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September 27, 2018

Design Intelligence 2019 Rankings: #1 Schools Most Hired by Firms, #4 Undergraduate, #16 Graduate

Syracuse Architecture has again been ranked among the best schools of architecture by DesignIntelligence, the definitive ranking source for architecture.

Once again, the Syracuse University School of Architecture ranks among the nation’s best schools for the study of architecture. In the 2018-19 rankings report, compiled by DesignIntelligence, the definitive ranking source for schools in architecture, landscape architecture and interiors, the school ranked #1 in schools most hired by firms in a grouping of schools who graduate 100+ students (combined undergraduate and graduate) and 4th best overall among undergraduate programs nationwide. The rankings represent the views of academics and hiring managers of architecture and design-professional firms.

The undergraduate bachelor of architecture professional degree program has consistently ranked in the top 10 every year since 2004. The graduate program repeats in the top 20, this year ranked at the 13th position. Syracuse Architecture was also singled out for its strength in design theory and construction methods and materials, ranking 5th in the nation in both areas.

In addition, Dean Michael Speaks was again named among the top 25 most admired educators in architecture, interiors and landscape architecture.

“We are gratified by the recognition of peers and professionals around the nation,” says Dean Speaks. “Being ranked among the nation’s best brings our school and Syracuse University to the attention of the most talented potential students and potential employers around the nation and the world. Our fall 2018 entering undergraduate class is remarkably international—with students from more than 45 countries—and ranks among the best academic classes in school history. We are clearly attracting the best and brightest. Employers continue to take notice and that’s most promising for graduates of our program.”

Continuing to rank at the very top level of undergraduate programs in the nation was perhaps even more noteworthy this year, as the survey methodology has changed. In past years, respondents answered the question Which programs are best preparing students for a future in the profession?” while this year they were asked instead: “What schools do you most admire for a combination of faculty, programs, culture and student preparation for the profession?” According to the researchers, “asking for ‘the best’ assumed objectivity, while asking for ‘the most admired’ is a mix of objectivity and the experiential factor. We made this move because we felt that ‘the most admired’ was a broader question.”

Free and open to the public, the full list on DesignIntelligence’s website offers comprehensive top-10 listings at both undergraduate and graduate level across the 12 categories, attained from surveys from approximately 6,000 professionals, 360 academics, and 5,500 students.

“The top-ranked schools are very diverse, and represent a full range of options and experiences—from small Ivy League schools to large public universities,” says Dean Speaks. “Each of the top five schools, in particular, has its own areas of specialization. This variety reflects how each school is responding to the changing nature of work and architecture practice. We will continue to focus on design and professional training, areas of school excellence cited in the DesignIntelligence report. More importantly, we are committed to remaining among the best schools of architecture in the United States and the world and will continue to provide innovative and relevant curriculum and programming as well as enhanced facilities and expanded services, including student and post-graduation career advising and placement, one of the historical strengths of our school. All these, coupled with a world class faculty and staff, enable our school to provide not only an extremely high-quality student experience but also preparation for whatever career path they may pursue, whether in architecture, real estate development or in the public sector.”