NCARB has released a list of 13 architecture schools that have qualified for its Integrated Path Initiative, which will allow students to begin to take licensing exams as part of their curriculum. The objective is to give BArch students a head start in the licensing process, which as it stands now usually takes the BArch or MArch graduate several years to complete.
It will be interesting to watch how this program evolves over the next few years. To me it looks like a major step forward for the students, the schools and the industry.
Boston Architectural College, Boston
Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.
Drexel University, Philadelphia
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Mich.
New School of Architecture and Design, San Diego
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.
Portland State University, Portland, Ore.
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Ga.
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit
University of North Carolina-Charlotte; Charlotte, N.C.
University of Southern California; Los Angeles
Woodbury University; Los Angeles
The cited article said that there were 32 schools that applied for the program, but only 13 were selected. Looks like it’s a joint effort between NCARP and NAAB. They won’t say who the other schools were.
…“The seven-year academic track, which will involve students in professional internships during each summer quarter, has already received enthusiastic support from partnering architectural firms, including HKS, Perkins+Will, OMA and many others. It has also received the endorsement of local and regional components of the American Institute of Architects, including AIA Georgia and AIA Savannah, as well as the Georgia Board of Architects and Interior Designers.”…
…“As the only school in New England to earn recognition in NCARB’s Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure, the BAC aims to reconfigure the graduate architecture degree program, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), to be able to offer students the opportunity to qualify for architectural licensure at the time of graduation. The College’s accepted proposal demonstrates the strong alliance that exists between practice and academics; it was crafted by a balanced team composed of two deans, Len Charney, dean of Practice and Karen Nelson, dean of the School of Architecture, along with key staff; Beth Lundell Garver, director of foundation instruction in practice, and Kyle Sturgeon, director of advanced architecture studios and building technology.”…