The B.S. in Architecture provides a sound basis for the pursuit of general knowledge and the first phase of a professional education for the general practice of architecture. The four-year program encompasses a foundation core of design, introductory studies in architectural history and theory, and building technology. Advanced design studios address methodology, and technological and theoretical synthesis through applied studies of a wide range of design inquiries and projects. Successful completion of the degree will prepare students to enter the profession at a more advanced level or pursue a graduate degree from an NAAB-accredited school of architecture. Graduates with the baccalaureate degree are qualified for entry-level positions such as designer or engineering technician. They may be employed in architectural offices, engineering offices, corporations or businesses which produce their own in-house construction documents, and construction-related fields.

NAAB Statement

Statement on NAAB Accredited Degrees

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 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 NAAB grants candidacy status to new programs that have developed viable plans for achieving initial accreditation. Candidacy status indicates that a program expects to achieve initial accreditation within six years of achieving candidacy, if its plan is properly implemented.

In order to meet the education requirement, set forth by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, an applicant for an NCARB Certificate must hold a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the NAAB; the degree must have been awarded not more than two years prior to initial accreditation. However, meeting the education requirement for the NCARB Certificate may not be equivalent to meeting the education requirement for registration in a specific jurisdiction. Please contact NCARB for more information.

Fairmont State University, Department of Architecture, Art & Design, was granted candidacy status for the following professional degree program in architecture:

• M.Arch. (preprofessional degree + 42 graduate credits)

• Year candidacy awarded: 2018

• Next visit: Continuation of Candidacy or Initial accreditation: 2022

• Projected year to achieve initial accreditation: 2022

• Earliest graduation date projected to meet NCARB education requirement: 2020