Postsecondary Architecture Teachers
Overview
Architecture teachers at colleges and universities guide the next generation of architects by teaching design principles, building techniques, and architectural history. They create course materials, grade student projects, and help students plan their academic journey toward becoming licensed architects. These educators use cutting-edge design software, virtual reality tools, and hybrid teaching methods to bring architectural concepts to life. Many also conduct research on sustainable building practices and urban planning, contributing new knowledge to the field while mentoring future designers.

Did you know?
Most American universities require a Master's or PhD in Architecture plus professional licensure to teach accredited architecture programs.
At a Glance
$88,776.67 Avg/yr
Median Wage
Stable
Growth
Systems Evaluation
Top Skill
Key Responsibilities
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Evaluate and grade students' work, including work performed in design studios.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as architectural design methods, aesthetics and design, and structures and materials.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree and Licensure Requirements
Most American universities require a Master's or PhD in Architecture plus professional licensure to teach accredited architecture programs.
NAAB Accreditation Compliance
Faculty must help maintain National Architectural Accrediting Board standards, which directly impacts program credibility and student eligibility for licensure.
Competitive Academic Job Market
Limited positions exist at the approximately 120 NAAB-accredited programs nationwide, making competition intense for tenure-track roles.