Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 49.5%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $52873 and average student debt of $26150, the financial outlook for Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Considering Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $52873, and with an average student debt of $26150, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.49—a great sign for your financial future.
With more than 9033 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other (CIP 04.0999) is a specialized field that focuses on the technical and scientific performance of buildings. While a traditional architecture degree focuses on the aesthetic design and licensure of a "Building Architect," this "Other" category is dedicated to the engineers and scientists of the built environment. It explores how buildings function as complex systems involving light, sound, heat, and data.
This degree is ideal for students who are "technical designers"—those who love the look of modern architecture but are more fascinated by how a skyscraper stays cool in the desert, how a concert hall achieves perfect sound, or how a structure can be 3D-printed using recycled materials.
What Is an Architectural Sciences and Technology (Other) Degree?
An Architectural Sciences and Technology (Other) degree is a "STEM-heavy" approach to the built environment. It prioritizes the physics and mathematics of construction over the purely artistic side. Because it falls into the "Other" category, these programs often house cutting-edge specializations such as biomimetic design (copying nature to solve building problems), advanced facade engineering, or computational fluid dynamics (studying air movement inside buildings).
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Building Scientists" who can optimize structures for extreme energy efficiency
- Prepare specialists to use Artificial Intelligence and coding to generate complex building shapes
- Develop experts in material science who invent new, sustainable building components
- Address the technical needs of "Smart Buildings" that use sensors to interact with their occupants
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to treat a building as a laboratory, using data and simulation to predict how a design will perform in the real world.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master high-level simulation tools like Ladybug, Honeybee, and Grasshopper for environmental analysis
- Conduct "Life Cycle Assessments" to measure the total carbon footprint of a building
- Use 3D scanning and photogrammetry to create digital twins of existing structures
- Program building automation systems that control lighting, security, and climate
- Understand the structural mechanics required for "Mass Timber" and other innovative building methods
- Analyze "Human Factors"—how the built environment affects the physical and mental health of people
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of engineering, computer science, and architectural theory:
- Building Envelope Science: The study of the "skin" of the building and how it handles weather.
- Acoustic and Daylighting Design: Using physics to control sound and natural light.
- Parametric Modeling: Using algorithms and code to create "liquid" or complex geometric designs.
- Robotic Fabrication: Learning how to use robots to assemble or print building parts.
- Building Informatics: Managing the massive amounts of data generated by modern construction projects.
- Thermodynamics: The science of heat transfer and energy conservation in structures.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates are highly sought after by top-tier architecture and engineering (A&E) firms for their specialized technical knowledge.
Common job roles include:
- Building Performance Analyst: Using software to ensure a building hits its energy and comfort goals.
- Facade Engineer: Designing the complex glass and metal exteriors of modern high-rises.
- Sustainability Coordinator: Leading the effort for a project to achieve "Net Zero" status.
- Design Technology Specialist: Helping architecture firms implement new software and coding workflows.
- Environmental Consultant: Advising developers on how to make their projects more resilient to climate change.
- Research and Development (R&D) Specialist: Working for manufacturers to invent new building products.
Where Can You Work?
Architectural scientists work at the intersection of construction and high technology:
- Global Engineering Firms: Companies like Arup, Thornton Tomasetti, or AECOM.
- Leading Architecture Studios: Working on the technical teams for firms like Zaha Hadid or Gensler.
- Building Product Manufacturers: Working for companies that make advanced glass, insulation, or HVAC systems.
- Software Companies: Developing the tools like Autodesk or Rhino that architects use to design.
- Government Research Labs: Working on national energy standards and urban resilience.
How Much Can You Earn?
Technical specialists in architectural science often command higher starting salaries than general architectural designers due to their STEM expertise.
- Building Science Specialists: Median annual salary of approximately $78,000–$95,000.
- Facade Engineers: Salaries typically range from $85,000 to $110,000.
- Design Technology Managers: Median annual salary of around $95,000–$130,000.
- Energy Modelers: Salaries often range from $70,000 to $90,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the technical and mathematical rigor. You will need a strong grasp of physics (specifically light, sound, and heat) and a willingness to learn computer programming. Unlike traditional architecture, where "beauty" is subjective, in architectural science, your designs are tested against data—if the building isn't energy efficient or structurally sound, the design fails. It requires a high level of precision and logical thinking.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love the look of architecture but find yourself asking "How does that actually work?"
- Enjoy math and physics but want to apply them to something creative and visual
- Are interested in coding, robotics, or 3D printing
- Want a career that fights climate change by making buildings more efficient
- Are a "data person" who likes using simulations to find the best possible solution
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Physics, Calculus, Chemistry, and Computer Science
- Experiment with "Parametric" design tools or learn the basics of Python coding
- Join a robotics team or a school "Green Club" focused on sustainability
- Practice 3D modeling using tools like Rhino or Revit if they are available to you
- Pay attention to the "materials" of buildings you visit—look at the glass, the wood, and the metal
The ability to apply scientific data and advanced technology to the design of the built environment is the hallmark of a successful architectural scientist.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor