University of Oregon

My architectural training and degree has been an incredibly valuable and worthwhile investment. Architecture allows students to utilize both the left and right brain equally, studying everything from physics to art history, while simultaneously developing profound critical thinking skills. Architecture trains students in the intangibles that the professional world is looking for; creative thinking, complex problem solving, collaborative work skills, and the ability to communicate your ideas. It is... Read More also a strong signifier of hard work and intellect. You simply cannot make it through a program without both. The University of Oregon's Architecture program is well balanced - there is focus both on the conceptual and practical side of creating meaningful architecture. This balance is both its strength and weakness, as the downside is that it is not the best in either. However, the dual focus offers students a solid foundation to walk into a firm upon completion. It is a rigorous program that is appropriately demanding. You will not see the rest of campus, your courses will mostly be determined for you, and you will live in the architecture studios. It will be your life. But, it is worth it. With the little bit of time that you will have, Eugene can be a great place to spend your college years. There is access to endless outdoor activities, a thriving social and sports scene, and a faculty that feels committed to the work, but that still enjoys life outside the University. Eugene can feel isolated, with Portland a two-hour drive away. Both lack significant diversity, and embrace the causal west coast vibe, but you can find many people with open minds. My time at UO, and my architectural degree, set me up to successfully complete a master's degree, and now a Ph.D. I would recommend both UO and the architecture program.

The University of Oregon's architecture program was significant in my understanding of and development in sustainable architecture. I highly recommend the program to students and aspiring architects hoping to practice this type of architecture. It should be noted that throughout the education at the school, the sustainability aspects are very much integrated and embedded in all of the courses and work. It may seem at times that the school barely touches on the popular ideas of what sustainable architecture... Read More looks like, but, really, the school teaches an advanced concept of sustainability, one significantly tied to questions about society, equity, the economy, and culture.