NAAB CANDIDATE PROGRAMS
As you consider the pursuit of becoming an architect, you may already know about NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board). If you are NOT aware, read from their website —
NAAB is the only agency recognized by registration boards in U. S. jurisdictions to accredit professional degree programs in architecture. To receive NAAB accreditation, programs must be offered by institutions accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Currently, there are 175 NAAB-accredited programs offered by 139 institutions of higher learning in the U.S. and abroad. In all 55 U.S. jurisdictions, the NAAB-accredited degree meets the education requirement for NCARB registration.
Clearly, you may wish to consider a NAAB Accredited program when pursuing the education portion of the path, but have you thought about a NAAB Candidate program? Again, as stated by NAAB –
…should not be discouraged by its candidacy status but need to understand the program’s plan for achieving Initial Accreditation.
https://www.naab.org/accreditation/accredited-programs/
Programs in Candidacy
For an architecture program to obtain NAAB accreditation it must first go through the candidacy process. Candidacy is a multi-year effort that starts with an eligibility review by NAAB and continues with up to three visits to the school. Prospective students who are interested in a program in candidacy should not be discouraged by its candidacy status but need to understand the program’s plan for achieving Initial Accreditation.
Graduates from a program in candidacy can meet the NCARB education requirements if they graduate within two years of the program achieving Initial Accreditation. If you graduate outside this two-year window your degree will not be considered accredited by NAAB, and you may need to complete additional requirements to obtain your architecture license.
School Search
https://www.naab.org/accreditation/accredited-programs/school-search/
Per our review of the School Search (see above) function on the NAAB website, we found a total of eight (8) Candidate Programs – five (5) for the Bachelor of Architecture and three (3) for the Master of Architecture.
In your research of candidate programs, you should seek out and fully understand the program’s plan for achieving Initial Accreditation. Ideally, speak with the academic administrator (chair, head, director) about their plan to accreditation. As well, review the documents the program submits as part of the accreditation process. In many instances, these reside on the program’s website.
Institutions seeking Initial Candidacy with NAAB
American University of Cairo (Egypt) – Bachelor of Architecture
American University of Ras Al Khaimah – (UAE) – Bachelor of Architecture
Belmont University (TN) – Bachelor of Architecture
Indiana University (IN) – Master of Architecture
Samford University (AL) – Master of Architecture
Universidead Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (Peru) – Bachelor of Architecture
Utah Valley University (UT) – Bachelor of Architecture
Wenzhou-Kean University (China) – Master of Architecture
Thus, as you consider where to attend for your architectural education, do consider a NAAB Candidate Program.
Best on your journey!