The skills that architects acquire during their degree program are generally applicable across all domains, but some architects may choose to specialize in a particular type of construction. Some examples of these specializations include hospitals, schools, office buildings, or residential buildings.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 to 5 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete

For most states, architecture students must hold an accredited degree through the National Architectural Accrediting Board, but often individual states have their own accrediting standards; therefore, students will want to make sure they have a good understanding of what is required in the state in which they intend to work. The bachelor's degree is the minimal requirement to work as an architect.

After students graduate from college with their initial bachelor's degree, they typically work for three years of training before they are able to take the certification, which is required in every state. Typically, this period of training after graduation is called the internship and during this period, graduates are not called architects until they have taken and passed their license exam.

Every state requires architects to be licensed through the National Architectural Accrediting Board, but each state has its own unique set of rules for becoming licensed, so it is vital that the student understand the various rules when it comes to sitting for the exam. On average, students are expected to have an internship of three years postgraduation before they can take the examination and become licensed. This gives the graduate a long enough period to gain the needed experience and make sure it is a career they wish to continue. (BLS)

The earnings for licensed architects with bachelor's degree earned $53,480 to $91,870 annually in 2008. Salary differs based on demographics, experience, and the company in which the graduate works. The highest paid architects earned more than $119,220 in 2008, which were most likely composed of those with advanced degrees working in management positions. The amount the graduate makes depends on the number of years of experience, their licensure, and education level. (BLS)

The job outlook for architects is expected to be excellent for the next several years. While competition is expected to increase, the job growth is expected to hover around 16 percent through the year 2018. Since there will be a good deal of competition, architects need to have a solid and professional portfolio before they begin applying for the larger and prestigious firms. Because the population in the United States continues to increase in the sunbelt area, which includes states from Florida to California, the need for architects in these regions will spur the job growth. (BLS)

Engineers find and develop a variety of solutions for consumer needs. They must possess an advanced capacity for both technology and creativity in order to develop and design sound technical solutions. Typically, engineers are involved in almost all aspects of the project, from the designing stage through the maintenance stage.

Computer aided design, or CAD, is another related career, but drafters are the ones who create various designs using computer software such as AutoCAD and often work alongside architects as part of a team to create a variety drawings for buildings, parks, and homes, to name a few. These professionals must be skilled in computers since most, if not all, of their work is accomplished within various computer software programs.

Interior Design professionals are concerned with the interior of buildings rather than the actual outside of the buildings. Interior designers work for individuals as well as large corporations to make the inside space appealing, functional, and safe for those who inhabit the space. Designers work with a variety of colors, lighting, furniture, and window treatments to make the most out of inside space. Interior designers often work with individuals who live or work in small spaces and want to make the best use out of the space they have.

A career in visual communications requires that professionals use their creativity along with a variety of tools -- namely, the computer -- to get their message across visually. Those with a visual communications degree often work as illustrators, animators, and graphic designers.