Architectural Education:

What Degree You Need to Become Licensed?

Interested in Studying Architecture?

Becoming an architect starts with earning the right education. NCARB offers guidance and resources to help you understand your options and their impact on your career path.

What Degree Do You Need?

To get licensed, you’ll need to meet your state’s education requirements. Here are the main pathways:

  • NAAB-Accredited Degree: Most states require a degree from a NAAB-accredited program, such as a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or a six-year Master of Architecture.

  • Other College Degree: Some states allow licensure with a different degree (related or unrelated to architecture) by gaining additional professional experience.

  • No Degree: A few states offer licensure pathways that rely entirely on professional experience instead of a degree.

To check if your state requires a NAAB-accredited degree or offers alternative pathways, use NCARB’s Licensing Requirements Tool. Explore education alternatives for initial licensure to find your best path forward.

NCARB Education Standard

The NCARB Education Standard outlines requirements similar to a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited program, including liberal arts, architecture courses, and electives.mIt primarily evaluates educational backgrounds for those without a NAAB-accredited degree, including:

  • Non-architecture degrees

  • Architecture degrees from non-accredited programs

  • Degrees earned outside the U.S. or Canada

This standard is used by individuals seeking licensure or NCARB certification through foreign paths, Two Times AXP, or Certificate Portfolio alternatives.

Meeting the Standard

To meet the standard, use NAAB’s Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) to assess your education. If deficiencies are found, you can take additional coursework to meet the requirements. NAAB develops and maintains an accreditation system in professional degree education that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.

Learn more in the Education Guidelines. (Note: NAAB charges fees for EESA evaluations.)

  • The Associate of Science in Architecture equips students with a solid foundation in the field of architecture. This program focuses on developing essential skills for architects, including design, engineering, project management, supervision, and effective communication with clients and builders.

    Students who complete the AS in Architecture are encouraged to pursue further education by advancing to a Bachelor of Architecture degree and, eventually, a Master of Architecture degree.

    For students planning to transfer to Texas Tech University at El Paso’s College of Architecture, it is important to complete the Core Curriculum course requirements before applying for transfer. If transferring to Texas Tech University in Lubbock or any other Texas institution outside of TTU El Paso, credits will transfer even if students are not Core complete.

    All students must submit a portfolio of their work to their chosen university or college for review and acceptance. Additionally, all Texas public institutions, including TTU El Paso, accept courses in the Architecture Field of Study (FOS). Refer to the degree plan below to see which courses count toward the Architecture FOS.

    Note: Architecture courses are offered only during the semesters indicated in the degree plan.

  • As the only architecture program located on the Texas/Mexico border and recipient of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine's 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award, our campus in historic downtown El Paso offers a distinctive multicultural experience unmatched by other institutions. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and have the opportunity to pursue an Undergraduate Certificate or a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.

    Student Resources