Architecture Education

In the United States you should pursue a degree from a program which is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in order to meet the educational qualifications necessary to take the Architectural Registration Exam or “ARE.” There are other pathways to a license and you can read more about them on the NCARB Web site.

More than 100 architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in the United States. The NAAB-accredited programs offered by schools vary but students can earn degrees such as the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Master of Architecture (MArch) and Doctor of Architecture (DArch). Some students may graduate from either a preprofessional degree or undergraduate degree in another discipline and then complete an Master of Architecture program.

The NAAB is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. degree programs in architecture. The listing of accredited programs is available on the NAAB Web site.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture offers an online database of all architecture schools in the United States and Canada. This free service allows you to search by region, curriculum, size of school and more. Visit archschools.org to get started with your search.