What are the pros and cons of both cases: going to a 4 year college architecture program and doing a 5 years NAAB accredited program? The goal would to become a licensed architect. Thank you so much!
5 year program is a professional track program, you graduate in 5 years and you are eligible to begin your ARE hours to prepare for the architecture licensing exam. If you do a 4 year program you have to do plus 2 years grad program in order to begin your intern ARE hours for the licensing exam.
@wignsrmstjr, Your first consideration is how committed you are to studying (and pursuing a career in) architecture. The 5.0 year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a narrowly and intensely focused program and only for the seriously committed. Depending on the school you choose, it may be difficult to change course if it turns out that architecture is not for you.
If you’re not 100% sure (which is understandable for a high school student) then a 4.0 year Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in architecture or architectural studies is a better option as it is less intense, allows you to take more non-architecture electives and gives you the flexibility to change majors.
As @vamominvabeach says, with a BArch you can proceed directly into the licensing process. This generally takes more or less 3.0 to 5.0 years. Some architecture schools are now participating in a new program called the Integrated Path Initiative that will allow you to begin the licensing process while you are getting your BArch.
With a BA or BS in architecture or anything else you will need an Master of Architecture in order to become licensed in most states. The MArch takes between 2.0 and 3.5 years depending on your undergraduate degree and the MArch program that you choose.
The BArch is therefore faster than the BA/BS+MArch; however the cost of each route is variable. Look at your undergraduate financing carefully when making your decision and bear in mind that funding for the MArch is less frequently available.
Lastly, I would mention that in some markets and with some firms, it has become common for BArchs to get their MArchs eventually.
Note that the time to complete an MArch may vary depending on what bachelor’s degree one has at the start. Those starting with BArch may need less time than those with BA/BS in architecture, who may need less time than those with BA/BS in something else, though it depends on the MArch program.