Should I major in Architecture or Computer Science?

As an architect, it's tradition for me to try to talk you out of architecture. :) Also, my first reaction to the details of your question led me to think that you're not that interested in architecture. I might be wrong.Back when I was a child, I debated if I should become an architect, a pop singer like Cyndi Lauper, or an astronaut. I did not have all the information you currently have, but I chose architect and it stuck throughout the years. I'm not convinced that one can actually choose a career from a checklist of advantages and disadvantages. I'd think you'd be drawn intuitively to something, identify with something like "I am an architect" or "I am a firefighter" with all the pride, cliches, and dues-paying that comes with it. Perhaps I have that passion you speak of, but that doesn't mean there weren't any existential crises in my past 20 years of schooling and practice. As I was wrapping up high school, people started telling me that Architecture is a difficult major, that it's a lot of work. I thought the people telling me that were lazy. Although I understand better now why Architecture has the reputation that it has, it's strange to me that a young person would want to avoid hard work. It seems to me that anything interesting is hard work or at the very least takes a long-term commitment. I can't speak much to Computer Science, but people drop out of that program too. It's interesting enough to be hard work too.Here's what I can tell you about Architecture: - As a profession, go in it for the long view. It takes a long time to gain competence, which makes it a very frustrating early career and hopefully satisfying late career. - Some people make money, some don't. Architecture has a large salary range. Entrepreneurial people probably make the most, but that's true of all industries. You don't ever have to work for free, and if you do, you're contributing to the problem. - The schooling is a very general education. It's only tangentially related to professional practice. - You don't necessarily need to become an architect following architecture school. From my graduating class, there is a jewelry designer, a LEED consultant, a Pixar employee, a brand manager. After working a few years, a popular option is to transition into construction or development. Another option is to branch out while remaining an architect: work in design-build dealing with architecture and construction simultaneously or be an architect/developer. - As an architect, you're not necessarily affiliated with an architecture firm. You can work as an architect for a facility such as a hospital system, or you can work for the government. You can work with hundreds of people, on your own, or anything inbetween. - As an architect in an architecture firm, you could be a manager, a spec writer, a designer, a curtain wall specialist, a project architect, or a combination. You could focus on core and shell or interiors or concept or construction or documentation or a combination. In summary, if you just tell me you're an architect, I don't necessarily know what it is that you do and you might be confused about it yourself. - As an architect, you are vulnerable to the ups and downs of the economy. I don't think this is unique to architecture, but there is a certain pride in our resiliency and having our finger on the pulse. We're one of the first to notice a drag or boom in building. Even if your own firm hasn't hit an adjustment yet, you're in the know because the architecture gossip mill is quite strong. If a large firm lays off 50 people, you know about it within 15 minutes. It's a close-knit community. Good luck with your decision.

It's hard to answer without knowing more about your background, and where you have been successful and what you are motivated to learn most. Getting a degree in architecture doesn't necessarily mean you will end up being a licensed architect but it may be something you are more passionate about, and there are other areas you could end up (city / urban planning, landscape architect, etc). Getting a degree in CS probably is more likely to land you in a related job quickly. BUT -- what do you have the desire to do most? I am an educator and whenever I have strayed from that path - teaching --  I have not really been happy. If you are starting out as a Freshman take your core classes, explore your university or college Career Center, and take your time deciding. Then whatever you pick -- own it!

A2A.You really need to ask yourself that question. I don't know much about architecture, but if you are really worried about a major being difficult before you even tried it and are worried about the workload involved... then you probably aren't as "passionate for architecture" as you think you are.Everything you said about CS is true - what matters if you at least some bit of "satisfaction" or "fulfillment" in writing programs (to tell the truth "passion" is ideal, but is probably unrealistic for most people). I don't know where you are studying... but at some US schools you can take courses in both freshman year and decide what you want to major in after your first year.Good luck

It's not just a question of work or salary, it's also a question of talent and creativity.Architecture requires a certain level of visual and artistic ability that not everyone has. If you can't sketch reasonably - you can't design.Not all architects can draw like Rembrandt, but they can (or ought to) comfortably be able to sketch out whatever they are designing. It's not all done using software.Unless you are absolutely sure you want to study architecture, don't.It's a vocation not a job, and the salary generally doesn't match the stress, demands and responsibility.Computer science is likely to earn you a lot more money with I suspect a lot less stress!

I once had a chance to chose CS, however I didn’t. Instead I went through all the years to be an architect, which is something I have to, and might spend the rest of my life regretting that.Just kidding.Tell you what, the education of architecture is greeeeeeaat. The most beautiful part of this is that it’s like a door that could lead you to almost anything. Take a research and you will find people who used to be in architecture program but currently not in architecture industry, doing amazing stuff. Such as Joseph Kosinski, the director of oblivion the movie, and also many other designers who are working in media industry, blurring the edge of design and technology, not to mention those who are working as designers but not architectural designers. Take myself for example, I work as an architect but I also built my drone, including the scripting of the flight control system and stuff.I would say that if it is not the case that I need a visa status, there’s just no way that I would be an architect, though I’m doing well in architectural design stuff, it just so boring doing it day after day, not to mention that my salary is just half of that of my friends who were doing EE and CS.I recommend that you do some research about what will you be able to choose among after graduation, see if you are still interested. If there are some potential direction that attracts you, the architecture is definitely the way to go. Otherwise I guess you might wanna rethink about majoring in architecture. Of course if money is not a big deal to you, I would always recommend architectural education. Really personally speaking it’s just so fantastic.

As much as I feel the world needs more better architecture and thus more better architects the field is a hard sell for someone starting out. The education is very demanding,  opportunities are limited, pay is low, and for registered architects who seal drawings the liabilities are high and persist into retirement. If you are truly passionate about practicing architecture then go for it. But do it with your eyes open and realistic expectations. CS would likely be an easier study and better paid so if it seems as appealing to you as architectural practice it may be the better choice.

Computer science is a good option. It can lead to numerous job possibilities. See http://bitly.com/YSXJuC. Architecture can also lead to a lifetime career with good pay so it all boils down to what interests you the most between the two.

I'm not really qualified to answer your question, but I'd like to add something about the Computer Science education: It's definitely not "easy". I don't have a CS degree myself, but I have taken several CS courses and they are no walk in the park.Study what you're passionate about would be my general advice.

Computer Science. It's the better option in every possible way. Architects are hired by none, whereas CS graduates are preferred by everyone for any job and I literally mean that. Currently, Even extremely mundane jobs in fields like HR are being offered to "candidates preferably from CS background". I can assure you that in coming times, even McDonalds and Saravana Bhawans would only offer jobs to people with preferably CS Degrees. Frankly, compared to CS,  Architecture will only earn you peanuts. After the first decade of your graduation, considering everyone working in regular  jobs, most of your CS friends would be in a position to afford their own home, car etc, whereas an architect would most likely be thinking thrice before ordering a pizza. The scene could be different, if you set up your own practice and get profitable work, but there's a big question of probability attached to such a thing. Life is really short and the world runs on money, not art and aesthetics.