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Our team knows that the application process to a college can feel overwhelming, so we want to make sure you have the resources you need to prepare for your future at NewSchool!
We’ve created a handy checklist for prospective students that includes information about application deadlines, architecture portfolio requirements, admission requirements, financial aid, and much more.
Studying architecture abroad sounds great, doesn’t it? You could visit a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting and soak up its culture while you continue your architectural studies. What could be better for an architecture student than that?
The good news is there are plenty of programs available that will allow you to study architecture all around the world. However, there are several things to consider before a student packs their bags. Here’s a look at how to study architecture abroad.
Chances are that when you decided to pursue a career in architecture or obtain your architecture degree, there were designs and architectural practices from all around the world that caught your eye. Whatever your favorite styles, time periods or buildings may be, studying abroad gives you the opportunity to see them in person and learn in their shadows. You’ll find great inspiration in seeing the historical architectural styles around the world as well as the more modern styles that are emerging today.
You’ll also see the impact different styles of architecture can have on a culture. This includes the aesthetics, safety and functionality of a building. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the architectural field and perhaps even influence your own style that you can take back home with you.
Once you have the “why,” one of the first things to consider when you’re planning to study abroad is where you would like to go. Start by making a list of the different places with environmental design and buildings or architectural styles that inspire you. After you have your list, you can search each destination to see if a local university offers a study abroad program. Checkout NewSchool’s study abroad programs in Italy, Portugal and Spain.
From here, you’ll need to get more specific. What particular focus do you want to study while you are abroad? Of course, studying abroad gives you access to historical architecture and a variety of architectural styles, but also many unique modern styles. Since these categories rarely overlap, you’ll have to choose one.
Popular historical cities in which to study abroad include:
In Rome, you can gain inspiration from Rome’s remarkably well-preserved ancient relics. Italy is filled with iconic landmarks and diverse architectural achievements from the leaning Leaning Tower of Pisa to the modern-day skyscrapers in Florence. 
There are also several opportunities available in rapidly-growing Australian cities like Perth, Sydney and Canberra. (Australia also offers the added perk of being an English-speaking nation, eliminating the language barrier you may encounter with other international programs.)Arguments can be made for studying abroad at any time during your college years, but since we can assume you have chosen architecture as your major and have presumably begun your coursework, your best bet is to go abroad during your last two years of study and focus on your major requirements. This will slim down your location wish list to your real candidates, as certain programs may only be available during Spring or Fall semesters. This will help you find a program that is best-suited to your needs and interests.
Another option is to study abroad during your summer or winter break, perfect for those who want to squeeze in a quick abroad experience in the midst of your studies. Wherever you choose to go, make sure the credits you earn will be accepted toward your degree, otherwise the “study” portion of your abroad experience will be a waste of time and money. And speaking of money…
This is often the deciding factor, as study abroad programs can be quite expensive. There are a multitude of scholarship opportunities, such as architecture and interior design scholarships, available to offer some financial assistance if needed. Do your homework to see if there are any additional financial aid or scholarship programs to help you finance your dream study abroad program.
NewSchool offers amazing study abroad programs for architecture and design. We believe that being exposed to a wide range of cultural design perspectives will make you a stronger and more adaptive designer and architect. Study abroad with NewSchool in Milan, Italy, Porto, Portugal, Compostela, Spain, or Rome, Italy and expand your architectural knowledge!
With so many professional possibilities to explore as a media designer, it’s no wonder the design career path continues to grow in popularity for undergrads in the digital media arena. From creative jobs in the entertainment and advertising industries to roles in science or healthcare that specialize in communication, there are plenty of media design careers available to the skilled media designer.
As a media designer, your tasks are varied, including a host of multimedia applications. Your primary responsibility involves the communication of information, messages, and/or entertainment through different digital and print mediums.
Anyone who designs and creates using the computer can call themselves a media designer. This includes a design job title such as a graphic designer, web designer, and even animators!
When pursuing your design career path, your role may also entail creating:
In turn, your designs will be utilized in an array of integrated media platforms, including but not limited to the internet, television, film, and mobile technologies.
Media designers may also find their work featured in more traditional channels, including newspapers, manuals, brochures, and other printed collateral. In general, your role will encompass the design of a visual presentation of some sort, whether it is used for entertainment purposes (such as the film industry), or for product enhancement, where your design skills are being applied as a means of visual communication.
For those who are considering a career in media design, it’s important to be aware of the skills and resources, and design degree needed to succeed. A fluency in computer software and coding is essential, as well as an intermediate/advanced level of proficiency in both Windows and Mac computer systems.
If you’re exploring a career in interactive web design, a working knowledge of programming languages is fundamental for your career development. These languages include:
Because nearly all web-based animation is created using Adobe Flash, you will want to become familiar with this program.
In addition, becoming adept at both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is key for anyone pursuing a career in the digital media arts. In addition to a high aptitude in computer technology and software, your creative, artistic, communication and organizational skills are crucial to your professional success once you enter the workforce.
In order to determine if a career path in media design is the right fit for you, here are a list of pros and cons:
If you’re interested in pursuing a profession as a media designer, there are several ways of obtaining your goal. Many undergrads choose to earn their bachelor’s degree in animation or graphic design.
In order to proceed, you’ll first need to have a high school diploma or equivalent before applying to colleges of your choice.
Keep in mind that students should take classes in art history, drawing, graphic arts, and/or web design. Working on school newspapers or yearbook can help showcase your web design skills.
Once you’ve been accepted, your coursework will focus on image design and manipulation, web design and website maintenance, 3-D modeling, and digital video editing, as well as other computer software programs and digital tools.
Additionally, those enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program can expect a combination of specialized classes and real-life, hands-on experiences to prepare them for client design thinking and for the design industry job market, including internships or similar opportunities.
In some instances, your bachelor’s program may require a senior project, which can be used later on within your portfolio as a representation of your work.
In addition to becoming an expert in your field, building a strong portfolio during your college years is imperative for your post-grad job search and to reaching your career goals.
For those who wish to seek a higher salary range and further their education, there are also master’s degree programs in graphic design, digital media, and animation.
Similar to those pursuing masters in Construction Management online, it should be noted that there is no shortage of job opportunities for those seeking employment within the media design profession. Due to the booming demands of our digital age, there are positions within the animation, film, television, web, mobile technology, and video game industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the digital media design industry is expected to experience an on-average job increase from 2014-2024. Computer graphic positions can anticipate growth within the expanding mobile technology market, while the consumer demand for movies, video games, special effects and 3-D animation are also accountable for some of the projected growth within the job forecast.
Additionally, research has shown that employment may also be sought in alternative areas, such as law, medicine, science, architecture and business, where media designers assist in the enhancement of products and modes of communication within said industries.
It is also anticipated that between 2014-2024, employment for all art and design workers in the business industry, and media or architecture career professions can expect a growth rate of 2%. Statistics show that the stagnation in employment growth within the industry was largely in part due to companies hiring labor from outside of the US.
In October 2019, I was invited to give a key-note speech at the 4D Conference in Osaka, Japan in front of an international audience of designers and design experts.
During the preparation of my speech, I had the opportunity to reflect on the very nature of design and its meaning concerning contemporary challenges.
We live in very particular times, in which the progression of technology is faster than ever before, and at the same time, the natural resources of the planet have shown their limits.
As designers, we have the unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of the next generation of products and systems, a fundamental role in humanizing technologies and the responsibility of envisioning a sustainable future.
In my presentation, I investigated the actual meaning, value and substance of design and proposed to explore the notion of design as pro-jèct – in Italian progettare, in French projecter, from Latin projectare – to redefine and clarify what I believe are the core competences of design as a profession across different specializations, disciplines, scales and product types.
The idea of project as a verb, derived from the etymological roots pro-jacere – ‘to throw or cast forward’ – challenges the universally accepted notion of design as problem-solving and as a process that can be applied to deliver a solution to a given problem, and argues that the substance of design is the ability to envision and to create hypothesis (give birth to possibilities, opportunities) that are not given, nor yet exist.
The problems to be solved have yet to be defined. In the “pro-jèct” framework, the primary attribute of a designer is to be visionary, to envision the future, to see beyond current paradigms and accepted solution frameworks.
The unique competence of who pro-jècts is to translate technological advances into meaningful experiences for human beings and society.
In doing so, we can no longer ignore that we act in an environment with limited resources, where the aggressive exploitation and consumption of such resources is damaging our life conditions. In the work I presented, I encourage designers to adopt a new system of values – somehow beyond human-centricity and towards human-ecosystem centricity – that can help to frame the opportunities and the projects, by considering not only their value for the individuals but also their possible impact on the larger eco-system.
The ultimate goal of this work is to promote a design culture that recognizes opportunities in socio-technical development and reinforces the systemic and critical thinking in the creation of positive scenarios of change.
Becoming a graphic designer takes hard work, dedication, and years of schooling. For many individuals with a natural talent for design, the exact pathway and layout to becoming a graphic designer remains obscure. Graphic design is a broad field that offers a variety of different career paths for a motivated design-minded individual. Yet, getting your foot in the door in these fields can present some challenges.
In this article, we’ll outline how an individual with a talent for design can begin to build a career in graphic design. You might think that if you are a student of a Construction Management college and you want to begin a career as a graphic designer then you must have professional design experience. However, transitioning to a career in design can be accomplished regardless of if you have professional experience. The first step in beginning a career of design is to learn the design skills and methods you’ll need to succeed in the real world.
Although there are many paths to becoming a professional designer, one of the most effective ways to do so is to get a higher education degree in a design-related major. A degree from a university is often the minimum qualification for individuals looking to enter a design field, even for entry-level employment. Many large employers use a degree requirement to limit the field of applicants to positions. This threshold makes it easier for employers to sort through the deluge of applications that come with job openings for a competitive entry-level position.
Pursuing a degree in the graphic design field is a great way to begin learning the art and design skills that you will need to become a professional designer. At the same time, a design program will offer you opportunities to build a portfolio of your work if you don’t have one. Keep in mind though that some design programs will require you to submit a portfolio of your work as part of the application process. If you have skills in design and are contemplating becoming a professional designer, you’ll want to start building a portfolio now if you haven’t done so already.
When developing your education plan and portfolio, be sure to always keep in mind what your ideal career path looks like. This includes what types of work in design you want to be doing and where you see yourself working in the future. The answers to these questions can give you insight into what type of design major to pursue and whether a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree will be required. With this knowledge you can take steps early to ensure that you are learning the skills you will need to be successful in your future design career.
Whether you are currently working in a different field, pursuing a master’s in Construction Management online, or you are a high-school student with aspirations to become a professional designer, chances are your path will take you into a higher education institution. Schools that specialize in design can be extremely competitive to get into, so it is especially important to begin researching schools early. You’ll want to find a school that prepares you for working as a professional designer from the outset. At the same time, you’ll also want an educational institution that aligns with your financial situation and has the curriculum and institutional outlook that will promote your growth and ideas as a professional designer.
Searching for the right school for you can be a daunting process given a large number of schools out there that have design programs. During this process, it is important to keep in mind that design programs at each school have different advantages and disadvantages. Some design programs may not offer classes in the particular design specialty you are interested in pursuing. Others may not have the resources to support your professional growth. You will also have to weigh the financial impact that your education will have on you. Higher education isn’t cheap, but it can be viewed as an investment in your future provided there are the support systems in place to help make your transition from school to the workforce fluid.
When assessing potential schools, you’ll want to look at the graphic design program or programs they offer. For example, NewSchool of Architecture & Design offers three different architecture majors under the School of Design. Students who are interested in becoming a Design Researcher, Consumer Product Designer, or Brand Strategist might pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Product Design. Students in this program will learn how to design both traditional artifacts and digital products through an interdisciplinary approach centered around human-design and social responsibility.
Aspiring designers that want to work with interior spaces would probably benefit most from a Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Design. A few of the career options that are associated with this program include working as an Interior Decorator, Interior Architect, Design Director, and Exhibit Director. The Interior Architecture & Design program emphasizes the use of technology and sustainability to drive innovation in the design of interior spaces. It is important to note that this program utilizes lecture classes alongside lab and studio classes, giving students the opportunity to produce work and create designs that will flesh out their portfolio. Learn more about how to become an interior designer before committing to a program.
Individuals who have a passion for communicating ideas through text, images, video, and other mediums should consider working towards a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design & Interactive Media degree. This program prepares students to work in a variety of different industries in positions such as a Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Web Designer, or Marketing Manager. If working in visual communication and digital media design is your passion, then Graphic Design & Interactive Media program is worth exploring.
The aforementioned programs all give students the ability to tailor their educational path to their specific skills and professional goals. It is important to find graphic design programs that give you the ability to do this. By choosing a program that provides you with the opportunity to build on your current design skills, you can excel in the area of design that you are most passionate about. This will not only help you become a better designer but will also allow you to create a portfolio that showcases your strengths to a potential employer.
Before committing to a program, you’ll want to spend some time researching the types of classes you will be taking. A program that isn’t designed to help you work professionally in your chosen field may not be the best choice for you. The Academic Catalog is a great resource to use to see exactly which courses you will be required to take for a given major. The catalog also provides detailed course descriptions, which can provide you with an outline of the skills and knowledge you will gain from specific courses.
If you have found a program you are interested in, it will probably be beneficial to set up a campus tour or attend an Open House. Scheduling a campus tour or attending an Open House is a great way to get a better understanding of the resources that will be available for you, from financial aid to internships and mentorships. These resources are invaluable tools for turning your design skills and artistic ability into a career, so ensuring that you will have the support you need prior to entering the program is always a good idea. To schedule a campus tour you will work with an Enrollment Specialist, who can also answer any questions you might have about the application process or degree program.
Once you have chosen a program that aligns with your professional goals, the next step is to submit an application. Submitting an application to college can be a time-consuming process, so preparing beforehand and taking it one step at a time is the best way to ensure that you complete all of the requirements. At NewSchool, applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning that you can apply for an upcoming term rather than having to wait for the beginning of a new academic year. There are application deadlines associated with each term, so you’ll want to become familiar with these and get your application started early.
You may consider submitting a portfolio along with your application. The three design programs at NewSchool don’t require a portfolio to be submitted for admission consideration. However, students may want to submit a portfolio along with their application for a couple of reasons. Students may consider submitting a portfolio if they have advanced design knowledge or an educational background in design. Their portfolio work may allow them to be placed in higher level studio design courses, giving them the opportunity to face new challenges. Other students may want to use a portfolio to supplement their application if they have a GPA below the admission requirements. Portfolio guidelines for the Graphic Design & Interactive Media program can be found here.
You might think that after you submit your application you should simply wait to hear back about whether your application was approved. However, there are a number of steps you can take during this period that can be helpful for your pursuit of a career in design. The first thing you should do is schedule a campus tour or attend an Open House if you haven’t already done so. You’ll want to become familiar with the campus where you will be spending the next four years pursuing your career in design. This will also give you an opportunity to meet with the staff and faculty you’ll be working closely with. Getting a sense of the space you will be working with is also beneficial as a means to reduce any stress associated with starting classes.
The second thing you should consider doing after submitting your application is submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The cost of attending a four-year university can be daunting, but the FAFSA application gives you access to Federal and State grants, loans, and work-study programs that can be used to help reduce your education costs. After you submit your FAFSA, you’ll want to make an appointment to speak with the Office of Financial Aid. Financial aid staff can help connect you with the resources you need to reduce your cost of tuition, including helping you find and apply for either architecture or interior design scholarships provided by your institution and outside organizations. As with your application to your degree program, both the FAFSA and scholarship applications will have application deadlines, so be sure to complete this step early to have the best chances of accessing outside funding sources.
Turning your design skills into a career doesn’t have to remain a dream. There are actionable steps you can take to make the transition into the workforce as a professional designer. Whether you have no experience but a passion for design elements, or have been working as a designer and want to build the skills that allow you to excel, pursuing an education in a design related field is one of the best ways to gain and develop the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to succeed in this competitive field. Through the course of your education, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside design professionals and build the connections that can assist you in entering the field following your graduation. At the same, a design-centered educational path will allow you to populate your portfolio with the type of work that will showcase your unique skills and design-perspective, while also propelling you into the career path you’ve been dreaming of.
If you’re a transfer student looking to enroll in an architecture school, chances are you may have questions about what the process entails. Although transfer students are not usually required to have a specific educational background, it isn’t uncommon for individuals who have finished their associate’s degree elsewhere to consider transferring into a school that specializes in architecture and related programs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to transfer schools and pursue a degree in architecture or online architecture degree.
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While architecture degrees can be somewhat complicated, finding the right school for you doesn’t have to be. For any prospective architecture student interested in transferring into a new school, it’s a smart idea to completely understand the accreditation status of a program before you apply – research as much as you can beforehand, and don’t be afraid to ask questions at the school’s Admissions or Enrollment Offices when applying.
Typically, transferring your college credits or requirements from one institution to another follows these basic steps:
Did You Know…
If you’re thinking about transferring into an architecture school, many Bachelor of Architecture programs have devised curricular structures that enable flexibility for students who are at different phases in their education. By breaking the curriculum into segments, it allows students to transfer as seamlessly as possible into their curriculum without losing time, money or credits. In most schools, the student’s work is carefully reviewed before advancement to the next phase. Such points provide a relatively easy means of transfer into an architecture program, transfer to another institution (particularly between degrees), or transfer to another academic discipline such as from a construction degree to an architectural degree.
Most professional degree programs, such as those in Construction Management colleges, also accept transfer students at the designated break points, but transfer credit is usually evaluated on an individual course-by-course and case-by-case basis. While the structure of some programs makes it relatively simple for a professional school to accept transfer students from both junior colleges and other colleges, it is advised in most instances that a student considering an architecture degree start directly either at the professional school or at a school with a pre-professional program. It should also be noted that pre-professional programs are not professionally accredited and vary with respect to title, emphasis, electives, requirements, and specific architecture offerings. They are, however, preparatory for advanced architectural or other environmental design fields.
In summary, it is never too late to pursue an undergraduate degree in architecture or earn your Master’s in Architecture. However, it’s important that prospective architecture students be aware of the differences among degree paths, and enroll in a program that is feasible for their specific areas of interest and long-term career goals. Knowing the steps entailed can ensure a smooth transition into your school of choice and an Enrollment Specialist is available to guide you through the process. Although researching your options and choosing an appropriate school to transfer into may require additional time and preparation, it can benefit your career and professional growth in the long run.
What Is Product Design?
Before we begin to discuss the definition of product design and answering the question “what is product design?”, it is important to reevaluate the definition of a ‘product’. Up until recently, the term was used only in relation to something material and often found in a brick-and-mortar store. However, ‘product’ and the product design process now also applies to digital products; modern product examples include websites and phone apps. There are even product designers called UX designers that specifically focus on usability of the digital product. Keeping this information in mind, building great products consists of many elements, with the design features being one of the most important qualities – from seamless digital applications to the functionality of an executive office chair, every successful product starts with a great design.
Whether it is designing state-of-the-art audio equipment or developing complex medical diagnostic systems, the field of product design spans over numerous industries, including healthcare, lifestyle, interior design, automotive, and many more. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of product design, as well as the role of a Product Designer, including job outlook, skills needed and industry statistics.
Defining Product Design: Understanding The Industry
In an era where the only constant is change, our culture as consumers is always evolving. With technology playing an increasingly central role in our daily lives, we expect everything to be available at the push of a button – and as customized an experience as possible. Whether using our smartphones to order food or browsing an app for a new home, we have become reliant upon different forms of technology to satisfy a myriad of needs. So how does product design fit into the way we consume goods and services?
Product design as a verb is to create a new product to be sold by a business to its customers. Designing a product is a very broad concept, it is essentially the efficient and effective generation and development of ideas through a design process that leads to new products. Thus, it is a major aspect of new product development. However, many business experts will agree that product design is the process of identifying a market opportunity, clearly defining the user’s needs and problem, developing a proper solution for that problem, and validating the solution with real users. When considering high-quality products or features, designers must understand business objectives, know the elements of a good design, and be able to answer the following questions:
Answering these questions allows design engineers to understand the user experience of a product as a whole, and not simply the interaction (feel) or visual (look) part of a design. These design principles apply to both physical products and digital product design.
Finding a solution to a problem includes the following five basic phases:
As we’ve discussed, creating and building great products (and great brands) is contingent upon forward-thinking design implementation. Today’s businesses essentially rely upon their product design team to give their products or services an aesthetic and functional edge over their competitors while maintaining relevance in a world where technological advancement never sleeps.
A Product Designer helps to define the experience and interface of products (also known as ‘User Experience’ or UX and ‘User Interface’ or UI) while defining the brand and marketing strategy around those products. Essentially, it is creating a brand and executing that identity through every phase of the product or services’ lifespan and design strategy – aesthetically, experientially, tactilely, ergonomically, and technologically speaking, of course.
Did You Know…
Q: What is the difference between UX Design and UI Design?
A: While User Experience (UX design) is a conglomeration of tasks focused on human-centered design aka the optimization of a product for effective and enjoyable use, User Interface Design (UI) is its complement, addressing the look and feel (visual design) as well as the presentation and interactivity of a product.
What Is The Role Of A Product Designer?
Due to the vast (and ever-changing) demands of the Product Designer, it is by definition a rather elusive job role to describe: because the design process of product development keeps changing, the roles of people (and consequent skills sets) continue to evolve, thus encompassing a wider scope of responsibilities. Because of this, it is important that anyone entering the field have the proper hands-on training with a respectable design program. While Visual Designers address the look and feel of a product, UX or UI Designers deal with wireframes and user flows. However, the Product Designer is an individual who can take a high-level concept and see it all the way through, from inception to completion.
Responsible for designing nearly everything we use in our daily lives, Product Designers utilize their creativity, technical knowledge and keen eye for detail to design and implement new and innovative products and services, as well as streamlining existing products by improving their aesthetic appeal and functionality. In order to succeed in product design, you must understand the relationship between art, technology, and science. As a Product Designer, your responsibilities will include planning, designing, and modeling products, creating prototypes and conducting research, as well as rigorous product testing.
Here is a general outline of the Product Designer’s work process:
Once the prototype has been designed, developed and tested, you’ll be required to present the final product design to the client for their approval. Unless the client is dissatisfied with the results (and changes need to be made), this is the last phase of a product design project’s life cycle.
A Product Designer’s Role May Also Include:
Product Design: Education & Job Outlook
Education
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Product Designers (also known as Industrial Designers) require a bachelor of arts degree in product design, industrial design, or engineering for entry-level industrial design jobs. Most industrial design programs include courses in drawing, computer-aided design, and drafting (CADD), and three-dimensional modeling, as well as courses in business, industrial materials, and processes, and manufacturing methods.
Many Product Design programs provide students with the opportunity to build a professional portfolio of their designs by collecting examples of their designs from classroom projects, internships, or other experiences. Students can use these examples of their work to show their creativity in the idea generation phase and demonstrate their design skills when applying for jobs and bidding on contracts for work.
It is also important for designers to have an electronic portfolio with examples of their best design projects. Gaining relevant work experience is also a crucial step towards finding a successful career in the competitive world of product design. Internships are therefore a great way to develop your skills and improve your portfolio.
Learn more about NewSchool’s Product Design program here.
Skills & Training
If you are considering a career in Product Design, possessing the following skills is essential to your success:
Understandably, you will need to be confident using complex computer software, such as computer-aided design (CAD) tools. You will do most of your training ‘on-the-job’, developing your CAD skills and technical knowledge under the supervision of an experienced product designer. However, you may occasionally be required to attend in-house training courses.
As you progress in your career and move into project management, your company may even sponsor you to complete a relevant professional qualification, such as an MBA. You may also wish to take part in workshops offered by external organizations, colleges or universities.
Many product designers eventually progress into project management roles. Another option is to work as a freelance product designer, where you will work for different companies on a variety of projects.
Job Forecast
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of arts and design occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations, adding about 33,700 new jobs. More workers will be needed for their design thinking and product strategy skills to meet the growing demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, television, and on smartphones, as well as to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and other media platforms.
Career Possibilities
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
Studying product design gives you broad theoretical knowledge and practical skillset you’ll need to use production methods and materials creatively.
Job options:
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
Career Advancement
Experienced designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, design department head, or other supervisory positions. Some designers become instructors in design schools or in colleges and universities. Many teachers continue to consult privately or operate small design studios in addition to teaching. Some experienced designers open their own design firms.
Connect with NewSchool’s Enrollment Team today to learn more about our Product Design program and how we can help you achieve your academic and professional goals!
With today’s ever-growing demand for increasingly sophisticated infrastructures, a career in Construction Management shows no signs of stopping. And because construction managers are so integral in leading construction projects through every phase of development, their value in the job market continues to rise exponentially and they have many career opportunities.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of entering this burgeoning field and how earning your bachelor’s of science in construction management or online master’s in construction management can provide you with limitless potential in your professional endeavors.
Highly sought-after professionals that perform in every aspect of the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (A/E/C) field for construction companies or construction firms. Construction managers must be versatile, innovative multitaskers with strong leadership skills.
Although not all managers have bachelor’s degrees (in lieu of construction experience), there is a growing standard for a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree for a construction management career. That is why it is important to consider learning how to become a construction manager and entering a construction management degree program to become prepared in this field. Long gone are the days of a high school diploma being sufficient for starting entry-level positions.
Some of the job site parameters of the industry they work in may include:
Earning your degree in Construction Management is valuable to your career in a variety of ways. Besides providing job stability and enabling you to increase your earning potential, it also allows entrepreneurial types to take on a position that can help benefit society and the environments we live and work in. Listed below are some of the advantages you can enjoy with a Construction Management degree:
Students interested in pursuing a construction management major should consult their high school or college advisor regarding career opportunities, required construction management courses, and internships.
For more information on earning an undergraduate degree in construction management or a master’s in construction management at NewSchool, contact our Enrollment Team.
While educational approaches used to subscribe to a “one-size-fits-all” philosophy, observation, testing, and psychology have revealed, by degrees, a different picture over the last few decades. Different students learn different ways, and forcing all to adhere to a singular style of learning has the potential of limiting two-thirds – or more – of any given class.
At NewSchool, we incorporate hands-on learning and training techniques as an integral part of our teaching strategy in our academic programs. We know that not all students are the same, which is why we incorporate these progressive teaching methods in all of our classrooms. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of hands-on learning for students, including a variety of learning styles and training techniques that are effective both in and out of the classroom – and how they can serve you in your future career.
‘Best’ is a subjective term, but certain learning styles offer clear advantages over others, depending on the subject(s) of study. Below are several core learning styles commonly practiced in the classroom from grade school to college:
Barring severe shyness or anxiety, hands-on learning is uniquely positioned to support or elevate any type of learner. Everyone has their own specific needs when it comes to their personal learning style. Students that prefer to listen to their lesson can hear the instructor as they follow along, and those that do well with visuals can watch the instructor, duplicating his or her steps after they’re finished. Rather than a learning style alone, hands-on learning should be a functional part of every lesson plan, if only to familiarize students especially in the design degree and science studies with the models and materials they’ll use later in either professional, post-graduate employment or research positions.
Hands-on learning (also known as experiential learning) is the biology lab that teaches a future scientist to be comfortable with dissection; the vehicle shop experience that helps a future mechanic understand the nuances of an engine with not just their eyes and ears but also with actual hands-on training. It gives students the opportunity to self-correct any educational missteps in the moment – with professional guidance at arm’s reach. While notes can be copied down incorrectly and the thread of learning can get buried under a teacher that talks too quickly or a poorly-written textbook, live examples of core concepts are registered in the brain as holistic experiences, giving the student’s mind more “anchors” to tie the memory to.
The sound two materials make when they’re joined together, the scent of a certain solvent, the vivid color of a particular plant leaf – these all become easy-access sensory “bookmarks” for bringing the memory to the surface when it needs to be reviewed. This works for every field of study as well, not just the sciences – that’s why so many condensed “how-to” courses use the format. People simply learn better when they’re allowed to roll up their sleeves and experience the subject matter in a simulation, rather than being distanced from it by a third-hand narrative experience or a dry passage of text.
While learning should ideally translate perfectly into practice, the reality is that it seldom does. Just as someone who may have only read a particular word in books might mispronounce it the first time they speak it aloud, self-focused learning methods may not reveal mistakes until the stakes are high. Particularly in fields where physical precision is important – manufacturing, architecture, medical studies, and so on – these innocent mistakes can become big problems if they aren’t identified and addressed beforehand. Hands-on learning helps instructors recognize and correct these mistakes while still in the learning process, dramatically reducing the chances of the same mistake cropping up after the training course is finished.
Hands-on learning also provides a student with the opportunity to safely make mistakes and learn organically through trial and error. Rather than experimenting when a job is on the line, they can experiment with new ideas and satisfy curiosity at their own natural pace without worrying about damaging an important project. This allows them to practice their critical thinking skills and utilize the knowledge they’ve accumulated during their training program. Humans naturally learn by making mistakes and determining how to either fix or avoid them, and the more times the cycle is repeated, the better a student becomes at meeting those challenges without hesitation. To put it another way, practice makes perfect!
As most recent college graduates learn “the hard way,” life in the real world has very few things in common with life in the classroom. Real-world situations aren’t usually clear-cut or easily solved, a variety of different factors need to be considered and weighed, and sometimes real-world solutions – while they do work – aren’t very tidy. Hands-on learning can help lessen the imbalance between academia and employment by familiarizing students with the environments they’ll be confronted with.
An employer isn’t, for example, likely to hand a worker a document and give them a multiple-choice quiz on it a week later. Far more plausible is a sudden emergency situation that needs to be addressed, with little time to consider options and actions – therein lies the value of the hands-on experience. Such learning exercises can enable a virtual walk-through of actions and reactions, as hypothetical circumstances can be emulated and practiced by imposing time limits. Instructors may also wish to “surprise” students in the form of hands-on exercises, presenting them with unexpected problems and unique materials to work with.
Depending on the length of time spent in a hands-on environment and the complexities of the lessons, students may also be able to list certain experiences on their resume. For example, bullet points such as these could pique the interest of employers that might otherwise pass over a candidate without time “on the job”:
Properly structured, hands-on learning encourages students to think outside of the proverbial box, coaxing them to experiment with and explore the problems, tools, and substances they’ll work with regularly in their chosen careers.
From an educator’s perspective, this learning style also offers a welcome respite from the rote repetition of “book learning” or lecturing. No teacher likes to think about it, lest their teaching confidence slip, but the fact of the matter is that adults do have a limited attention span, even when they’re earnestly trying to pay attention. The sound of an instructor’s voice may become a drone after an hour of class, or the words in a passage of text may blur together as eyes become tired or the thought of lunchtime intrudes. Legs and backs may get restless from sitting in place, and thoughts drift as students become a passive – rather than an active – participant in their classroom experience. Gossip and private conversations can become a distraction as students away from the front row seek alternate stimulation during class hours.
Hands-on learning uproots this tired, traditional classroom instruction, allowing students to move, discuss, interact with, and truly engage with in the lesson. Rather than bored teammates simply waiting for their proverbial turn at bat, they are instead immersed in the actual functional points of the task, figuratively getting their hands dirty with the materials, techniques, and concepts being taught. Rather than a chore – listen, take notes, remember – it becomes that magical organic experience and students retain it the same way they would visiting a museum, or trying a new type of food. It’s interesting, and thus the subject matter becomes easier to recall and more enticing to explore.
No restless legs, no wandering thoughts, no dozing off during class – instead, they get to tackle challenges alongside classmates, delving into a “gamification” structure that encourages – or even directly endorses, depending on the instructor’s techniques – competition as each student attempts to be the first to create a result, or otherwise answer a challenge using their materials.
To receive the most benefits out of this valuable teaching method, students should arrive to each lesson ready to explore the projects and components in front of them. That means:
Hands-on learning is an incredibly powerful tool, but it won’t replace traditional learning entirely. While it’s beneficial to get excited about hands-on sessions in your field of study, don’t neglect reviewing your notes, or collaborating with peers to ensure you understand important concepts. If you feel like you understand your hands-on session well but struggle with test and quiz concepts, be sure to confer with your instructor to bring your learning experience back into balance. Just as all students learn in different core methods, their ideal mix of the three learning methods will vary as well.
Just as employees are directed to work in teams on important job projects, hands-on learning typically incorporates group work as well. To ensure the best experience for all students involved, each participant should be aware of his or her contributions and time spent with materials, stepping back to give others ample experience as well. While it’s normal and understandable to get into a groove while problem-solving a hands-on challenge, if you’re placed in a group, remember that your teammates are counting on you to support them as well.
Hands-on learning is a decidedly personal experience, but it should also be a communal one whenever possible – you’ll need to work well with others in an employment position, after all. Instead of allowing impatience or a competitive streak to spoil the experience, consciously spend time watching how others interact with the same problems you may already know how to solve.
Remember: if you allow your eagerness to get to the hands-on portion of learning eclipse your desire to learn, you could be missing important additional lessons from your classmates’ experiences with hands-on materials. You could even learn a new skill from them. Treat your classmates as part of the hands-on lesson – though not literally, of course. Ask them about their experiences with your mutual materials and tools, and don’t be afraid to ask them to demonstrate techniques they’re particularly skilled with to learn from them.
Hands-on learning is a rewarding way for students to explore, retain, and experiment with all aspects of their chosen field of study, particularly at the collegiate/trade school level of career development and education. The potentials are essentially limitless, and the amount of preparation and confidence this method offers can’t be overstated. Even if a student struggles to pay attention to a spoken lecture or a lengthy text, they could find true academic breakthrough on the other side of a hands-on lesson. The most challenging career fields demand expertise, and one of the best ways to acquire it is to reach out and grab it – quite literally – with hands-on learning.
For more information on NewSchool’s hands-on learning philosophy, and opportunities for design scholarships contact our Enrollment Team!
A career in architecture offers a world of opportunity to those suited for this challenging, yet rewarding occupation. Whether you’re looking to work within the U.S. or abroad, this industry shows unlimited potential, as there is a demand for qualified licensed architects around the globe. Depending on your level of education, area of expertise and professional experience, there are many prospects for advancement that can improve your professional earning potential as well as your rank in the architectural workforce.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require architects to attain their architectural licensure before practicing or soliciting business. Although certain prerequisites may vary by state, the general requirements for licensure include education, experience, examination, and registration. Some institutions offer an integrated path to architecture licensure (IPAL) option to make the process of obtaining licensure easier.
If you’re interested in learning how to attain your architectural license and become a professional licensed architect, there are certain factors you should be aware of when pursuing your education. Besides being proficient in mathematics with a flair for innovation, a successful licensed architect typically possess a variety of other core skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these strengths include but are not limited to:
In this article, we’ll explore the steps required to become a licensed architect, including educational requirements, professional experience, licensure and registration, as well as employment and career outlook and average salary information.
In all states, one of the first steps in becoming a licensed architect is earning a bachelor’s degree. Although most architects earn their degree through a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program, many individuals earn their master’s degree in architecture, which may take one to five additional years. The time required to earn one’s master’s in architecture depends on the extent of the student’s prior educational background and architectural training.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree program’s educational requirements includes course that cover topics such as:
To become an architect, you’ll need to meet your jurisdiction’s education requirement with a bachelor’s degree program. As per the BLS, 35 states currently require that architects hold an undergraduate degree in architecture from one of the 122 schools of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). State licensure requirements can be found at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
After meeting their education requirements, aspiring architects enter the experience phase of licensing, commonly satisfied through professional internships. An intern development program length and experience requirements are set by each jurisdiction, but most states have adopted the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) guidelines for internships.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all states require that a prospective architect-in-training work under a supervising professional architect. Typically, architectural registration boards demand architecture graduates to complete a paid internship (which may last up to three years) before they may take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Most new graduates complete their training period by working at architectural firms through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), a program run by NCARB that was created to guide students through the internship segment. Certain states allow a portion of the training to occur in the offices of related careers, such as general contractors and engineers. Undergrad students who complete internships while still in college can count some of that time towards their 3-year training period.
As an architecture intern, your responsibilities may include assisting in the architectural design and interior decoration phase of a project. More specifically, your experiences might encompass duties such as:
In order to achieve licensed architect status and begin to practice architecture, you will need to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). This multi-part exam not only tests your industry knowledge, but measures your skill sets, overall acumen and expertise in a variety of architectural practices. In addition to the ARE, you may be required to pass state-specific architectural exams. All states require licensure applicants to pass the ARE, with most granting access after the candidate meets the state education requirements of attaining their professional degree.
First, let’s review the prerequisites for the ARE:
Once you’ve been granted ARE access after meeting the state education requirement, you will be qualified to take the exam – however, be prepared to pay $2,000 or more, depending on your location in North America. This exam covers the following aspects of architecture:
Once you’ve passed your exams and successfully completed the professional experience requirements, you may register for an architectural license. Although individual states grant licenses, you can also become licensed in multiple states. In order to maintain or renew your architecture license, you will need to earn continuing education credits each year. While continuing education requirements may vary from state to state, they typically involve additional architecture school education through university classes, workshops, self-study courses, conferences or other sources.
Did You Know…
All states and the District of Columbia require architects to be licensed. Licensing requirements typically include completing a higher education degree program in architecture, gaining relevant experience through a paid internship, and passing the Architect Registration Examination
According to BLS statistics, architects held about 128,800 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of architects were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 68% |
| Self-employed workers | 20% |
| Government | 3% |
| Construction | 2% |
Professional architects spend the majority of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and collaborate with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure clients’ objectives are met and to review the progress of projects. Some architects work from home offices.
Work Schedules: Most working architects work full-time positions, and many work additional hours, particularly when faced with impending deadlines. Self-employed architects typically have more flexible work schedules within this profession.
Due to the continued demand for new structures in the U.S., the BLS anticipated that jobs for architects and architectural services, excluding those of the naval and landscape varieties, would grow 7% between 2014 and 2024. Along with these current industry projections, there is also the benefit of a low unemployment rate (about 5.1%), making the job outlook for working architects even more promising. In addition, the BLS statistics also state the Median Salary for this career path is around $76K with a 1.9% unemployment rate; the lowest 10% earned less than $44,940 and the highest 10% earned over $121,910 and around 1 in 5 were self-employed. Additional data indicated that architects held approximately 112,600 jobs in 2014, with 69% employed in the architectural, engineering and related industries.
As an architect, your job duties may comprise a number of different plan and design elements, including but not limited to the renovation and/or construction of residential dwellings (including private homes and apartment buildings) and commercial offices, with a heavy focus on new retail establishments (i.e., independently-owned stores and chain retailers), along with other types of similar structures. Additionally, growth is expected in school districts and universities nationwide, from building new facilities to the renovation or upgrading of existing buildings. The healthcare industry is also on the rise, with a subsequent need for facility expansion; this is not only due to the population’s increased utilization of healthcare services, but a steady demand for healthcare facilities to house the aging baby-boomer demographic.
Another element of architecture that has garnered an increase in visibility worldwide is the concept known as “green design”, a terminology that describes eco-friendly or sustainable design principles. Although this can include landscape architecture, it mainly refers to an emphasis on an efficient usage of resources – such as water and energy conservation, a reduction in waste and pollution, and utilizing environmentally materials and designs – it’s no wonder green design continues to grow in popularity across multiple platforms. With an ever-increasing concern for the environment, rising energy costs and a need to seek green resources while decreasing our carbon footprint, architects are met with new and innovative challenges to fabricate sustainable designs worldwide.
Due to the recent technological developments and improvements in software, architects can also expect an increase in productivity while enjoying a more streamlined workflow. New and improved applications such as BIM and the latest versions of CADD allow architects to rely less heavily upon drafters, making it easier to share work and other collaborative efforts with contractors, engineers and clients. For those seeking advancement in their career, some firms are willing to cover the expenses required for employees to return to school, including tuition fees and other tangential costs required for continuing education.
After many years of work experience, some architects advance to become architectural and engineering managers. These managers typically coordinate the activities of employees and may work on larger construction projects.
Here are several popular career options within the architecture industry:
In order to become a fully-licensed architect, a student must:
The architectural student needs to earn a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Doctorate of Architecture degree from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Next, all states in the U.S. require a three-year internship at an architectural firm as established through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). Finally, the architect must pass all sections of the ARE in order to be fully licensed in this field.
If you think a career in architecture is right for you, contact our Enrollment Team today. Or if you are interested in one of our related programs, discover how to become a graphic designer here! NewSchool of Architecture & Design is proud to offer many graduate and undergraduate programs to get you started on your path to becoming an architect. We also understand some lifestyles don’t permit people to attend in-person classes, that’s why we make getting an online architecture degree possible.
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