How to Find the Best School for Architecture

How to Find the Best School for Architecture Hundreds of colleges and universities offer classes in architecture and related fields. How do you choose the best architecture school? What is the best training for you to become an architect? Here are some resources and advice from the experts. Types of Architecture Degrees Many different paths can take you toward an Architecture degree. One route is to enroll in a 5-year Bachelor or Master of Architecture program. Or, you can earn a bachelors degree in another field such as mathematics, engineering, or even art. Then go on to graduate school for a 2- or 3-year Masters degree in Architecture. These different paths each have advantages and disadvantages. Consult with your academic advisers and teachers. Architecture School Ranks With so many schools to choose from, where do you begin? Well, you can look at manuals such as Americas Best Architecture Design Schools, which evaluate schools according to a variety of criteria. Or, you can check general rankings of college and university programs. But beware of these reports! You may have interests that arent reflected in school ranks and statistics. Before you choose an architecture school, think closely about your personal needs. Where do you want to practice? How important is a diverse, international student population? Compare world rankings with country rankings, analyze the design and technology of school websites, study curricula, visit a few prospective schools, attend free and open lectures, and talk to people who have attended there. Americas Best Architecture Design SchoolsAcademic Ranking of World UniversitiesThe Times Higher Education World University RankingsQuacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings Accredited Architecture Programs To become a licensed architect, youll need to meet the educational requirements established in your state or country. In the USA and Canada, requirements can be met by completing an architecture program that has been approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). Remember that architecture programs are accredited for professional licensing, and schools and universities are accredited as educational institutions. Accreditation such as WASC may be an important accreditation for a school, but it does not meet the educational requirements for an architecture program or professional licensing. Before you enroll in an architecture course, always make sure that it meets the criteria established by the country where you plan to live and work. Find Accredited Architecture ProgramsAssociation of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Architecture Training Programs Many fascinating careers related to architecture do not require a degree from an accredited architecture program. Perhaps you would like to work in drafting, digital design, or home design. A technical school or an art school may be the ideal place to pursue your education. Online search engines can help you locate both accredited and non-accredited architecture programs anywhere in the world. Schools for Art and DraftingFind Architecture ClassesArchitecture-Related Careers Architecture Internships Regardless of the school you select, eventually youll need to obtain an internship and receive specialized training outside the classroom. In the USA and many other parts of the world, an internship lasts about 3-5 years. During that time, you will earn a small salary and be supervised by licensed registered pros. At the completion of your internship period, youll need to take and pass a registration exam (the ARE in the USA). Passing this exam is your final step toward obtaining a license to practice architecture. Architecture is historically and traditionally learned by apprenticeships- working with other people is important in learning the trade and vital in being professionally successful. A young Frank Lloyd Wright started out working with Louis Sullivan; both Moshe Safdie and Renzo Piano apprenticed with Louis Kahn. Often an internship or apprenticeship is chosen specifically to learn more about a specialty. Intern Development Program (IDP)About Student Internships Study Architecture on the Web Online courses can be a useful introduction to architectural studies. By taking interactive architecture classes on the Web, you can learn basic principles and possibly even earn credits toward a degree in architecture. Experienced architects may also turn to online classes to expand their knowledge. However, before you can earn a degree from an accredited architecture program, youll need to attend seminars and participate in design studios. If you cant attend classes full-time, look for universities that combine online courses with weekend seminars, summer programs, and on-the-job training. Read the blogs of architects such as Bob Borson- his Design Studio: Top 10 Things you should know helps us understand the design process in a learning environment. Online Architecture ProgramsFree Online Architecture ClassesDiscuss: Online Education for Architects Architecture Scholarships The long progress toward a degree in architecture will be expensive. If youre in school right now, ask your guidance counselor for information about student loans, grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and scholarships. Check scholarship listings published by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Most importantly, ask to meet with a financial aid adviser at your chosen college. Ask For Help Ask professional architects about the type of training they recommend and how they got their start. Read about the lives of professionals, such as French architect Odile Decq: I had this idea when I was a teenager, but I thought at the time that to be an architect, you had to be very good at sciences, and you have to be a man - that it was a very male dominated field. I thought about art decoratif [decorative arts], but to do that I had to go to Paris, and my parents didnt want me to go to the city because I was a young girl and could get lost. So they asked me to go to the main capital in Bretagne where I am from, which is near Rennes, and studied art history for one year. There, I started to discover through meeting students in the school of architecture that I could have done my studies in architecture realizing its not obligatory to be good at math or science, and that it was not only for men but women too. So I passed the exam to enter the school, I applied for the school and succeeded. So, I started like that.- Odile Decq Interview, January 22, 2011, designboom, July 5, 2011 [accessed July 14, 2013] Searching for the right school can be both exciting and terrifying. Take time to dream, but also consider practical considerations such as location, finances, and the general atmosphere of the school. As you narrow down your choices, feel free to post questions in our discussion forum. Perhaps someone who has recently graduated can offer a few tips. Good luck! Discuss: Becoming an Architect Later in LifeDiscuss: Which University Should I Apply To? Flexible Programs and Distance Learning There are many ways to become an architect. Although you probably wont be able to earn a degree entirely through online coursework, some colleges do offer flexible programs. Look for accredited architecture programs that offer some online coursework, weekend seminars, summer programs, and credit for on-the-job training. Discuss: Becoming an Architect Later in Life Special Needs Beware of rankings. You may have interests that arent reflected in statistical reports. Before you choose an architecture school, think closely about your personal needs. Send away for catalogs, visit a few prospective schools, and talk to people who have attended there. Questions to Ask Schools of Architecture

