Architecture
Studying Architecture
The first step in becoming an architect is earning a professional degree from a college or university that has an architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). An accredited, professional degree from one of these programs is the most accepted way (and sometimes the only way) to satisfy U.S. registration boards’ education requirements. The type of degree you earn may also have an impact on whether you can become licensed in multiple jurisdictions.
To learn the other registration requirements, see Experience Through Internships and Architect Registration Examination.
Overview of Architectural EducationA degree in architecture provides the foundation in architectural knowledge and process.
The primary means of satisfying most U.S. registration boards’ education requirements is earning a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NAAB is the only agency authorized to accredit architecture programs in the United States. It is also a requirement for an NCARB Certificate, which facilitates reciprocity between registration boards.
Graduation from a NAAB-accredited program does not guarantee registration as an architect. You must also complete experience and examination requirements.
NAAB-Accredited Programs
There are over 100 schools of architecture in the United States that have programs accredited by NAAB. A NAAB-accredited program includes courses in general studies, professional studies, and electives. The curriculum ensures that graduates are technically competent, critical thinkers, and capable of defining multiple career paths within a changing societal context.
NAAB’s goal is to ensure that graduates:
Are competent in a range of professional skills
Understand architecture’s historical, socio-cultural, and environmental context
Are able to solve architectural design problems including technical system integration and health and
The first step in becoming an architect is earning a professional degree from a college or university that has an architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). An accredited, professional degree from one of these programs is the most accepted way (and sometimes the only way) to satisfy U.S. registration boards’ education requirements. The type of degree you earn may also have an impact on whether you can become licensed in multiple jurisdictions.
To learn the other registration requirements, see Experience Through Internships and Architect Registration Examination.
Overview of Architectural EducationA degree in architecture provides the foundation in architectural knowledge and process.
The primary means of satisfying most U.S. registration boards’ education requirements is earning a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NAAB is the only agency authorized to accredit architecture programs in the United States. It is also a requirement for an NCARB Certificate, which facilitates reciprocity between registration boards.
Graduation from a NAAB-accredited program does not guarantee registration as an architect. You must also complete experience and examination requirements.
NAAB-Accredited Programs
There are over 100 schools of architecture in the United States that have programs accredited by NAAB. A NAAB-accredited program includes courses in general studies, professional studies, and electives. The curriculum ensures that graduates are technically competent, critical thinkers, and capable of defining multiple career paths within a changing societal context.
NAAB’s goal is to ensure that graduates:
Are competent in a range of professional skills
Understand architecture’s historical, socio-cultural, and environmental context
Are able to solve architectural design problems including technical system integration and health and