by our College Data Analytics TeamAs an architectural history major, you will get to study the way the physically built environment has evolved over time. Students will look at different elements of buildings to see how aesthetic, technical, and social values have developed from the past to the present. While examining different structures, students will also be asked to think about the social implications of the buildings.
Although every school has its own requirements, classes in this field will include: principles of architecture, art history, historiography of architecture, architectural theory, architectural criticism, history that includes aspects of technology, economic, and social and how it affects society.
In 2021-2022, architectural history was the 327th most popular major nationwide with 129 degrees awarded. Our 2025 Best Architectural History Schools ranking analyzes 2 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for architectural history students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of architectural history programs later in this article.
This field requires knowledge and understanding of the history behind important buildings and also the awareness of how to preserve these places. Students will learn about the evolution of buildings and structures and also how it relates to the history and philosophy of the time period. Knowledge of geography is also important as students study settlement and migration patterns and the growth of a population.
Those in this field of study usually have a great appreciation for the history and culture that goes along with architecture and the desire to preserve it. Students will not only study historical buildings, but also the architecture of modern urban structures. They will understand how urban development and economic revitalization are connected and have an extensive knowledge base on economics, philosophy, criticism, design, and development. Critical skills include active listening, critical thinking, and the ability to make judgments and decisions from the information they come across.
architectural history degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific architectural history careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of architectural history degrees. Architectural History programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest architectural history degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a architectural history degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to architectural history, with approximately 38.0% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to architectural history tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 42.0% |
| Master’s Degree | 20.6% |
| First Professional Degree | 9.1% |
| Some College Courses | 6.9% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 5.9% |
Most workers in architectural history have at least a bachelor's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in architectural history have received.
This of course varies depending on which architectural history career you choose.
This is a very specialized field and there are very few schools that offer Architectural History as a program. It is usually found as a supplemental course to more widely offered majors such as architecture and urban/city planning.
With a degree in architectural history you can go into many different fields. Such professions could be, but are not limited to: working in a museum, working as a freelance writer or working for government agencies. You could also become research coordinator or professor or lecturer in architectural history. You may also end up as a preservation planner and administrator, historical research evaluator, a curator, or a historic site manager.
Want a job when you graduate with your architectural history degree? Architectural History careers are expected to grow 4.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to architectural history.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architects | 134,200 | 4.2% |
| Historians | 3,500 | 6.1% |
Recently graduated architectural history students earned an average of $30,189 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $30,189 to as high as $30,189. As you might expect, salaries for architectural history graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for architectural history graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers architectural history grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architects | $88,860 |
| Historians | $66,380 |
With over 45 different architectural history degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased architectural history school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Architecture & Related Services area of study, Architectural History has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural History & Criticism, General | 112 |
| Architectural Studies | 12 |
| Architectural Conservation | 5 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences & Technology | 7,632 |
| General Architecture | 4,814 |
| Urban & Regional Planning | 2,193 |
| Landscape Architecture | 926 |
| Environmental Design | 770 |
Image Credit: By Adam Jones, Ph.D. under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
