Architecture and Related Services
Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
Focuses on the aesthetic, technical, and social development of the built environment and the architectural profession from earliest times to the present. Covers the principles of architecture and related fields; art history; historiography of architecture; architectural theory and criticism; related aspects of the history of technology and social and economic history; and various period, cultural, and stylistic specializations.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 4 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Architectural History and Criticism, General
- Focuses on the aesthetic, technical, and social development of the built environment and the architectural profession from earliest times to the present. Covers the principles of architecture and related fields; art history; historiography of architecture; architectural theory and criticism; related aspects of the history of technology and social and economic history; and various period, cultural, and stylistic specializations.
- Architectural Conservation
- Focuses on the architectural design principles and building techniques used in historic structures and environments, and the process of saving and restoring old buildings and districts for contemporary use and enjoyment. Covers architectural history, building conservation techniques, and material conservation.
- Architectural Studies
- Focuses on the study of architecture, cities, landscapes, designed objects, ornament, architectural photography, and material culture in diverse places and time periods, and the social and aesthetic dimensions of contemporary architecture, landscapes, and cities, emphasizing issues of sustainable environments, new forms of urbanism, and the use of digital media for visualization and analysis. Covers the fundamentals of architecture, design, environmental and sustainability studies, historic preservation, landscape architecture, studio art, and urban affairs and planning.
- Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation, Other
- Architectural history, criticism, and conservation not listed above.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
- Median pay
- $99,280
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.3%
- Job openings a year
- 6,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyArchitecture Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $96,870
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.6%
- Job openings a year
- 700
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyHistorians
- Median pay
- $76,750
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.0%
- Job openings a year
- 300
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.
| College | Degrees a year | Admit rate | Average annual cost after aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of San Diego CA | 21 | 47% | $20,000 |
| Boston University MA | 16 | 11% | $12,000 |
| Northeastern University MA | 14 | 6% | $5,000 |
| Amherst College MA | 10 | 10% | — |
| Smith College MA | 9 | 20% | $7,000 |
| Vanderbilt University TN | 8 | 6% | $4,000 |
| DePaul University IL | 7 | 74% | $29,000 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus VA | 7 | 17% | $13,000 |
| College of the Holy Cross MA | 4 | 21% | $13,000 |
| Drexel University PA | 3 | 78% | $35,000 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design GA | 2 | 84% | $49,000 |
| Endicott College MA | 2 | 72% | $32,000 |
| Syracuse University NY | 2 | 42% | $21,000 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus OK | 2 | 71% | $16,000 |
| Roger Williams University RI | 1 | 88% | $34,000 |
| Rice University TX | 1 | 8% | $3,000 |