In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year term, an eight-year term with conditions, or a two-year term of continuing accreditation, or a three-year term of initial accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established education standards. Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a non-accredited undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the non-accredited degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

The University of Kentucky School of Architecture offers the following degree programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, a four-year undergraduate degree requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours.

Master of Architecture, a two-year or “3+” track NAAB-accredited degree that leads to professional licensure (applicants with an undergraduate degree in architecture may begin in the two-year track.) The two-year M.Arch degree requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, and the 3+ track varies based on prior studies.

Licensure Disclosure

States may have additional requirements for programs that lead to professional licensure or certification. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state. Visit the UK Out-of-State Educational Activities website to learn more about your program.