Architecture and Related Services, 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
Debt-to-income analysis for Architecture and Related Services, Other.: The DTI for this program is 60.5%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Architecture and Related Services, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $42350) to the average debt ($25610) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Architecture and Related Services, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 60.5%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Architecture and Related Services, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($42350) against the typical student debt ($25610), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Architecture and Related Services, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $42350, and with an average student debt of $25610, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.6—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 206 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, Architecture and Related Services, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Architecture and Related Services, Other (CIP 04.9999) is a specialized category for programs that explore the built environment through non-traditional lenses. While a standard architecture degree focuses on the design of buildings for licensure, this "Other" designation applies to interdisciplinary fields such as architectural acoustics, lighting design, heritage conservation, or digital fabrication. It is designed for those who want to shape the spaces we inhabit without necessarily becoming traditional architects.
This field is ideal for "spatial thinkers" who are fascinated by the intersection of art, engineering, and human experience. It is a path for individuals who want to specialize in the technical or theoretical niches that make buildings more functional, sustainable, or beautiful.
What Is an Architecture and Related Services (Other) Degree?
An Architecture and Related Services (Other) degree focuses on the specialized systems and theories that support the built environment. Because it falls into the "Other" category, these programs are often at the cutting edge of the industry, exploring how data science, material physics, and environmental psychology change the way we interact with structures. Unlike a traditional professional degree, this major often allows students to focus on a specific "vertical," such as how to protect historic landmarks or how to use 3D printing to build houses.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train specialists in Building Science (how heat, air, and moisture move through a structure)
- Prepare professionals for roles in urban data visualization and smart city planning
- Develop experts in sustainable "Green Building" technologies and certification
- Address the growing need for digital specialists who manage complex Building Information Modeling (BIM) software
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to look "inside" and "beyond" the walls of a building, focusing on the systems that make a space work for its occupants.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master advanced design software such as Revit, Rhino, and Grasshopper
- Conduct energy audits to measure a building's environmental impact
- Use "Computational Design" to create complex geometric shapes through coding
- Analyze the "Circulation" of a space—how people move through it naturally
- Understand the legal and ethical standards for preserving historic structures
- Manage the technical documentation and blueprints required for complex construction
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is usually a blend of technical engineering and creative design:
- Architectural Technology: The study of new materials and construction methods.
- Environmental Control Systems: Mastering lighting, heating, and cooling design.
- Urban Informatics: Using big data to solve problems like traffic and housing in cities.
- History and Theory of Architecture: Understanding the cultural meaning behind different building styles.
- Digital Fabrication: Learning to use robotic arms and CNC machines to build components.
- Sustainable Design: Strategies for creating net-zero energy buildings.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates often fill roles that bridge the gap between design and technical execution.
Common job roles include:
- BIM Manager: Overseeing the complex digital models used to coordinate large construction projects.
- Sustainability Consultant: Helping developers meet LEED or energy-efficiency standards.
- Lighting Designer: Creating the visual and emotional atmosphere for interior and exterior spaces.
- Historic Preservationist: Working to restore and protect old buildings for modern use.
- Acoustical Consultant: Designing theaters, studios, or offices to sound perfect.
- Urban Designer: Planning the layouts of neighborhoods, parks, and city streets.
Where Can You Work?
Specialists in this field are found in many sectors related to design and development:
- Architecture and Engineering Firms: Working on specialized teams for large projects.
- Government Planning Offices: Designing the infrastructure and public spaces for cities.
- Real Estate Development: Advising on the technical feasibility of new buildings.
- Tech Companies: Developing the software and hardware used for "Smart Homes."
- Environmental Agencies: Focusing on urban resilience and climate change adaptation.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in this field vary by specialization, with technical roles in BIM and sustainability often starting higher than junior design roles.
- BIM Managers: Median annual salary of approximately $85,000–$115,000.
- Sustainability Consultants: Salaries typically range from $70,000 to $95,000.
- Urban Planners: Median annual salary of around $78,000.
- Preservation Specialists: Salaries often range from $55,000 to $80,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the interdisciplinary demand. You must be comfortable with the "soft" skills of design and history while also mastering "hard" skills like geometry, physics, and complex computer software. It requires a high level of spatial reasoning—the ability to visualize 3D objects in your mind—and the stamina for long hours spent on detailed projects.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love architecture but aren't sure you want to be a licensed architect
- Are fascinated by how technology (like 3D printing or AI) is changing construction
- Care deeply about climate change and want to build greener cities
- Enjoy "puzzles" involving how things fit together structurally
- Like a mix of creative drawing and technical math/science
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Physics, Calculus, Art/Drafting, and Computer Science
- Experiment with free 3D modeling software like Sketchup or Blender
- Join a robotics or makerspace club to practice building physical models
- Visit different types of buildings and pay attention to the lighting and materials used
- Practice your sketching and digital drawing skills regularly
The ability to combine technical precision with a creative vision for the future of our cities is the key to success in this versatile field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor