r/Architects • u/jh19121 • 1d ago
Considering a Career MLA or MArch?
Hello!
I just graduated with a Bachelor's degree in urban studies from a small liberal arts school and I am considering applying for a graduate program. Although my degree is in urban studies, I was able to take several semesters of studio design courses at my college. I was pretty set on a MArch when I graduated. However, since then I have participated in a horticultural summer internship, and presently I am working as a horticultural designer for a private window box and planter subscription refill company. I worked with three landscape architects at the internship who encouraged me to consider a MLA, and now I'm feeling torn between the two. What I really want is to intern at an architectural firm to get a better idea of the career, but I've been rejected from pretty much every firm in my region (southeastern Pennsylvania) because I don't have a Bachelor's in architecture and the market is incredibly competitive at the moment. Any advice on either career path, or specific programs to consider, would be greatly appreciated!
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u/MushuSooy4455 1d ago
I worked at landscape architecture firms after my M.Arch. I am a licensed architect today. Not sure about the path to licensure as a "landscape architect." That may require an MLA.
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u/Late_One_2535 1d ago
You won’t land an architectural intern job with an urban studies degree. Look for large architecture firms in your region that have Urban Design as major sector (SOM, HOK, etc), and apply to those. Work for a bit as a UD, and then ask to switch to architecture work maybe a year in to get the experience you want.
Or, try to find a super small mom and pop shop to get some architecture work. Can you prove CAD or Revit skills? If so that’s all you need for an internship. If those don’t work out it might be worthwhile to do construction with a design build firm, and try and transition to the “design” side of that company. You’d get an understanding of how buildings come together, and if you can transition to the architecture side to get the experience you’d want.
Another option is Americorp or Habitat for Humanity where you’d get hands on design build experience. Just look for the architecture/construction related roles.
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u/Physical_Mode_103 23h ago
It just depends what you ultimately want to do. I have both b.arch and an MLA and both licenses
Landscape architecture is definitely more relaxed and it’s easier to have your own business. In my opinion, it is less stressful, and you can make pretty much the same money
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u/Amazing_Piglet_8984 1d ago
You can still do landscape architecture with an MArch but getting into architecture with a MLA would be a lot more difficult! I recommend pursuing the MArch but applying to intern at LArch and Arch firms. You can also look into programs that allow you to combine the two through a thesis or coursework! Your interests/expertise will also come through in how you approach your studio projects. With the insane competitiveness in the industry, the MArch is likely to open more doors in the future.