<p>Well, i just want to get my bachelors in architecture and start working in the field of architecture. I heard many, that you can work and probably earn the same amount with a bachelors degree. </p>
<p>Anyway, i noticed that not many schools have an accredited bachelors program recognized by the NAAB. The university im attending has a bachelor of science in architecture program that starts off with an associate degree in applied science in architectural engineering technology accredited by (TCA) ABET. after that you do two more eyars and get a bachelors of science in architecture, but nowhere doe it say that it is accredited. I looked at the NAAB website, and looked up accredited bachelors programs and it only list one for VA and DC. </p>
<p>So my question is, do you need an accredited bachelors degree in architecture to start working as an architect? if yes, can i go on and get a master degree accredited by NAAB in another unversity? or will other universities make em start all over to get an accredited bachelors? please help me out, i dont want to waste 4 years for a worthless degree. I also dont want to have to take more classes after getting this accredited bachelors just to get my bachelors accredited.</p>
<p>PS. does a drafter make good money? can i do drafting with a non credited bachelors in arch?</p>
<p>Professional degrees, BArch and MArch, need to be accredited. A BS or BA in Arch does not need to be accredited, however I would hesitate to go to a program in a non-accredited school. It will affect the way that your program is viewed by both potential employers and graduate schools. You run the danger of having graduate schools treat your degree the same way that they might treat an English degree; requiring 3 years for an MArch.</p>
<p>Can you make a good living as a draftsman? Not really. Technology is rapidly replacing the tedious and repetitive work and requiring fewer, but more highly trained and skilled individuals. In the past a draftsman could take the exam after ten years of experience, now you need a professional degree. It is a dead end.</p>
<p>If you truly want to start working as an architect as soon as possible, then you should be looking for a B.Arch. degree – which is a 5-year professional degree. A 4-year B.S. in Architecture or Architectural Studies is NOT the same. It is not a professional degree and that’s why they are not accredited by the NAAB. If you go to the NAAB website, you will find many schools with accredited B.Arch. programs.</p>
<p>If you want to practice architecture, you need a state license. State laws vary, but they typically require (or at least prefer) NAAB-accredited degrees. </p>
<p>You can get an NAAB-accredited degree at either the undergraduate (B.Arch.) or graduate (M.Arch.) level. If you get an unaccredited bachelor’s degree as an undergrad, you can still get an NAAB-accredited master’s degree. The length of time required for the M.Arch. degree may vary, from 1 to 3 years, depending on the strength of your undergraduate program. </p>
<p>The fastest way to licensure is typically with an NAAB-accredited B.Arch. degree, which normally takes 5 years.</p>
<p>Virginia Tech appears to have the only accredited B.Arch. program in VA/DC. However, there are more accredited M.Arch. programs in this area, including Virginia, Virginia Tech, Catholic U, and Hampton U. Many schools prefer to offer professional degree programs at the graduate level, as is done in fields like medicine or law.</p>