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Architecture Degrees


Architectural degrees are commonly referred to as ‘professional degrees’. Unlike other professions, schools, colleges and universities are not accredited, instead their architecture programs are. There are three main types of degrees a student can earn; a pre-professional architecture degree, a professional architecture degree, or a post-professional architecture degree. To learn more in-depth information and requirements about each, scroll down the page.

Choosing a degree usually depends on preference and educational background. Hopeful students should weigh all pros and cons and options before choosing a program or school to attend. It can be very difficult to switch programs if a student changes his or her mind after signing up for a 5-year architect program. Committing to a program that meets all of your needs is essential for success. If you’re thinking ahead, you may want to check out architecture firms in the same city or town in which your program is located. Communicating with these firms, even before you’re allowed to pursue internships can provide you with a network once internships begin.

Pre-Professional Architecture Degree

This degree is typically considered an undergraduate degree. The courses are intended to prepare a student for a professional graduate degree after graduation. These programs usually last four years, and upon completion students can earn degrees with titles such as:

  • Bachelor of Science in Architecture
  • Bachelor of Science in Architecture Studies
  • Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
  • Bachelor of Environmental Design
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Depending on the amount of architecture work in the program, students are allotted a certain amount of time to complete further professional architecture studies.

Professional Architecture Degree

Professional architecture degrees are accredited by NAAB. Most jurisdictions for licensure as an architect require a degree from an accredited program. These degrees have titles such as:

  • Bachelor of Architecture (B Arch)
  • Master of Architecture (M Arch)
  • Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch)

The B Arch degree usually takes 5 years to complete, while the M Arch can take 1-5 years to complete depending on the individual student’s previous education. If a student pursues a master’s degree after a four-year pre-professional architecture degree, it’s generally the final portion of the professional phase of the study program. It also represents the ‘two’ in the ‘four-plus-two’ program.

Post-Professional Architecture Degree

Once a student earns a professional degree in architecture, they can continue their education by earning a degree in a specialty field. These programs are not accredited by NAAB, however, they do offer students highly specialized areas of study, experience and more. The degrees that can be earned are master’s or, in a few cases, a PhD or other doctorate. Fields of interest may be:

  • Design Theory
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Preservation
  • Interior Design
  • Solar Design

Accredited Programs

As of the end of 2009, there were 148 accredited architecture programs in U.S. institutions. Of the 148 programs, 53 were Bachelor of Architecture, 94 were Master of Architecture and one was a Doctor of Architecture. In addition, there were seven candidate programs. Six were Master of Architecture candidates while the last was a Bachelor of Architecture candidate. All but one of the candidate programs was within an institution that does not already have an accredited architecture program.