Monday, October 17, 2011

Information about accrediation

I have completed my Bachelors of Architecture (B.Arch)  and Post Graduation in Construction Management (PGCM) from India. I have relocated to Santa Clara, CA few months back. I am looking forward to enroll into a master's program in San Fransisco Institute of Architecture (SFIA) or UC berkeley for students with architecture background. Both these programs do not have accreditation. Does accreditation carry weight-age during job search?

What are the disadvantages of earning a degree from universities that do not have accreditation?  I am also looking for jobs in architecture. Could you please forward me some leads/pointers for the same?
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Below is a basic definition of accreditation as listed on the NAAB website (www.naab.org).
What is accreditation?
Accreditation, in general, is a process of external quality review used to scrutinize colleges, universities and educational programs for quality assurance and quality improvement. In the United States, accreditation is carried out by private, nonprofit organizations designed for this specific purpose. Institutions and educational programs seek accredited status as a means of demonstrating their academic quality to students and the public

For you, accreditation may be important if you intend to become a licensed architect in the U.S.  Almost every jurisdiction requires an individual to have a professional accredited degree by NAAB to pursue licensure.

Of course, as you have an equivalent degree from India, you may pursue licensure and meet the education requirement through EESA - Evaluation Education Services for Architects (
https://www.eesa-naab.org/), a process done by NAAB.  As you will see, it is an expensive process (almost $2,000), but less monies that obtaining an additional degree.

Thus, your decision on pursuing an accredited degree or not depends on your longer term goals of becoming an architect in the U.S.


Best
Dr. Architecture

1 comment:

Apoorv Jain said...

Hey. I am an architecture student from India. I would like to what factors helped you decide to pursue Post Graduation in Construction Management?
Did project management not appeal to you?

I myself am in the process of trying to figure out which one among-st these two should i choose as my graduate degree.

If possible, do leave a reply on " apoorvjain_1988@yahoo.com "

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.