NAAB Accreditation
WPI’s Master of Architecture program was granted Candidacy status by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), with an effective date of January 1, 2024, following the successful submission of its Architecture Program Report for Candidacy (APR-C) and an accreditation visit in October 2024. Candidacy is the second formal step in NAAB’s multi-stage accreditation process, which includes an initial two-year candidacy period, a second two-year candidacy period, and ultimately, a decision on initial accreditation. As part of this process, the program will apply for continuation of candidacy and host a visit in Fall 2026. WPI is actively advancing through this process in accordance with NAAB’s standards and expectations, and we are proud to share our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of architectural education.
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 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.
Candidacy Statement
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 (NCARB), 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.
Program Information:
The Master of Architecture program has attained candidacy status for the following professional degree programs:
- 1-year M. Arch program (WPI BS in Architectural Engineering + 30 graduate credit hours for a total of 171 credit hours combined)
- 2-year M. Arch program (non-WPI BS in Architectural Engineering or Pre-Professional BS or BA in architecture + 70 credits)
- 3-year M. Arch program (bachelor’s degree in discipline other than Architecture or Architectural Engineering + 102 credits)
- First Candidacy visit: October 2024
- Next visit: Fall 2026
- Earliest graduation date projected to meet NCARB education requirement: 2026
Access to NAAB Conditions and Procedures
The following documents are available to students, faculty, and the public:
Access to Career Development Information
Students and graduates have access to resources that help them explore career pathways and employment opportunities:
- ACSA (Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture): Resources for architecture education and professional development.
- AIA (American Institute of Architects): Advocacy, resources, and chapters supporting architects worldwide.
- AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students): A nonprofit organization supporting architecture students.
- NCARB (National Council of Architecture Registration Boards): Information about the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and Architecture Registration Exam (ARE).
Public Access to Accreditation Reports and Related Documents
In the interest of transparency, the following documents will be made available:
- 2023 Eligibility Letter
- 2024 APR-C (Architecture Program Report for Candidacy)
- 2024 VTR (Visiting Team Report): Available upon receipt.
Admissions and Advising
WPI provides clear documentation for all policies and procedures related to admissions and advising:
- Admissions Requirements and Policies
- Application forms and instructions
- Policies for advanced standing or remediation
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
Student Financial Information
WPI ensures that students have access to accurate financial information, including:
- Estimated costs for tuition, fees, books, general supplies, and specialized materials.
- Current resources and advising for financial aid decisions.
For more information, visit link to financial resources.