Accreditation 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:
Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.), 172 credits
Next accreditation visit: 2025
Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) (non-pre-professional degree), 100 credits
Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) AP, (pre-professional degree), 67 credits
Next accreditation visit: 2025
Rensselaer School of Architecture’s 5-year Bachelor or Architecture (B. Arch.) and 3 year Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) are accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). Both programs have earned continuous accreditation since their inception.
Each year, according to the requirements of NAAB, we link to the currently applicable standards to which accredited programs are held and by which they are measured. This gives you an opportunity to read and review those areas that must be covered in our curriculum and how we must provide evidence of their fulfillment.
NAAB Conditions and Procedures
NAAB Website
Conditions for Accreditation, 2020 Edition
Conditions for Accreditation, 2014 Edition (in effect at time of last visit)
Procedures for Accreditation, 2020 Edition
Procedures for Accreditation, 2015 Edition (in effect at time of last visit)
Accreditation Reports and Related Documents
NAAB Decision Letter (2016)
Architecture Program Report (2016)
NAAB Visiting Team Report (2016)
Response to Visiting Team Report
2018 Interim Progress Report
2018 Interim Progress Report – NAAB Response
NAAB Annual Report 2016
NAAB Annual Report 2017
NAAB Annual Report 2018
NAAB Annual Report 2019
NAAB Annual Report 2020
NAAB Annual Report 2021
NAAB Annual Report 2022
NAAB Annual Report 2023 (B. Arch.)
NAAB Annual Report 2023 (M. Arch.)
NAAB Response to 2023 Annual Report and Special Report (B. Arch.)
NAAB Response to 2023 Annual Report and Special Report (M. Arch.)
Statement on Learning and Teaching Culture
AIAS Studio Culture Resources
Statement and Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
PC SC Matrices
B. Arch. Matrix
M. Arch. Matrix
Career Development Information
Rensselaer Architecture Career Developement
ARE 5.0 Pass Rate
ARE 5.0
Admissions and Advising
Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Transfer Admissions
Graduate Admissions
Undergraduate Application Forms and Instructions
Graduate Application Forms and Instructions
Portfolio Guidelines
Advanced Standing Application Process (M. Arch.)
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Student Financial Information
Cost of Attendance
Net Price Calculator
Apply for Financial Aid
Graduate Financial Aid
Required Hardware and Software