1. Pre-
Professional
Pre-professional
architecture degrees are architecturally-focused four year degrees that
are not accredited and not professional degrees. These degrees include
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Architectural
Studies (B.S.A.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Architecture, Bachelor
of Environmental Design (B.E.D), or Bachelor of Architectural Studies;
the amount of architecture work in the program varies from school to
school. As the amount of architectural work will vary, so to may the
length of time required to complete further professional architecture
studies. Some pre-professional degrees are within universities that
also offer the accredited degree, however, others are within four-year
liberal arts institutions.
Bachelor
of Arts in Architecture (B.A. in Architecture) : The Bachelor
of Arts in Architecture is a liberal arts degree that typically focuses
upon architecture as a humanistic discipline. These programs tend
to focus upon the "art of architecture." They often provide
preparation for students in the areas of architectural history, theory,
and in some cases design.
Bachelor
of Science in Architecture (B.S. in Arch.): The Bachelor of Science
in Architecture is an undergraduate course of study that integrates
liberal and technical educational objectives. They typically address
architecture as both ÒartÓ and Òscience.Ó These types of programs
are intended to provide students with an intensive exposure to architecture
as a preparation for a professional masters degree.
If you
graduate with a pre-professional degree, you may not be able to sit
for the Architect Registration Exam (A.R.E.) in most states and will
not be able to apply for NCARB Certification. Therefore, if you want
to be a licensed architect, you should continue your studies in a professional
degree program to complete the NAAB accredited degree.
2. Professional
Professional
degrees are received after successfully completing an architecture
program accredited by National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
or Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). These accredited
degrees are what most states require for licensure as an architect.
3. Undergraduate
Bachelor
of Architecture (B. Arch.): The Bachelor of Architecture is the
oldest type of professional degree program offered at the university
level in America. Typically, it is a five year program.
4. Graduate
Master
of Architecture (M. Arch. - Two Years): Designed for those individuals
who possess a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture,
the M. Arch. offers a comprehensive professional education.
Master
of Architecture (M. Arch. - Three + Years): Designed for those
individuals who possess a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other
than architecture, the M. Arch. offers a comprehensive professional
education to students with a variety of educational backgrounds.
