In Texas, various architecture schools offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field. These schools provide students with the chance to study in a state with a rich cultural and architectural history.
Many of the programs in Texas are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and give students a solid foundation in design, technology, history, and theory.
Furthermore, many of the schools offer students the chance to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and research projects.
To become an architect, you have various educational options. Texas schools offer both a 5-6 year professional Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program and a 4-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Architecture program.
B.Arch programs can qualify you for licensure and work as an architect, while B.S. in Architecture can qualify you for a professional master’s degree program in architecture.
These graduate programs can take 1 year for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in the field and 3 years for those with a different bachelor’s degree, both lead to licensure as an architect.
Top 10 Best Architecture Schools In Texas (2025)
1. Rice University
Rice University is a top choice for those seeking a degree in general architecture. As a medium-sized private, not-for-profit university located in Houston, Rice holds a national ranking of 23rd out of 2,241 colleges, making it a highly reputable institution.
In the most recent year for which data is available, 18 students graduated with a degree in general architecture from Rice University. These graduates earned $8,368 more than the average architecture graduate.
2. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin, located in Austin, is a highly-ranked public university with a large student population.
It is an excellent choice for students interested in general architecture. The university ranks 52nd out of 2,241 schools nationwide in the Best Colleges ranking.
In the most recent year for which data is available, 108 students graduated with a degree in General Architecture from UT Austin.
Graduates of this major at UT Austin earn an average of $7,112 more than graduates with the same degree when they enter the workforce.
3. Texas A&M University – College Station
Texas A&M University – College Station is an excellent choice for a degree in general architecture. Located in College Station, a midsize city, it is a public university with a large student population and a Best Colleges rank of #55 out of 2,241 nationwide.
At Texas A&M College Station, 157 students graduated with a degree in general architecture in the most recent year of available data. These graduates reported an average early career income of $46,913.
4. University of Houston
The University of Houston, located in Houston, is a top choice for students interested in studying general architecture. As a public university with a significant student population, it ranks 12th among 116 schools in Texas for overall quality.
In the most recent year for which data is available, 89 students graduated with a degree in General Architecture from the University of Houston. These graduates can expect to earn approximately $3,444 more than the average earnings of General Architecture majors.
5. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech, a large public university located in Lubbock, has been ranked 212 out of 2,241 schools nationwide by Best Colleges, making it a highly reputable institution.
In the most recent year with available data, about 163 students graduated from the university’s general architecture program. Graduates of this program typically earn an early career salary of around $41,998.
6. The University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington, a public university located in the city of Arlington, has a large student population and ranks 13th for overall quality among Texas schools.
In the most recent year for which data is available, 80 students graduated with a degree in general architecture. Graduates of the architecture program have an early career salary of around $49,143.
7. Baylor University
At Baylor University, students can earn a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. The university is a large, private, non-profit institution located in a midsize city. In 2020, 1 student graduated with a degree in Architecture.
8. Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is a medium-sized public institution located in Prairie View, Texas. It ranks 83rd out of 116 schools in terms of overall quality in the state.
In the most recent year for which data is available, about 62 students graduated from PVAMU’s architecture program. Graduates of the program earn an average salary of $46,315 in their early careers.
9. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas, located in Denton, Texas, is a public institution with an enrollment of over 4,992 undergraduate students. The acceptance rate is 72%, indicating a somewhat competitive admission process.
10. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University, located in Huntsville, Texas, is a public university with an enrollment of over 2,873 undergraduate students. The admission process is somewhat competitive, with an acceptance rate of 74%.
How long does it take to become an architect in Texas?
A bachelor’s degree in architecture typically takes five years to complete, while graduate degrees take one to three years.
Keep in mind, some universities offer pre-professional undergraduate degrees in architecture, but these do not fulfill the requirement for a professional degree. A separate graduate degree is needed.
Does Texas State have a good architecture program?
The popularity of Architecture & Related Services at Texas State has decreased by 32% from the previous year, resulting in the school being ranked #166 in popularity among colleges and universities offering this degree. This is evidenced by the decrease in the number of degrees handed out, going from 22 the previous year.
Is architecture a respected degree?
This degree is challenging and prepares you for a well-paying and fulfilling profession in a field with consistent job demands, as there is always a need for new buildings.
How hard is it to get into the school of architecture at UT Austin?
Admitted students typically have a high school GPA of 3.0 or above, fall in the top quarter of their class, and have a high SAT or ACT score, although there are no minimum requirements.
What subjects do I need to study in architecture?
The following subjects are essential for an architecture student to study in-depth: Design, History of Architecture, Graphics, Computer Technology, Working Drawing, Climatology, Building Services (Sanitation), and Theory of Structures.