Architecture, 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, Other.: The DTI for this program is 54.1%, 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, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $48936) to the average debt ($26488) 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, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 54.1%, 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, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($48936) against the typical student debt ($26488), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Architecture, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $48936, and with an average student debt of $26488, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.54—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 4794 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, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Architecture, Other (CIP 04.0299) is a specialized category for academic programs that focus on the theoretical, research-based, or non-professional aspects of the architectural field. While most architecture degrees (like the B.Arch or M.Arch) are designed to lead directly to a license to design buildings, this "Other" designation is often for degrees that explore architecture as a cultural, scientific, or artistic discipline without the specific goal of professional licensure.
This field is ideal for "architectural thinkers"—individuals who love the concepts of space, form, and structure but may want to apply them to fields like film, digital environments, academia, or high-level research.
What Is an Architecture (Other) Degree?
An Architecture (Other) degree treats the built environment as a subject of deep study rather than just a construction practice. Because it falls into the "Other" category, these programs are often highly experimental. They may focus on speculative design (designing for the future or fictional worlds), architectural sociology (how buildings change human behavior), or computational geometry. It is often a "Bachelor of Science" or "Bachelor of Arts" in Architecture, providing a foundation that can be used to pivot into many different creative or technical industries.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Provide a rigorous liberal arts education through the lens of design and space
- Prepare students for advanced research or "Ph.D." tracks in architectural theory
- Train designers for the entertainment industry (set design, video game environments)
- Develop specialists who understand the "philosophy of space" and urban theory
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to deconstruct the built environment, looking at how buildings represent power, identity, and technological progress.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Use advanced 3D modeling software (Rhino, Maya, or Blender) for complex form-making
- Write critical essays analyzing the social and political impact of specific buildings
- Build physical models using laser cutters, 3D printers, and traditional hand tools
- Master graphic design and "visual communication" to present complex ideas
- Research historical archives to understand how architectural styles evolved
- Understand the relationship between "the body" and "the room" (phenomenology)
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is often more philosophical and experimental than a professional degree:
- Speculative Architecture: Designing structures for Mars, underwater, or virtual realities.
- Digital Media and Fabrication: Exploring how coding and robotics change what we can build.
- Architectural Theory: Reading the great thinkers who defined what a "building" is.
- Urbanism and Globalism: How cities grow and fail in a connected world.
- Representation and Film: The way architecture is used to tell stories in movies and media.
- Material Cultures: The study of how different societies use materials to express their values.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Because this is not a "licensure" track, graduates often find success in creative and strategic roles that value "spatial intelligence."
Common job roles include:
- Architectural Designer: Working in a firm on the creative phase of projects (under the supervision of a licensed architect).
- Set Designer/Art Director: Creating the physical or digital worlds for movies and television.
- Environmental Designer: Designing the "experience" of a museum, retail store, or theme park.
- Digital Content Creator: Building 3D assets for the "metaverse" or video games.
- Design Researcher: Working for tech companies to study how people interact with physical spaces.
- Architectural Writer/Journalist: Critiquing and reporting on new developments for magazines and websites.
Where Can You Work?
Opportunities exist in the creative economy and the "think tank" world:
- Architecture Studios: In roles focused on competition entries, research, or visualization.
- The Entertainment Industry: Working for studios like Disney, Marvel, or video game developers like Rockstar.
- Non-Profit Foundations: Working on urban heritage or social housing research.
- Tech and Software Companies: Designing the interfaces or "virtual offices" of the future.
- Galleries and Museums: Curating exhibitions about design and the city.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend heavily on whether you enter the world of commercial design, tech, or the arts.
- Architectural Designers: Median annual salary of approximately $60,000–$75,000.
- Art Directors (Film/Media): Median annual salary of around $95,000–$110,000.
- UX/UI Designers (Spatial): Salaries typically range from $85,000 to $125,000.
- Research Associates: Salaries often range from $55,000 to $80,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the conceptual and creative stamina required. You are often asked to "invent" new ways of thinking about space, which can be mentally exhausting. The hours are long, as you will spend a great deal of time in the studio or in front of a computer perfecting a 3D model. You must also be a very strong writer and presenter, as you are constantly "defending" your ideas to professors and peers.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love architecture but aren't sure you want to spend your life doing "technical drawings" for houses
- Are fascinated by sci-fi, world-building, and digital environments
- Enjoy reading philosophy, history, and art criticism
- Want a flexible degree that allows you to work in many different creative fields
- Are a "dreamer" who wants to rethink how humans live and interact
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Art, History, Physics, and English Literature
- Experiment with 3D modeling software like Blender (which is free and powerful)
- Keep a "sketchbook" of interesting buildings, spaces, and imaginary cities
- Read architectural websites like ArchDaily or Dezeen to see modern trends
- Visit museums and galleries to see how spaces are designed to hold art
The ability to think critically about space and to visualize the "unbuilt" is the hallmark of a successful professional in this unique architectural field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor