Being an architect is a tough job. There are lots of different specializations within architecture, but none of them seem to agree on what being an architect actually means. This can be quite frustrating as there are people who have limited architectural knowledge trying to determine if they should pursue this career path or not!

Fortunately for you, we have compiled some information about how many years it takes to become an architect in Canada. So whether you’re looking into this profession as a professional student, aspiring practitioner, or just curious about the field, read on to find out!

Disclaimer

The content in this article represents the author’s opinion and thoughts. It is not intended to represent the official position of University of Toronto, The Architectural Association (UTA), nor DHI Group Inc. As such, the material in this article may contain errors and/or omissions, which will be corrected in a future version of the article.

This article was last updated in March 2020 and will remain up until at least April 2021.

Four years

After earning your bachelor’s degree in architecture, you can choose to pursue one of several professional degrees in the field. These include the Architectural Technology (ATP) Degree, which is usually completed in two years; or Master of Science in Architecture (MSA), typically taking three to five years to complete. Both programs are considered pre-professional education, so no license is given after completing either program!

These courses focus more on theory than practical applications, but they do give you an excellent background in the basics of designing buildings. For example, you will learn about proportion, structure, materials, and function, among other concepts. Since most architects have at least some basic knowledge of these things, it is helpful for getting employment as an architect.

There are also many additional certificates and degrees that can be attained once you have earned your bachelors in architectural design. Some examples include Certificate Programs like Interior Design, Environmental Graphic Design, Landscape Architecture, etc., and Professional Degrees such as Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Educational Specialist Certification, and Doctorate Degrees like Phd in Education or EdD in Higher Learning Management Systems.

Five years

In order to be licensed as an architect in Canada, you must first earn your bachelor’s degree in architecture. Most universities offer either two or three-year degrees in architecture. Programs can vary in length significantly depending on how much flexibility students are given and what level of expertise they need at that time.

Some courses may focus more on theory (like design principles and art history) while others may include more practical applications (like interior decoration or urban planning). Some students may also have access to academic facilities like computer labs that help them produce professional grade designs.

Five years seems like a very long time if you're someone who is passionate about designing buildings but some people take even longer than that! If you want to become an architect, don't worry about other architects being able to accept you because of your license — most likely there are ways to get around this.

Six years

After earning your bachelor’s degree in architecture, you can choose to go into one of several different fields. Some examples include interior design which focuses more on decoration and space organization, landscape architecting which is focused on nature and sustainability, or urban planning which is designing cities for growth and change.

Seven years

In order to be licensed as an architect in Canada, you will need to have at least seven years since graduating high school (usually referred to as your “college” grade). Most universities require students to show proof that they completed at least three courses within their architectural field for this credit.

Students can choose to take only one course per semester or several depending on how fast they are able to progress. For instance, if a student is taking two courses per semester, then it would take them half the time to complete both courses!

Architects must also pass exams given by either The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), The Canadian Association of Architects (CAA) or both! These tests vary from year to year but overall consistency is needed to keep ones license active.

Overall, architects work with drawings, mathematics, physics, psychology, organization, design, and construction. All of these areas play important roles in shaping buildings and environments.

Eight years

While most bachelors in architecture have three to five years under their belt, eight is not out of reach for anyone. Most schools require at least an associate’s degree so you can test your feet as an architect before pursuing a bachelor’s. Some even offer a general studies track that doesn’t necessarily focus on specific fields like interior or exterior design. This way you can explore all areas of architecture while developing your skills in others!

Most employers look more favorably on candidates with at least a bachelor’s than those who are still in school, so don’t feel discouraged if you aren’t immediately hired upon graduation. Keep learning and growing your portfolio, and hopefully something will come up soon!

Architecture is a lucrative career, offering adequate compensation that depends on both your skill level and area of practice. There are many ways to become successful beyond just practicing law by representing clients or working in finance by giving financial advice.

Nine years

An architectural degree is typically anywhere between three to nine years depending on how many degrees you have under your belt and what field you are trying to break into. With that being said, most students enter into an architecture program in their sophomore year. Some specialties require even more time so it depends on which area you choose to study.

Architects must be trained in several areas such as interior design (designing rooms and buildings), landscape design (gardening and horticulture!), urban planning, engineering, mathematics, physics, psychology, marketing, business, writing, and others.

Most people start working as architects at the associate level which means they do not have enough experience to work directly under someone with much higher qualifications. The average architect has their own company and supervisors who train them as they go along.

These supervisors may include other professionals like engineers or designers, just dependent on what area of architecture they are teaching. They are also paid well because architects make very good money due to the hard workers nature. Most employers will pay close attention to whether you show up on time every day and if you keep yourself organized.

Ten years

A bachelor’s degree in architecture is typically completed in four to five years, but some students take longer depending on their career goals. Most architectural schools offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The number of years for an undergraduate program depends on which school you go to and what area of the field you want to focus on.

Most universities have teaching assistantships that pay living expenses and education tuition while you are studying. These can last anywhere from one semester to several years, so it is important to be aware of how much money you will have coming in as soon as possible!

In addition to paying your bills, studies show that being well-educated helps increase income later in life. Being educated about art, design, and building concepts makes you more marketable as a professional. If you are ever looking to start your own business or develop your talent as a designer, this is valuable knowledge.

General courses like mathematics, science, and writing help with academic success and developing skills. Because architects need to know math and geometry beyond high school level classes, most colleges require at least two units in each before entrance into the major.

Architecture is also a creative subject matter, so learning other arts like painting, sculpture, and designing analogies is important.

More than ten years

In fact, it is very difficult to find anyone who does not have at least a bachelor’s degree in architecture. This includes those with no college education or who are still attending school!

There was a time when an architect didn’t need a four-year degree to be considered professional, but now even people with high degrees can feel that their professional stature is being questioned.

It seems like every day there is news about another famous architect being accused of sexual misconduct, racial discrimination, or other forms of bad behavior. These allegations often make it into the media due to someone filming the alleged incidents or hearing about them second hand.

As architects we see ourselves as professionals so this effect on our image is quite serious. It impacts how willing people will go to work for us, how much business we will get, and overall confidence in the profession.

This is why having a bachelor’s degree is such a big deal. It sets you apart from the rest and gives you a solid foundation to build off of. People may think that since you don’t have a master’s degree that you can’t handle yourself professionally, but the opposite is true - they know that you have your life invested in the field.

Furthermore, many employers require at least a bachelor's degree before giving you employment opportunities.