Contents
A look at the education requirements for becoming an architect, as well as the career outlook for this profession.
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The Different Types of Architects
When thinking about becoming an architect, you might wonder how much education you need. The answer is that it depends on the type of architect you want to be. You can be a residential architect, a commercial architect, or an industrial architect. Each type of architect requires different levels of education.
Licensed Architects
All states require licensure for architects. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole accrediting body for architectural programs in the United States, requires a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited program as a prerequisite for licensure.
There are three types of NAAB-accredited degrees offered by architectural programs: the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), the Master of Architecture (M.Arch.), and the Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch).
The B.Arch. degree typically takes five years to complete, while the M.Arch. degree can be completed in two to three years and the D.Arch degree generally takes three years to finish.
While licensure is not required for some positions in the architectural field, such as draftsman or technician, most management, administrative, and teaching positions in architecture will require licensure.
Additionally, many states require licensure for individuals who provide services to the public through their architectural business, regardless of their job title.
Landscape Architects
Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and yards. They often work for landscape contracting firms, but some are self-employed. Landscape architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school.
Naval architects are professional engineers who design, develop, and oversee the construction of all types of water vessels and offshore structures. This can include anything from small pleasure boats to huge cargo ships and oil rigs. In order to become a naval architect, you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
Education Requirements for Architects
Most architects have a professional degree in architecture, which typically takes five years of post-secondary study to complete. However, some architects may choose to pursue a master’s degree in architecture, which can take an additional two to three years of study. Although a professional degree or master’s degree is not required to become an architect, it is typically necessary to obtain licensure.
Licensed Architects
In most states, licensed architects are required to complete a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree from an accredited professional degree program and pass the Architect Registration Examination. Some states allow three-year professional bachelor’s degrees in architecture to satisfy part of the educational requirement for licensure. However, Licensing boards in many states require architects to complete a minimum of two years of post-licensure experience before they will be allowed to earn their license.
Landscape Architects
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture is usually required for entry-level positions. Bachelor’s degree programs typically take 4 years to complete, while master’s degree programs can take an additional 2 to 3 years. Some landscape architects may choose to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in landscape architecture, which can take an additional 4 to 5 years.
Naval architects typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, or a related field. Employers typically require naval architects to have a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
ABET accreditation is a voluntary process that takes into account factors such as faculty, curriculum, facilities, and institutional commitment. ABET accredits programs in the United States and some other countries.
Graduates of programs not accredited by ABET may still qualify for jobs as entry-level naval architects. Employers of entry-level naval architects usually require them to have taken courses in physics, mathematics, and statistics; to have working knowledge of computers; and to be proficient in oral and written communication. Many entry-level positions also require passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step toward professional engineering licensure.
The Impact of Education on Architects
It is a commonly held belief that to be an architect you must possess a bachelor’s degree in architecture. However, the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) does not accredit any undergraduate programs in the United States. So, what does this mean for aspiring architects? This article will explore the impact of education on architects.
Licensed Architects
Most states require that architects be licensed in order to practice. The process of becoming a licensed architect is long and intense, requiring at least a four-year professional degree in architecture, completion of an internship lasting at least three years, and passing of the Architect Registration Examination. In total, the process of becoming a licensed architect typically takes between seven and twelve years.
Landscape Architects
Landscape architects typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a state-issued license, which generally requires passing an examination. Education for landscape architects usually emphasizes practical experience in design and construction, as well as an understanding of horticulture, environmental science, and land-use planning.
Most landscape architecture programs are accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Graduates of accredited programs may sit for the national landscape architect registration examination, which is required for licensure in all states and the District of Columbia.
Naval architects need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in naval architecture, ocean engineering, or marine engineering. A master’s degree in naval architecture or marine engineering is often needed for advanced positions. Professionals with a degree in another field of engineering may be able to qualify for some entry-level positions after completing additional education in naval architecture or marine engineering. Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that lead to both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
