Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

These educators teach college-level courses in areas like interior design, landscape architecture, and environmental design. Their daily work centers on training others, planning classroom activities, and using computers to support student learning. They must constantly update their own knowledge of design, engineering, building construction, and fine arts to keep their lessons relevant.

To succeed in this role, instructors rely on strong communication skills, including active listening, speaking, and reading comprehension. They use creative thinking to design projects and solve problems, while establishing positive relationships with students and outside organizations. This career appeals to people with a social interest area who enjoy helping others learn. Successful teachers demonstrate work styles like intellectual curiosity, dependability, innovation, and attention to detail.

Entering this career typically requires a doctoral or professional degree, as the role demands extensive preparation. Most individuals in this field need a graduate degree, such as a master's degree or a PhD.

Students preparing for this career path often major in architecture, architectural sciences and technology, landscape architecture, or interior architecture. Other relevant majors include environmental design, design and applied arts, architectural history, criticism, and conservation, or city, urban, community, and regional planning. For professional development, educators can pursue credentials such as the LIUNA Instructor Certification from LIUNA Training & Education.

In 2025, the median annual pay for postsecondary architecture teachers was $96,870. Earnings vary based on experience and institution, with the lowest 10% earning less than $58,430 and the highest 10% earning more than $159,030.

There are 7,700 people employed in this profession. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.6%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal staff turnover, is expected to result in 700 job openings each year.