College of Architecture
Curriculum in Environmental Design
Preparation for Professional Studies in Architecture
In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as one of the prerequisites for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes two types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture and the Master of Architecture. Soon the B. Arch will likely be phased out altogether.
Master’s degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, which, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
At Texas A&M, undergraduate students seeking professional architectural registration and a career in architecture are advised to complete the Bachelor of Environmental Design (B.E.D.) degree—Architectural Studies Option. The Bachelor of Environmental Design degree is considered a four-year, pre-professional program.
After completing the B.E.D. degree—Architectural Studies Option, many students enter a two-year Master of Architecture program. Qualified students completing the Bachelor of Environmental Design (B.E.D.) Degree—Visual Studies Option and students completing substantially different curriculums may be considered for admission to graduate studies in the Department of Architecture; however, there will be prerequisite requirements in any areas of deficiency and an additional year or more of study for the Master of Architecture could be required. Students should consult the Master of Architecture degree coordinator if they have questions. Other universities may have different entrance requirements for Master’s programs and students considering other universities are encouraged to consult with advisors representing these programs.