National ranking boosts architecture program

Dean Kenneth Schwartz is quite pleased that the graduate-level program of the Tulane University School of Architecture recently earned a No. 22 ranking by a prestigious national publication. Schwartz, however, is looking to the future, hopeful that more, and even better, placement is ahead.

The ranking is part of the16th annual survey conducted by DesignIntelligence, on behalf of the Design Futures Council, which asked professional firms what schools are best preparing students for a future in the profession and designing a sustainable future. The survey results are published in the November/December issue of "America"s Best Architecture and Design Schools."

At No. 22, Tulane is ranked ahead of such schools as the Southern California Institute of Architecture, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Texas A&M and the University of Oregon. “I believe this is the first time that Tulane has been ranked as a top architecture program,” Schwartz says.

Schwartz is quick to point out that DesignIntelligence ranked only the school"s graduate-level program and did not consider the larger Tulane undergraduate program. Undergraduates currently can graduate after five years with a master"s degree in architecture.

That will be changing in fall 2016, so that new undergraduates will be awarded the more traditional bachelor of architecture degree (B.Arch.). “The M.Arch. designation for our undergraduate program has confused students and parents and hurt us in our competition with other 5-year B.Arch. programs,” Schwartz says.

The school"s accrediting body, the National Architectural Accrediting Board, recently approved the change.

In an article written for the DesignIntelligence issue, Schwartz says the school has emerged after Hurricane Katrina as engaged, empathetic, creative and relevant. “Across the board, Tulane is seen as an influential and positive force in the city"s recovery, with students and faculty playing the lead role in creating a spirit of relevance through engagement.”