by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 345 U.S. colleges awarded 21,209 degrees and certificates in Architecture & Related Services. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 55% of graduates. College Factual ranks 238 schools in its 2027 Best Architecture & Related Services Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $53,214 one year after completing, rising to $71,722 after four years.
Aesthetically designing and creating safe and functional buildings is only part of the job of an architect. Buildings need to be economical, environmental friendly, and fulfill the client's needs. This makes architecture a challenging, but very satisfying field of study for students with a love of design as well as an eye for detail.
There are many different majors in this field of study. Some students may want to focus on the design aspect where others may be more interested in construction management. Other possible majors include Landscape Architecture, Architectural History, Urban Planning, or even Environmental Design. There are many other fields and related services that you can further explore. Explore your options and choose a major that best fits your interests.
A degree in Architecture & Related Services covers Architecture And Related Services. Instructional Programs That Prepare Individuals For Professional Practice In The Various Architecture-Related Fields And Focus On The Study Of Related Aesthetic And Socioeconomic Aspects Of The Built Environment.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, architecture & related services is a popular field of study, with 21,209 degrees awarded annually. 345 colleges award architecture & related services degrees, an average of 61 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 462.
By level, the 21,209 awards include 152 certificates, 861 associate degrees, 11,690 bachelor’s degrees, 8,255 master’s degrees and 248 doctorates.
Women earned 54% of architecture & related services degrees and certificates in the latest year (11,488 of 21,209). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (9,528) and Hispanic or Latino (4,264), and international students earned 3,208.
College Factual ranks 238 schools in its 2027 Best Architecture & Related Services Schools ranking, including 37 for associate degrees, 177 for bachelor’s degrees, 129 for master’s degrees and 6 for doctorates. It also ranks architecture & related services schools within 45 states. In all, 345 colleges offer architecture & related services programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Architecture & Related Services Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common architecture & related services credential is the bachelor’s degree: 11,690 of the 21,209 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to architecture & related services call most for Speaking, Reading Comprehension and Active Listening, and for knowledge of English Language, Design and Building and Construction, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Due to the broad range of majors available, students with many different skill sets may excel in this area. Some key traits to succeed include an eye for detail, good communication skills, strong math skills, critical thinking ability, and a vivid and creative imagination. Students may want to obtain an internship with an architectural firm to help guide them in a specific direction.
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How long an architecture & related services degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 152 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 861 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 11,690 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8,255 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 248 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to architecture & related services, at 33.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 18.2% |
| Master’s degree | 15.8% |
| First professional degree | 12.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.6% |
| Some college courses | 2.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.1% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
14 occupations are related to Architecture & Related Services, with an average median salary of $73,223; the strongest outlook belongs to Landscape Architects, at 13.6% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Lecturer, Architectural Drafting Instructor, University Faculty Member and Associate Professor.
There are a variety of positions available to those who go into the architectural field. Architects provide services to individuals, corporations, government and global agencies. They can be involved in all phases of development from the initial planning phases to putting on the finishing touches. There are many different skills needed to be an architect including: designing, engineering, managing, supervising, and communicating. Communication is an essential skill to have as an architect in order to persuasively display unique visions and ideas.
As you can see, there are many different and diverse directions that one can go into when it comes to architecture. Whether it is building more environmentally friendly structures, designing a garden or managing your own business there is wide variety in this career choice. Graduates may work for architectural firms or they may be self-employed.
The occupation related to architecture & related services with the most projected jobs is Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other, at 1,421,275.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 1,421,275 | 11.1% |
| Real Estate Brokers | 1,031,675 | 5.1% |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | 904,074 | -3.0% |
| Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate | 575,561 | 13.0% |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 489,715 | 11.8% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 362,012 | 1.0% |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | 261,248 | 0.4% |
Architecture & Related Services graduates earn a median $53,214 one year after completing their program, $71,722 after four years and $71,896 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $53,214 |
| 4 years | $71,722 |
| 5 years | $71,896 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to architecture & related services is Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, with a median salary of $116,710.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $116,710 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Historians | $89,780 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Landscape Architects | $88,491 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $77,609 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $66,890 |
Architecture & Related Services includes 9 concentrations that together award 21,209 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Architectural Sciences and Technology (10,337), Architecture (4,669) and City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning (2,179). Browse the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | 10,337 |
| Architecture | 4,669 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning | 2,179 |
| Landscape Architecture | 1,321 |
| Interior Architecture | 933 |
| Environmental Design | 773 |
| Real Estate Development | 608 |
| Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation | 216 |
| Architecture and Related Services, Other | 173 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
