The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte offers two degree programs for prospective and current architects. Students can enroll in UNC Charlotte to earn a Bachelor of Architecture. This program received accreditation in 1979-1980. Architects who have already earned a Bachelor of Architecture and have worked for two years in the field can enroll in UNC Charlotte's Master of Architecture program, which the NAAB certified in 2001. Working architects who do not possess a Bachelor of Architecture but have some other Bachelor degree must possess three and a half years' experience to enroll in this graduate program.
NC State also offers a Bachelor of Architecture for its undergraduates, a program that the NAAB first accredited in 1950-'51. Working architects can also enroll in NC State's Master of Architecture program, which the NAAB certified in 1972-'73. This program requires that architects without a Bachelor of Architecture take 93 graduate credit hours of coursework to complete the program. Architects with an architecture degree only need to complete 48 graduate credit hours.
UNC Charlotte requires that students who wish to enter the Architecture School first apply to the university as general applicants and indicate on the application form that they wish to major in architecture. Once admitted to the university, students must then fill out an application for the Architecture School within two weeks of learning of their general admittance. The Architecture School will then assess the application to determine a candidate's suitability and arrange a personal interview for the best applicants. During this personal interview, students will show any past creative work that indicates ability and future promise.
Students interested in studying architecture at NC State must also first apply as general applicants to the school. On the application, they should indicate their wish to study in the College of Design. Applicants must submit 10 images of past creative work and also answer an online, 750-word essay question related to the field of architecture; the College of Design provides this question on its website.
The Bachelor of Architecture program at UNC Charlotte consists of two phases. Students must first complete a Bachelor degree while taking architecture courses in the School of Architecture. After completing the Bachelor degree, students complete a BArch, a one-year program that confers a Bachelor of Architecture upon completion.
The BArch program at NC State also requires a five-year, two-tiered commitment. Students must first earn a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture. Candidates then complete an additional 30 credit hours over two semesters. Upon completion, NC State awards these students a BArch degree.