Architectural Education
When pursuing an architectural education, there is much to learn about this step in the path to becoming an architect. For the most part, you education begins with earning a professional degree in architecture accredited by National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The pursuit of the professional degree is important because it is required for licensure by 38 states and is accepted by all licensing jurisdictions.
Truth be told, you may pursue regardless of your present circumstance. If you are a high school student, a potential transfer student or a four-year college graduate in early to mid-career, you may become an architect.
Thus, it is never to late to pursue architecture, however, it is important that you know the differences between the professional degree paths. By doing so, you can enroll in an architecture program that is appropriate to you.
According to the NAAB, there are currently 176 accredited programs (professional programs) and 13 candidate programs at 153 institutions. Within the rubric of degrees, there are three professional degrees – Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. For purposes of architectural license, these professional degrees meet the education standard.
Also, remember each program has distinctive features and / or approaches to their program. In this way, you can decide on a program that matches your interests. With a professional degree, you can be assured that the program meets the accreditation standards, but each program determines how the teach architecture.
Professional Degree
Bachelor of Architecture (B.ARCH.)
The Bachelor of Architecture is an undergraduate five-year degree typically for students coming directly from high school. In a B.Arch. program, enrolled students begin intensive architectural studies in the first semester and continue for the duration of the program.
Recently, a few institutions are now offering a five- or five and a half- year Master of Architecture program. How are these degrees different than the traditional Bachelor of Architecture? Contact each institution and ask.
Master of Architecture (M.ARCH.)
The Master of Architecture. is a graduate-level professional degree lasting from two- to three-years and offers a comprehensive professional education. It offers a few paths to completion:
- Often known as a 4+2, one path is to pursue is a four-year undergraduate “pre-professional degree in architecture (i.e., Bachelor of Science in Architecture, etc.) followed by the professional M.ARCH. Most M.ARCH. programs would take two years to complete but note that some graduate programs may still require three years. Pre-professional degrees are four-year degrees that prepare candidates for pursuing a professional degree. Note: Most pre-professional degree programs are offered within architecture programs that already offer the professional degree.
- With a four-year undergraduate degree in any major outside of architecture, most M.ARCH. programs would take three- to three plus years to complete. Note: Most graduate programs will require applicants to take calculus, physics, and history of architecture. Do check with the specific graduate program for requirements.
Doctor of Architecture (D.ARCH.)
As a professional degree, the Doctor of Architecture (D.ARCH.) is currently available only at the University of Hawaii. The program is from 3-4 years in length and is unique in that it allows the graduate to fulfill the education requirement for taking the licensing exam.
Community College
As you begin your journey recognize that you can start your undergraduate studies at a community college. Many community colleges have an articulated transfer agreement with architecture programs. Be sure to connect with the architecture program to which you wish to transfer.
Benefits of Attending a Community College Architecture Program
Related Undergraduate Degree
Another route to consider is to pursue a related undergraduate degree from an institution that would prepare you to pursue the accredited Master of Architecture; these degrees may have different titles including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Architectural Studies, etc. This route may still require three years to complete the M.ARCH. Do check with the institution.
To view a listing of all NAAB accredited architecture programs, visit the following: Architecture Programs.
rev 9/24
You Are An Architecture Student
Congratulations! You are now an architecture student and embarking on the first phase of becoming an architect.
Typical courses during your program will include the following: general education, design, history and theory, technology, professional practice, and electives.
For an architectural education, design is the heart of every architecture curriculum. Once you are in the studio sequence of a degree program, you will be taking design studio each semester, usually four to six credits.
Design courses are central to an architectural education, but what is studio? More than simply a place to work, studio is where design happens. A central aspect of an architectural education, the studio is the place to work and more. The studio becomes an extension of the curriculum as you combine what you learn from your architecture courses and apply them to your design work.
All architecture programs require courses in history and theory to address values, concepts, and methods. Most offer courses that provide an understanding of both Western and non-Western traditions across the ages, from ancient Greek architecture to the modern day. In addition, more focused history courses may be required or offered as electives.
Technology covers structures and environmental systems. Each program teaches these courses somewhat differently, but structures always involve basic statics and strength of materials — wood, steel, timber, and masonry. Courses in environmental systems cover HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, lighting, and acoustics. As well, some programs have courses in construction materials and methods. All of these courses, required by most programs, are taught with the idea that you will connect what you learn in them to your work in the design studio.
As required by accreditation, all programs offer coursework in professional practice. This addresses the legal aspects of architecture, contracts, ethics, leadership roles, and business issues.