Accreditation and Paths to Licensure

Successful candidates in the Architecture Program at Benedictine College earn a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree from Benedictine College. Most professional architecture degrees now follow a “4+2” track: four years of undergraduate study in architecture followed by a two-year accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch). Our curriculum aligns with the 4+2 model because Benedictine College’s architecture program does not hold accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). However, our graduates are fully prepared and eligible to pursue one of two paths following graduation that open the door to becoming a licensed architect. The first path is via application to an NAAB-accredited M.Arch. program. Graduates of our program have been accepted to distinguished M.Arch. programs, including those at the University of Notre Dame, The Catholic University of America, and Kansas State University.

For many students, entering the profession directly after graduation offers a more accessible and affordable route to licensure. Graduates of Benedictine College are eligible to begin the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), a structured system overseen by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The AXP guides aspiring architects through 3,740 documented hours of professional experience across six key practice areas, including project planning, documentation, and construction administration—all under the supervision of a licensed architect. Many of our students begin earning AXP hours during their summer internships. Completing the AXP is a core requirement for licensure in most U.S. jurisdictions, alongside fulfilling education requirements and passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Increasingly, states are offering alternative education pathways to licensure, so we encourage students to consult their specific state licensing board for the most current requirements.