Five-year Bachelor of Architecture programs provide high school graduates with the skills necessary to go directly into the professional world. They start students off with a broad-based liberal arts background that involves writing and an intellectual exposure to ideas. They then take students through an accelerated architectural training program involving class work and internships. This is the fastest way to achieve an architecture degree but does not provide the same level of experience that a master's degree does. Ambitious architects may consider continuing their education with a master's degree.
A two-year Master of Architecture program is an accelerated program for students who have obtained degrees in unrelated fields. The level of real-world experience that students gain is roughly equivalent to that of the graduates of five-year Bachelor of Architecture programs. It is not recommended as a method of augmenting a resume for students who already have a bachelor's in architecture.
Three- to four-year Master of Architecture programs offer the highest level of educational background attainable in the architectural field. These programs are available for both graduates of bachelor's degree programs in architecture and graduates from programs in unrelated degrees. Graduates from three- to four-year Master of Architecture programs have the highest likelihood of being hired for architectural positions and earn the highest starting salaries.
Many states require that architects take another step in the career process by obtaining a license. Licensing requirements pertain to graduates with both bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. They are provided to architects who pass the Architect Registration Examination. This final certification allows architects to enter the career world.