Credit Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Credit Crisis - Essay Example What most people understand is that greedy banks encouraged people to take out loans that they could not afford to pay, and now they are looking at a windfall of foreclosures since the people are falling way behind their mortgages. What completely befuddles everyone is the fact that how can a singular unit of the mortgage business cause so much chaos How could the whole subprime mortgage business send stock markets plummeting, leave Bear Stearns in ruins, and send the country's economy into a rapid downward spiral Apparently, the confusion is not limited to consumers alone. Even seasoned financial and investment professionals are seemingly in the dark as well. It seems that the financial crisis has shown Wall Street habitus several hitherto unheard of instruments. A good example would be a "liquidity put", a contract so obscure that even the best analysts in the industry had never heard of it. As it is, the housing crisis traces its beginnings roughly a decade ago when real estate seemed like a real steal. Conditions were favorable - an influx of global investments into the mortgage business made it very easy to get a housing loan. The suddenly flush marketplace had mortgage rates plunging, and numerous new innovations were introduced to entice more buyers. The problem was, these same investors were demanding higher... These loans would offer low initial rates as a come-on, and would later saddle homeowners with significantly higher rates as the loan progressed. These investments were then put together into the formerly obscure "Collateralized Debt Obligation" - a highly leveraged instrument which promised big gains and came with tremendously high risk. Simply put, these investors were making $100 million bets with only $1 million of their own money. If their investment rose to $101 million, they earned $1 million. The risk involved was very high, and the peculiar thing was so many institutions ended up getting a piece of it because the U.S. housing market seemed like a sure thing. For instance, banks apparently sold very complex insurance policies on the mortgage debt. With so many parties involved, it is no surprise that once the bubble burst everyone was on the hook. Hence the freefall that has embroiled the financial markets for nearly a year now. Personally, I feel that it would be helpful for people to be well-informed about the housing crisis. It is one of the most pertinent and talked-about topics of the day, and yet it seems that oftentimes people do not know the real score. This is a very serious issue with potentially serious repercussions, and knowing what precisely is going on would be a tremendous plus in making better informed fiscal decisions in the future. As the article conceded however, given the complexity of the financial instruments involved this may be easier said than done. If Wall Street professionals are having a hard time with it, everyone else may be hard-pressed to know what a "liquidity put"

Black Segregation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Black Segregation - Essay Example In the year 1954 the Court of United States pronounced its verdict as concerns the landmark case of Brown v. Board where it provided that the racial segregation of children based on the rule of â€Å"separate but equal† as directed by the provision of the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson that was later overturned was considered as an infringement of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court hence declared the separate educational facilities as essentially unequal and unconstitutional. The ruling on Brown v. Board of Education case helped to combat the activities of the state in funding and facilitating aspects of segregation that had been corroding the ethical codes of the society. It also served to give the civil movement groups a voice and motivation to fight for the rights and privileges of the discriminated groups (Renzulli, 2006). In history, the root cause for the segregation of blacks and whites in America dates back to the mid 19th century. It primarily began with the passage of Jim Crow laws after the Reconstruction Era ended. These laws were largely common among the southern states but later spread to regions of the Southwest. The separation was primarily ascribed to various aspects of public life as well as in learning institutions and other public facilities and resources. Jim Crow laws hence prohibited blacks from sharing schools, churches, restaurants and other public amenities with their white counterparts. The Supreme Court of America in the ruling on Plessy v consequently upheld this law.

Kaiser Wilhelm II and The First World War Essay Example for Free

Kaiser Wilhelm II and The First World War Essay The British postcard illustrates Kaiser Wilhelm II in a bath, where he is about to grab a bar of soap labelled Europe, with a caption quoting He wont be happy till he gets it. This suggests he is willing to use force to capture Europe. Wilhelm is wearing a military helmet and has a greedy expression on his face, which gives us the impression he is willing to fight for what he wants. Sources B and C both differ, but both of them agree that Wilhelms attitude towards the war was very violent. In source B, Wilhelms speech seems to be taken over by his emotions: anger, aggression, passion and lots of determination. He refers to certain phrases such as take no prisoners, must be destroyed and ruthless violence. Words such as these show us that he wants trouble. However in source C, there is more talk of peace. It seems to be a more subdued and more thoughtful speech. I was always a supporter of peace. But then he goes on to say how peace has its limits. And he can no longer just look on, but must draw the sword! This giving the final conclusion that Kaisers attitude towards the war has not changed since 1900 although he has become more diplomatic. This postcard may be biased, as the British whom were about to go to war with him produced it. Britain wanted to portray him in as much negative light as possible, therefore this postcard might not be truthful. But using my own knowledge, I know that Kaiser Wilhelm II was an aggressive man who came from an aggressive country and to control Europe was his sole ambition. Also, Britain was aware of Wilhelms objectives and to some extent holds him responsible for the Moroccan Crises. They therefore have a good reason to portray him in this way. The Kaiser was a warmonger and caused the Great War. The evidence given in the sources supports this statement and also disagrees with it. Source A clearly supports this view. The cartoon shows Wilhelm greedily snatching Europe, along with the war helmet, which indicates war. Source B backs this statement too. There is no sign of peaceful man in his speech. In this he says he wants Germans to acquire a similar reputation as Attilas Huns did in the fifth century. Attila was the King of the German tribe the Huns who ravaged Eastern Europe. But there is talk of peace in his later speech (1913), although this hopeful thought is dampened by the indications of war Must draw the sword. However, using my own knowledge I know that the Great War was not only the fault of Wilhelms, there was many other reasons. In my opinion, rivalries were the main factor, which brought about the First World War. Without rivalries, no one would have a cause to start a war. There were many rivalries; Britain and Germany; France and Germany; Austria-Hungary and Russia and Serbia and Austria. These rivalries helped to cause war between the powers of Europe because they all wanted to fight for one reason or another. Another factor was alliances. With alliances, everyone was dragged into war, whether they liked it or not. In this case, it couldnt be avoided. And lastly, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand was the catalyst. This gave Austria a perfect opportunity to declare war on Serbia. With this, Austria and Serbia were at war along with their allies. It caused great destruction as most countries were involved. This is proof that the Kaiser did not cause the Great War, as you need two countries to have a war. Cause the war he did not, but a warmonger he may be.

Destruction through Imagery and Theme in The English Patient Essay

Destruction through Imagery and Theme in The English Patient The imagery in Michael Ondaatje's novel The English Patient serves to illustrate the theme of destruction in this novel. The setting of the novel as well as the characters themselves present to the reader a vivid picture of demolition. Critics also find that Ondaatje's imagery is a vital element in the presentation of this theme. The English Patient is set at the end of World War II in a war-ravaged Italian village. Ondaatje gives vivid descriptions of the damage the village sustained due to the war: As the hill town began to be torn apart like a battle ship at sea, by fire shells, the troops moved from the barrack tents in the orchard into the now crowded bedrooms of the old nunnery. Sections of the chapel were blown up. Parts of the top storey of the villa crumbled under the explosions. (12) Ondaatje's detailed and memorable description completes his picture of the county side. "Dead cattle. Horses shot dead, half eaten. People hanging upside down from bridges" (Ondaatje 19). This elaborate a...

Hardware and Software Selection Paper Essay

Technology plays a very important role in businesses because it helps make things so much easier as far as recording the information, create financial statements, and account management. Thus, computer hardware is what the companies use for data storage, and software packages are the tools businesses use to help the business run faster and easier. There are different types of hardware and software that the companies have to choose wisely to fit and benefit their businesses. It is important to have the hardware that help the company store, organize, manipulate, and update the amount of business information with the assistance of database management programs because the company would use the programs to keep track with its customers, employees, suppliers, and inventory. Also, the most important is that the programs allow the accountants and accounting clerks keep track and maintain with the company’s financial reports, and the programs allow them to manage the payrolls as well a s the account receivable and account payable to avoid error financial reports and tax returns. Riordan AIS Integration and End-User Information Access Technology plays a very important role in all types of businesses because it helps the organizations get things done must fast, easy, and secure. It also allows the organizations to maintenance their businesses as well as keep track with the clients or consumers. Thus, many organizations use hardware to record the company’s information, they also use the computer software as a method to protect their computers against hackers attack and other Internet treats. However, there are certain people in different level allow  having access to the information, and the people who need access to the information would be the accountants (general and supervisors), accounting clerks, director of accounting and finance, the president, CEO, CFO, and COO. The accounting clerks needs to access to the information to edit or enter payments, billings, and adjustment of credit or debit for the business, and they also need to access to the General Ledger and Month end reports to ensure all the inf ormation is corrected to avoid future problems. Also, the general accountant and accounting supervisors need to view the reports to ensure the accounting clerks complete their tasks by enter all the information before month end. Once all the information are entered the director of accounting and finance would access to review the reports or edit them if needed to ensure that the finance are corrected such as Account Payable and Credit, and they will base on the information and number on the reports to make best decisions for the business. On the other hand, the president, CEO, CFO, and COO would access to the entire system to review all the reports such as month end reports and payment reports in order to see if the company is making or losing money. The bottom line would show that either the company is making profits or losing money and which areas. It is important for the reports to be accurate because the management would base on the information shows on these reports to make best decision for the business as well as the compan y. Riordan AIS Integration and Internal Controls Integrating the accounts receivable accounting process into an automated system requires specific internal controls to protect the company against fraud and theft. An efficient control system will protect the confidence of information, quickly identify errors, and remove the opportunity of compromise. Setting controls should also ensure the accuracy of data entered into the accounts receivable ledger, ensure a segregation of duties, and promote a timely presentation of financial reports in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act, the company must ensure the integrity of all financial information. To determine the effectiveness of an automated accounts receivable process a system must be put in place to monitor it. Written control policies must be developed for all employees with access to  automated systems or relative information. There