NAAB PROGRAM DIRECTORY: UPDATED RESOURCE
Earlier this week, the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) announced the following on their FB page
Explore the new NAAB Program Directory! Offering a more intuitive way to search accredited and candidate architecture programs, the directory includes a user-friendly map, clear accreditation details, and downloadable accreditation fact sheets.
https://naab-dir.weaveeducation.com/
As shared by NAAB, this updated Program Directory provides you as a resource when researching architecture programs both fully accredited and candidate architecture programs. When you access the directory, you are welcomed with a large world map with dots indicating the architecture programs.
NAAB Program Directory – World View
NAAB Program Directory – US View
Additional sources for architecture program listings are the following:
ARCH Program – https://www.archcareersguide.com/arch-programs/
Study Architecture – https://studyarchitecture.com/where-to-study/
Below the world map graphic is the full listing of the programs from Academy of Art University to Yale University (237) with the following headings: Program, Institution, Address, Status and Website. If you wish, you can directly VISIT the institution’s website.
Do note that there are NOT 237 accredited programs; NAAB lists the programs that are NO LONGER ACCREDITED.
Be selecting a particular program, you are navigated to a new page with an image, full mailing address including a Google map of its location. From the list, you may also select the program listing. From there, you can access a Download PDF button to accreditation fact sheets (see below); oddly, the VISIT website link to the institution is not on this institution page.
Example Accreditation Fact Sheet
In addition, you can filter the listing by program (MArch, BArch, and DArch), and/or status (Accredited, Candidacy, No Longer Accredited, and Eligible for Candidacy). Unfortunately, you cannot filter by region or state even though providing a map.
Finally, there is a text search box allowing you to search based on any term like a particular institution or state.
Now, let’s focus on NAAB; what is it and why is it important to you as an aspiring architect. Again, from their FB shares
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States.
Further, from the website –
Incorporated in 1967 as a 501(c)(3), NAAB’s history dates to 1940 when ACSA, AIA, and NCARB collectively recognized the need for an impartial organization to facilitate quality assurance in support of architecture programs that prepare students for professional licensure. Since that time, NAAB has proudly established and maintained an accreditation system that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.
Mission Statement: NAAB develops and maintains an accreditation system in professional degree education that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.
107 S. West St., Suite 707
Alexandria, VA 22314
(202) 783-2007
NAAB is one of the five collateral organizations affiliate with the discipline and profession of architecture along with AIA, NCARB, ACSA, and AIAS. It is IMPORTANT for you as MOST NCARB jurisdictions require a professional NAAB accredited degree to licensure. This is NOT to say that you cannot pursue architectural license without the accredited degree, but it is far more difficult.
Back during architectural education, it was design that you would experience a NAAB visit during your studies; this is no longer the case, but we would strongly encourage you to learn more about accreditation.
At minimum, read the Accreditation Program Report (APR) of your institution; it is a wealth of information and probably available on its website. At maximum, you will be an architecture student in your program when there is an accreditation visit.