27,660
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public research university in San Antonio, Texas. It is known for its commitment to providing access to excellence and preparing students for the global environment.
The School of Architecture + Planning (SA+P) at UTSA is part of the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (KCEID), which was created in September 2021.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architecture, interior design, urban and regional planning, and historical preservation. These programs leverage the intersection between theory and practice, offering students a critical approach that translates locally and globally.
8. University of North Texas
- Acceptance rate: The overall acceptance rate for the University of North Texas is around 67%.
- Tuition fee: The average annual cost of attendance for a Texas resident living on campus and enrolled in 15 hours per semester is $27,937. For out-of-state students, the average annual cost of attendance is $40,537.
The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. UNT is one of the nation’s largest universities, offering 114 bachelor’s, 97 master’s, and 39 doctoral degree programs.
The architecture department at UNT is housed within the College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD). CVAD is one of the best and largest art and design schools in the nation.
The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in interior design through the Department of Design. The faculty members have years of experience, both nationally and internationally, as independent designers, consultants, and architects.
9. Texas Tech University
- Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate is approximately 92%.
- Tuition fee: The in-state tuition fee ranges from $6,500 – $11,500 and the out-of-state tuition fee ranges from $11,500 – $16,500.
Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas. It’s known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. One of the notable departments at Texas Tech University is the Huckabee College of Architecture.
The architecture program at Texas Tech University has been in existence since 1927. The program emphasizes advanced construction and mechanical equipment in buildings. Over the years, the program has expanded from engineering and structures to design.
The Huckabee College of Architecture offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S. Arch) consisting of 124 credit hours of undergraduate courses. The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program is a 4 + 2-year program with 60 hours of graduate coursework. This is a professional degree, and graduates can sit for their licensing exam (ARE).
10. Austin School of Architecture
- Acceptance rate: Just under 50%
- Tuition fee: Full-Time In-State; $6,239 per semester. Full-Time Out-of-State; $11,651 per semester
The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture has a long and historic legacy in providing next-generation leadership for design and planning education.
The Architecture Program at the University of Texas at Austin values intellectual pursuits and cultural relevance in architectural production2. It is a situated practice and realizes meaning through its recognition of social, aesthetic, cultural, and technical contexts.
11. Huckabee College of Architecture
- Acceptance rate: The exact acceptance rate is not available, but it’s a competitive program.
- Tuition fee: The exact tuition fee is not specified, but an undergraduate student typically spends $500-700 per semester on printing, model-making/building materials, and books.
The Huckabee College of Architecture is a part of Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas. The architecture program at this college has been in existence since 1927.
The Huckabee College of Architecture has a reputation for producing technically trained, high-performing architects. It is one of the most heavily recruited schools in the nation.
The college emphasizes research and scholarship, with students and faculty working collaboratively to investigate how architecture can mediate social, political, and cultural issues, as well as explore the role of technology in shaping architecture.
12. Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Tuition Fee: $1,070 per credit
The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design is a part of the University of Houston. It was founded in 1956 and offers its students a platform of integrated disciplines—Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Industrial Design.
The college’s Architecture department provides a comprehensive and rigorous program, preparing students to negotiate the complexities of contemporary practice. The curriculum is designed to help students grapple with diminishing economic and natural resources, the realities of post-disaster reconstruction, and continued rapid urbanization.
The college has a strong focus on research and innovation, pushing the boundaries of design. It also encourages entrepreneurship, with students leveraging their talents to navigate the intersection of creativity and commerce.
13. Lee College
- Acceptance rate: Lee College has an open admissions policy, which means they accept all applicants so long as certain minimum requirements are met.
- Tuition fee: The general tuition for Lee College is based on a per-credit hour rate. It is $915 per credit hour.
Lee College is a community college located in Baytown, Texas. The college offers a variety of academic programs structured to provide a clear pathway to success in the classroom and beyond.
The Architecture program at Lee College is part of the Liberal and Fine Arts department. The program includes both the process and product of planning, designing, and constructing.
The Architecture program provides students with foundational knowledge of the conceptual, perceptual, and manual skills necessary for two-dimensional and three-dimensional design.
FAQs on the Best Architecture Schools in Texas
How were the schools selected for the list?
The schools were selected based on a comprehensive evaluation process that considered factors such as faculty expertise, accreditation, facilities, curriculum, student opportunities.
Can I find more information about each school?
Yes, the article provides brief descriptions of each school, including their location, notable features, strengths, and achievements. Readers can also find more information about each school by visiting their official websites or contacting the admissions offices directly.
How can prospective students use this information in their decision-making process?
Prospective students can use this information to research and compare architecture schools in Texas, considering factors such as location, curriculum, faculty expertise, facilities, opportunities for practical experience, and alumni success.
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Conclusion
These institutions provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of architecture. They offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the architectural profession.
Good luck on your Architectural journey.
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