Education of an Architect

To become a registered and licensed architect, one must satisfy the NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Board) requirements.  

 

This starts with a professional degree in Architecture.  

Universities that offer an accredited degree in architecture have decided to follow one of two paths:         

1. Some universities offer a 5 year professional degree (Bachelor of Architecture).           

2. Other universities offer the 4 + 2 program.  

This means students receive a pre-professional 4 year degree (Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies or a Bachelor of Environmental Design).  

After receiving a 4 year pre-professional degree, students must continue their education and apply for a Master of Architecture (2 years) in order to satisfy the NCARB requirements.

 

There are three things you need to become an architect:

Education – a NAAB-accredited degree

Experience – the Architect Experience Program

Examination – the Architect Registration Examination

 

For more information regarding architecture schools, please visit the NAAB (National Architecture Accreditation Board) website.  http://www.naab.org/home 

For more information regarding on becoming a registered architect, please visit the NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Board) website.  

http://www.ncarb.org/ 

For more information on the architectural profession and community, please visit the AIA website (American Institue of Architects)  www.aia.org or the AIA Houston chapter www.aiahouston.org