must be a set protocol implemented for all activities. Management must be familiar with and closely monitor daily activities. Infogix, Inc. is a software company that helps businesses to monitor and analyze information. Independent, automated controls are implemented to monitor information from beginning to end. Infogix controls make sure that all activities comply with COBIT, all transactions are validated, and subsequently compliance costs are reduced. AIS Integration and Reporting Processes Enterprise integration of centralized accounting information system (â€Å"AIS†) at Riordan Manufacturing, Inc. (â€Å"Riordan†) brings a number of challenges with respect to reporting processes. Previously, Riordan’s various AIS deployed in regional offices â€Å"[have] been unable to achieve anything remotely resembling ‘seamless compatibility'† (Apollo Group, Inc., 2013, Riordan—Finance Overview, para. 5), with a corresponding lack of information portability and accessibility between offices. A centralized data warehouse for Riordan allows all regional offices to enter and store accounts receivable data in uniform data tables and procedures, permitting more easily comprehended data in nearly real-time accessibility. This enhanced data storage capacity also requires enhanced information reporting processes, with sufficiently powerful and flexible hardware and software packages to meet the complex and diverse needs of Riordan’s central administration and its many regional offices. Hardware Proposals Riordan’s multiple regional offices present a diverse requirement in terms of hardware needs. Most office workers will find their tasks sufficiently satisfied with standard personal computers, without requiring much customization by the organization aside from adherence to security protocol. Many sales and executive staff will require far more complex and diverse hardware packages in their work. Laptop computers allow nearly all capabilities of a personal computer in a more portable device, but may yet be too bulky when literally on the move. To this end, tablet computers and smart-phones allow access to the Internet and thus—with the proper credentials and software—sufficient accessibility to organizational information systems and communication networks. However, a balance must be  found between convenience and cost-effectiveness in terms of actual hardware selection in these circumstances. Reporting Software Proposals Two powerful pieces of software for business reporting purposes are Crystal Reports and Business Objects. According to the marketing department of its publisher, Crystal Reports is â€Å"powerful, user-friendly applications †¦ [that] can help you deliver key insights to the right decision maker, at the right time, in the right format† (SAP, 2014, para. 1). This sort of software is a SQL programming tool to design and produce custom, automated reports from a variety of data sources in an organizational information system. The program engine may also be integrated into custom designed data entry and reporting software packages from other third-party vendors, allowing these powerful reports to be easily incorporated into packages custom designed to meet the organization’s informational needs. AIS Integration with Company Internet and Intranet Portals The company’s intranet should have information that allows employees to be more knowledgeable about the company. It should include items such as an employee directory; benefit plan details; structural information regarding the company; the company’s mission statement, goals, and objectives; and request forms for supplies and processes. Although detailed information regarding Accounts Receivable would not be shared on the Intranet, the large picture of the financial information for the company should be on the Intranet for employees to view. This could include quarterly financial reports, with the total accounts receivable amount integrated into the report. This would allow employees to feel empowered by knowing how the company is handling money. It also gives employees a feeling of contentment knowing that they are secure in their organization. In conclusion, it is important for the company to choose the best hardware and software to fit and benefit the company to ensur e that it aids the business as well as creating the financial reports and keep track with its customers. References Apollo Group, Inc. (2013). Virtual organizations portal—Riordan—Company intranet—Homepage. Retrieved from: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/VOP/Business/Riordan/index.asp Apollo Group, Inc. (2013). Virtual organizations portal—Riordan—Company intranet—Finance overview. Retrieved from: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/VOP/Business/Riordan/Finance/Overview.asp Bagranoff, N. A., Norman, C. S., Simkin, M. G. (2008). Core concepts of accounting information systems (10th ed.). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Retrieved from University of Phoenix ACC/340—Accounting Information Systems—Course Materials. SAP.com (2014) Empower your small business with SAP Crystal Reports. Retrieved from: http://www.sap.com/solution/sme/software/analytics/crystal-reports/index.html

Definition and Examples of Polyptoton in Rhetoric