10 Best Schools to Learn 3D Architecture in the US

There are hundreds of schools where you can learn 3D architecture, so choosing just one can be a bit overwhelming. You need a school that offers the best learning opportunities, but how can you make the right choice when plenty of them offer really outstanding programs?

There are many factors to consider, but we’re here to help you narrow down your list. We’ve done the research and found which schools in the US are absolutely the best when it comes to 3D architecture learning possibilities.

Here are the top 10 schools in the US where you can master your 3D architectural design skills, listed in no particular order.

Academy of Art University’s School of Architecture

At the Academy of Art University’s School of Architecture in San Francisco, California, you can enjoy a hands-on learning experience that perfectly prepares you for a career in 3D architecture.

Learning from professional artists and designers, you can develop excellent critical thinking skills, conceptual design thinking skills, fundamental design skills, and an array of other skills that will enable you to gain artistic vision and bring your design ideas to life.

The instructors’ real-world expertise will help you become not only more creative and skilled but also business savvy so that you can seamlessly transition between your education and career.

This school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, is one of the most prominent schools of architecture in the US. It’s a private school that offers both undergraduate and graduate architecture programs. As a matter of fact, this is the only Ivy League department where you can get a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

At Cornell AAP, you can gain truly extraordinary 3D architectural design skills. The programs are held by extremely talented and experienced practitioners and influential theorists with remarkable expertise in the field. There’s a reason why this school of architecture has been at the top of every list of top schools for years now.

Cal Poly University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design

The Cal Poly University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design in San Luis Obispo, California, is yet another excellent choice for undergraduate and graduate studies in architecture. It’s highly competitive and consistently ranks among the best architecture schools in the US.

This public school stands out due to its hands-on, project-based learning environment that enables students to think both critically and creatively. Thanks to that environment, students are able to apply their knowledge and skills during their education and bring them to perfection.

Syracuse University’s School of Architecture

The School of Architecture at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on blending art with technology to help students develop 3D architectural design skills that clients seek and expect.

At this private school, you can utilize state-of-the-art computer technology and equipment to gain proper skills for your future career. What’s more, the school features an architecture reading room and an in-house supply store to further assist its students in reaching excellence.

This is one of the oldest schools of architecture in the nation, and one that has never faltered when it comes to providing the most distinguished architecture programs that birth true leaders in the field.

Rice University’s School of Architecture

The School of Architecture at Rice University in Houston, Texas, is a private school that has one of the smallest departments for earning a professional degree in architecture. Both undergraduate and graduate programs allow about 200 students to enroll, which allows the expert instructors at the school to provide undivided attention to each and every student.

The graduates of this school pack remarkable knowledge and skills in four areas, including history/theory, design studio, technology, and practice. They’re fully prepared to instantly step into the world of 3D architecture and put their knowledge into practice.

Virginia Tech University’s School of Architecture and Design

The School of Architecture and Design at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a public school offering both undergraduate and graduate opportunities for aspiring architects. It focuses on challenging students to reach their highest potential by teaching them the standards of excellence in the field of architectural design.

Here the students can embrace the duality of education and practice. They can take both a measurable and immeasurable approach to architecture to better grasp the design, and understand how its development through history has an impact on modern architecture. This learning model enables the school to breed true leaders in 3D architecture.

MIT School of Architecture and Planning

MIT has been a top choice for a huge number of students looking to get an education of the highest quality in the US. It’s one of the best schools not only in the country but also across the world.

You really can’t go wrong with MIT, especially when looking for the best 3D architecture possibilities. In fact, MIT was the first-ever architecture university in the country.

MIT School of Architecture and Planning in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has an outstanding department of architecture. There are five research areas to choose from, including an exceptional architectural design program.

You can get both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at this school, where only a handful of students can enroll. This helps all the students get the necessary education while providing and receiving valuable feedback that inspires them to reach excellence.

UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design

The UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design is yet another one of the most prominent architecture schools not only in the US but also in the entire world. Its department of architecture enables the students to dive into independent design and come up with award-winning creations.

The professors make sure that the students have all the necessary knowledge regarding aesthetic, technical, and cultural elements necessary for turning them into fantastic designers with great critical and creative thinking skills.

Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design

The department of architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is yet another brilliant choice for aspiring architects. If you want to dig into the most creative approaches to 3D architectural design, this school might be perfect for you.

It’s a diverse community of experts that encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas, enabling you to learn from the best in the industry. Harvard is definitely one of the best places to gain the knowledge and skills you need, especially since it continually implements design innovations.

Rhode Island School of Design

The Rhode Island School of Design’s architecture department in Providence, Rhode Island, offers a great Bachelor’s degree program, and several Master’s degree programs to choose from.

This private school of architecture teaches students to come up with a personal approach to architectural design through discussions, collaboration, reflection, inquiry, and invention. It’s a very rewarding school that inspires its students and encourages them to insert imagination into every single design.

Each of these architecture schools is certain to exceed your expectations. You can’t go wrong with any of them, as they are some of the finest schools not only in the US but also in the world.