Architects are required to be licensed by the state of Minnesota, which requires completion of a professional masters in architecture (M. Arch).
Accreditation:
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 the 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. The U of M only offers the professional masters of architecture (M.Arch) degree.
Licensing:
In the state of Minnesota and in most other states an application for examination for registration as an architect must have a professional degree from an architectural program accredited by the NAAB and also a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certificate showing compliance with the Intern Development Program (IDP) training requirements.
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is the licensing exam for the profession and consists of nine divisions—six multiple-choice and three graphic. The multiple choice divisions are: Pre-Design, General SStructures, Lateral Forces, Mechanical & Electrical Systems, Building Design/Materials & Methods, and Construction Documents & Services. The graphic divisions are Site Planning, Building Planning, and Building Technology.
