The B. Arch. and M. Arch. programs in Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are accredited by National Architectural Accrediting Board. RPI has determined that these programs meet the licensure requirements of New York State – Architecture Licensed Professions. The New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, Architecture, has established guidelines for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). While the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) establishes national licensure and registration requirements, and their web resources, especially the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), are extremely useful, it is important to keep in mind that individual states may have more specialized guidelines that supersede NCARB’s guidelines. Professional licensure and certification requirements may vary from state to state and RPI can only provide assurance that its programs meet New York State’s requirements. RPI has not determined that its B. Arch. and M. Arch. programs meet other states’ licensing and certification requirements. Students not intending to practice as an architect in New York State should contact the appropriate licensing agency for the state in which they intend to practice to obtain the most up to date information.

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 two-year term of continuing accreditation, 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.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, School of Architecture offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs: