Although graduate education is not essential for practicing architects, it is desirable for research, teaching, and certain specialties. A typical college architecture program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design, including its technical and legal aspects, and science and liberal arts. Contrary to what many believe, persons planning a career in architecture do not necessarily need a high level of artistic or drawing ability. Although architects must be able to make drawings of proposed buildings, this is a skill which can be taught to most people. However, architects do need the ability to visualize spatial relationships and should have a capacity for solving technical problems.
Mathematical ability is also important.
Students who work for architects, engineers, or building contractors during summer vacations can gain useful experience. New graduates begin in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing architectural plans. Graduates with degrees in architecture also enter other related fields such as graphic, interior, or industrial design, urban planning, civil engineering, or construction. In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some architects become partners in established firms.