| FYI...According to the NAAB website, as of November 2007, UMiami does have an accredited BArch degree.
IMHO, a BArch degree from any accredited NAAB school is fine. I wouldn't obsess re the "top" 15 schools, as it is really difficult to determine whether those top schools are actually providing a better arch education than any other schools. A degree from certain prestigious schools may be worth more in obtaining an internship or initial job offer, but once one is licensed and onto a career path, I don't think that there is that much advantage. The NAAB accreditation assures state licensing boards and employers that the candidate has met the current professional standards, and that's what's crucial. Most architectural education is actually obtained on-the-job after you've earned a degree. The MOST important factor in career advancement is whether one is licensed.
Given that the educational committment is for 5-6 years, if my child was contemplating architecture, I would emphasize a campus (and program) that is a good match and then evaluate the finaid/costs. If they can get in, and want one of the more prestigious programs, great. If they like NJ Institute of Technology (absolutely no judgement being made here), then go for it. |