Architecture or Education?
I was recently talking with one of my former students. She graduated high school last year and is now enrolled in college taking general classes for her freshman year while she tries decides which degree program she really wants. Currently, she is leaning towards either an architecture degree or a teaching degree. I was surprised at how different her two top choices were!
The architecture degree focuses more on math, artistic skills, and computers. She is an amazingly talented artist and computer users but always struggled a bit with math. However, she did enjoy math in school. A teaching degree is more like a liberal arts degree with a focus on whatever subject one will be teaching, which is also something she hasn’t decided yet.
I told her there were two things I thought she should consider. First, the economy. What is the job market going to be like for architect considering the housing market right now? Does she think by the time she finishes her architecture degree there will be more people who want to design new buildings. I don’t know the answer to that but I do know that teachers are always in high demand. Second, how much does she want to work with others? In architecture one can limit their interaction with others and often spends long hours alone. She is a very social person and thrived on the energy of school activities.
I told her I thought the money she could make after pursuing her architecture degree would greatly outpace the money she’d be able to make with a teaching degree but that I thought she might be happier surrounded by a high energy environment. I can’t wait to find out which one she chooses. Which would you recommend?
Photo Credit: Valerie Everett
Fri, Dec 4, 2009
Degrees, Higher Education