Program Description

Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS-Arch):  pre-professional degree in architecture

Master of Architecture (MArch):  professional degree in architecture fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).   (See ‘Accreditation’)

The architecture program at Wentworth is structured as a ten semester / four year pre-professional degree (BS-Arch) followed by a two semester / one-year professional degree (MArch) . The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is comprised of eight semesters / four years of on-campus curriculum plus two semesters of co-op work experience.  Following this, students may apply to the one-year graduate-level program, which provides the basis for awarding the Master of Architecture degree.

All entering freshmen are admitted to the BS-Arch program.  During the sophomore year, students apply to one of three concentrations:  Form and Culture, Tectonic Studies, or Built Environment. (see ‘Program Concentrations’)  Acceptance to a concentration is based on application, including a portfolio submission, GPA and student preference. 

Upon successful completion of the BS-Arch curriculum, Wentworth students may apply to the MArch program at Wentworth, or may elect to continue their architectural studies elsewhere or to gain professional experience.  Admission to the MArch program is based on a portfolio submission, GPA, a statement of intent and references.  (see ‘Application Process’)  Students will complete their MArch program in the same academic concentration as their BS-Arch. 

Students applying to the MArch program who have successfully completed a four-year NAAB-based program elsewhere will be eligible to complete the MArch at Wentworth in four to five semesters, contingent upon the Department’s evaluation of their prior coursework. 

Student Performance Criteria

The Department’s Student Performance Criteria are based on standards established by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). For a detailed description of the NAAB Performance Criteria used throughout the curriculum, visit www.naab.org/documents, select "Public Documents/Accreditation" and download the "2004 Conditions". The Institute's Student Learning Outcomes are available via the Institute web site.

Accreditation

The Department currently holds a full 6-year term of accreditation for its Master of Architecture degree program from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

“In the United States, most state 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 U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees:  the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture.  A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Master’s degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education.  However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.”

NAAB Conditions for Accreditation, 2004