How many years of college to be an architect?

Hi there! I'm considering a career in architecture, but I'm not sure how many years of college I would need to become a licensed architect. Any advice or insights from current architects or architecture students?

It's great that you're considering a career in architecture! To become a licensed architect, you generally need to complete a combination of education, experience, and examination requirements.

First, you need to earn a professional degree in architecture. There are two core degree tracks to choose from: a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program or a two to three-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program, which builds upon a non-professional undergraduate degree in a related field (typically a four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture or a Bachelor of Arts in a field like design or environmental studies).

So, depending on the degree path you choose, you'll need to complete 5 to 7 years of college education in total.

Once you've earned your degree, you'll need to gain practical experience through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which requires a minimum of 3,740 hours of work under the supervision of a licensed architect. This will usually take about 3 years to complete, depending on your work pace.

Finally, you'll need to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a series of exams administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The time it takes to pass the ARE can vary significantly based on individual preparation and exam scheduling.

So, in total, expect to spend 8-10 years on education, experience, and examination requirements to become a licensed architect. Keep in mind that specific requirements vary by state and country, so it's important to check the licensure requirements in your location.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your architectural journey!