Accreditation
Replace landing text with: “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), which is 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 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.
University of Idaho, College of Art & Architecture, the Architecture Department offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program:
- M. Arch seamless path (123 credits of B.S. Arch program + 45 graduate credits)
- M. Arch 2-year path (pre-professional B.S. Arch or B.A. Arch degree + 45 graduate credits)
- M. Arch 3+ path (B.S. or B.A. degree + 96 credits)
Next accreditation visit for this program above: 2024.
More Information
As an NAAB Accredited Institution, the University of Idaho architecture program makes every effort to be transparent in our practices and provide materials relating to accreditation, requirements and procedures for accreditation. As part of this effort, and in order to improve the information available to current and prospective students, we have provided various materials and information regarding program evaluation, accreditation materials, career development, tuition & fees, admissions, scholarships and more.
The NAAB provides a variety of useful and informative documents regarding the requirements for accreditation. Links to these items have been provided for your reference:
- 2016 Decision Letter
- 2016 Visiting Team Report
- 2014 Conditions for Accreditation
- 2015 Procedures for Accreditation
- 2016 Annual NAAB Report
- 2018 Interim Preliminary NAAB Report
- 2020 Conditions for Accreditation
- 2020 Procedures for Accreditation
- 2021 Interim Preliminary NAAB Report
- Learning Culture
- Equity and Diversity
- ARE 5.0 Pass Rates by School
To learn more about the University of Idaho admissions process, please visit the Admissions page.
The University of Idaho offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options to students. To learn more about our financial aid programs, visit our financial aid page. You can find more information about architecture-specific scholarships and grants by clicking here.
The University of Idaho offers many career services and events to help connect students to employers. These services are available to students and alumni for life and assist in bringing highly qualified students together with local, regional and national businesses for internships, jobs and career experiences. Architecture students have the opportunity to do paid internships and earn academic or IDP credit (see IDP and Certification guidelines). Find out more by visiting Career Services. The College of Art and Architecture also hosts a variety of career events specific to Architecture and Design.
When evaluating a professional degree program, it is important to take several criteria into account. In the field of architecture, it is important to follow a degree program that will lead to licensure. Aside from costs, financial aid and other financial considerations, it is important to consider the following criteria as well:
- Accreditation: While it is possible to attain licensure with a non-accredited degree, professional degree programs, accredited by the NAAB, such as the one offered through U of I are designed to lead to licensure and the best possible career opportunities after graduation.
- Career Prospects: College is a means to an end. Most students enter into higher learning to further their career and advancement opportunities. It is important to attend a university that offers quality job services and an extensive alumni network that can help you get started on a quality career track.
- Test Scores: In order to be a licensed architect, it is required to pass the Architect Registration Examination. Evaluating a university's student success in passing this examination can help plan for your higher education in architecture. In 2017, U of I graduates had an examination pass average of 69%, well above the national average of 61%. You can find these pass rates on the National Council of Architectural Registration Board website.
Listed below are several links to help you estimate tuition and fees for the University of Idaho and the architecture program. In addition, architecture students are required to have a laptop computer, and can also expect expenses of five to six hundred dollars per semester for such things as books; drawing, modeling, and construction supplies; printing; and field trips. The University does offer many financial aid options and scholarships that can assist qualified students with school-related expenses.