Below are capsule definitions of some fields and specializations that may be helpful to those exploring study opportunities in architecture and related areas.

Architectural engineering. More commonly offered outside the United States, this field combines study of architecture and engineering and in some cases may allow professional registration in both fields. Some programs emphasize civil and structural engineering along with architecture, while others stress electrical and mechanical engineering concepts as they relate to architecture. In the U.S. architectural engineering is more typically studied as a specialization within architecture or within a broader engineering field.

Architectural history. Study of the architecture of particular regions and/or periods. May be offered as course work within art history or (especially at the graduate level) as an independent program. The Society of Architectural Historians maintains listings of graduate programs in the field.

Architecture. The art and science of building design. U.S. licensure as a professional architect requires completion of a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, a three-year internship, and passage of the Architect Registration Examination developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. (Architectural work may also be undertaken by individuals not registered as professional architects, but they must generally be under the supervision of a registered architect.)  

Civil engineering. Study in civil engineering and architecture overlap but emphasize different aspects of building design. Civil engineering programs tend to focus primarily on the infrastructure of buildings and the physical forces that need to be accounted for in their design, construction, and maintenance. Architecture also includes study of such engineering concepts but programs tend to focus more on visual concepts such as space, form, scale, and on exposure to a variety of architectural styles and designs. The two fields often work in partnership with one another, and can lead to similar careers. Information on engineering study can also be found on this site.

Construction. Degrees, available at all levels of study, are most often awarded in building science, construction, or construction management and are based within architecture, engineering, or separate construction academic units. Course work often includes project, business, and financial management; site planning; design; construction methods and materials; labor relations; value analysis; cost estimating; scheduling; contract administration; accounting; building codes and standards; inspection procedures; engineering and architectural sciences; mathematics; statistics; and information technology. The American Council for Construction Education accredits undergraduate-level programs.

Environmental design. A multidisciplinary area, which may include such fields as architecture, interior design, product design, landscape design, graphic design, film, theater, and/or computer graphics. Schools that include departments in both architecture and other design fields are often named as "schools of environmental design."

Facilities management. Combining elements of business administration, architecture, engineering, and behavioral sciences, facilities management involves day-to-day operations of a building’s physical plant, correcting deficiencies, identifying potential problems, and planning for future changes at the institution. Goals include space management, cost control, and improvement of workplace productivity. A few degree programs exist specifically in facilities design; related fields include construction management and real estate management/development. The International Facility Management Association can provide degree program listings, professional certification, and other resources.

Historic preservation. Professionals in historic preservation use a broad range of techniques to encourage the renovation and re-use of historic buildings and neighborhoods. Education may be offered in schools and departments of architecture, art, history, architectural history, or independent departments of historic preservation.

Interior design. Focuses on making the elements within a space (everything from furnishings to positioning of windows and walls) most functional for users. Over 100 programs in the United States and Canada are professionally accredited by the Council for Interior Design (formerly the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research). Most are located in schools of art, architecture, or home economics.

Landscape architecture. Design of outdoor environments, which may include urban, rural, open space, or conservation planning. Academic programs may be found in schools of architecture, agriculture, environmental science, or forestry. Study areas include survey landscape design, landscape ecology, plant and soil science, geology, urban and regional planning, and environmental sciences. Professional accreditation is granted by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Lighting design. Lighting designers most often have an academic background in interior design, industrial design, or electrical engineering, though architecture schools are increasingly involved in the field.

Planning. Also referred to by such terms as urban and regional planning, town planning, and so forth. Involves study in architecture, economics, development, public policy, land use, and community development. Most programs are offered at the graduate level. Planners may be employed in architecture and engineering firms, in government, or occasionally in independent consulting firms. Responsibilities vary widely, ranging from environmental impact assessment to zoning code analysis. The Planning Accreditation Board accredits first professional degree programs.

Real estate. The sale, management, and analysis of land and properties. A wide variety of careers exist but most educational programs are strongly focused on the specifics of the U.S. real estate markets. Real estate development involves skills and responsibilities similar to that of a construction manager and many developers have a background in that field.

Sustainable design. Applying the principles of sustainable development—economically viable growth that includes a focus on the needs of future generations and the poor as well as awareness of environmental limits—to the creation of consumer products, buildings, communities, and other human-created products. The Web site of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future provides one list of programs with a sustainable emphasis.