My younger sister has been accepted to both architecture programs, but has no clue which school to choose. I attend UIC for pre-med and would not recommend it to my mortal enemy, but I know nothing of the architecture school so I will not outright condemn it. Both are around the same price range and student population. Chicago trumps in location, although Urbana probably has a nicer campus.
It really comes down to quality of teaching and prestige of the program, I guess. Which do you think is better for architecture: UIC or U of I ?
2007-02-25 17:44:16 · 5 answers · asked by sk 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
U of I offers a BS in 4-years
UIC offers a BA in 4 years also
Does this difference matter?
The Masters programs vary in length from there.
2007-02-26 09:01:28 · update #1
I just graduated from U of I with a degree in Arch. The program is very highly rated, and the staff is (for the most part) first rate. One of the structure instructors actually wrote a few chapters in the official steel guide used by all professionals.
The location can be a bit boring, but that shouldn't matter to an architecture student, as we have no life outside of studio anyway. The sports are a big part of the campus, and they are a fun way to break the tension. It was one of the first arch schools in the country. It is not a 5 year program. It is 4 years, with an additional 2 for a masters (which you can get there too). The campus is beautiful and huge, but you spend most of your time in a few buildings.
That being said, this is a transition time in the school of architecture there. There is a new dean, a new director, and several new faculty. Some classes are no longer being required, new ones are being added, and class line-ups are being moved around. Unfortunately, I was caught in the middle of this change, but it should be complete by the time your sister would get there.
2007-02-26 10:25:35 · answer #1 · answered by doodlebuttus 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Both schools offer a 4-year PRE-professional degree in architecture. If she intends to become a licensed Architect, she will also need to obtain a 2-year Master degree in architecture to supplement this (both schools offer 4+2 programs). There is also an Internship requirement to become licensed, plus nine painful exams.
I graduated from the U of I program and would recommend it if she is going to stay in state for school. It has a recognizable name, a respected program and has a fun campus.
I have taken summer classes at UIC and can say the campus definitely has a different feel to it. UIC is a school in a big city, whereas U of I is it's own city. I'd say the program is less recognizable, but probably more affordable.
Alos, check out www.ncarb.org to see all the requirements for becoming an architect - it's a long road.
2007-02-27 23:47:46 · answer #2 · answered by Mindriot 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know some people in UIC architecture. They say there are some tough aspects of it. They have some large projects to do. The 4th years always have some large project. Many times it is through the city of Chicago. I do remember when they did the road side food stand. The design students are involved in Project Oasis. I remember when they redid that Burnham Hall space. A group of us just stood there and wondered what on earth did they do.
Things are so much better now at UIC. Things have improved greatly. I have had no more than the usual problems with UIC. On the whole, it has been a good and educational experience. I've met some great people here. They have prepared me well in more ways than one.
2007-02-28 21:25:14 · answer #3 · answered by Lea 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would strongly recommend against any degree other than an accredited degree for a Bachelor of Architecture or a Master of Architecture. Working in the field I can tell you that we would hire someone with a BA over a BS in architecture if all of the other qualities of the individuals were similar. It also takes longer for you to get licensed if you only have a BS in arch. Definitley go to your local AIA chapter to find out more!
2007-02-28 12:28:04 · answer #4 · answered by wag314 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I was applying for undergrad, U of I had the better architecture program. Although I did not end up choosing architecture as my field of study, I will say that the university is great and has a much nicer campus compared to UIC. One fact of note, U of I's architecture program is a minimum of 5 years... your sister may want to note that when she is doing her comparison, as I am not sure of UIC's required length of study. Hope this helps.
2007-02-26 16:03:55 · answer #5 · answered by illinibub 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