National Architectural Accrediting Board NAAB

Overview

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States. Established in 1940, NAAB is a collaborative effort among the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The board's primary function is to ensure that architecture programs meet established standards of quality and relevance, thereby preparing graduates for licensure and practice in the profession. According to uniRank, NAAB is recognized as a key institution in the field of architectural education and accreditation.

Historical and Legal Framework

NAAB was founded in 1940 following the abandonment of standard minima by the ACSA in 1932, which had previously served as a de facto accreditation system for architecture programs. The founding agreement among AIA, ACSA, and NCARB established NAAB's authority to accredit schools of architecture nationally. This move aimed to create an integrated system of architectural education that would allow schools with varying resources and circumstances to develop according to their particular needs. NAAB's accreditation process is governed by the Conditions for Accreditation, which outline the standards and procedures for accreditation.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Mission: NAAB develops and maintains an accreditation system in professional degree education that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.

Vision: To advance educational quality assurance standards and processes that anticipate the needs of academic programs, the profession, and society, promoting a better built environment.

Objectives:

• Ensure that accredited programs meet established standards of quality and relevance.
• Prepare graduates for licensure and practice in the architectural profession.
• Promote continuous improvement in architectural education.
• Foster collaboration among educational institutions, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

NAAB operates as an independent, non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. The board comprises representatives from AIA, ACSA, and NCARB, as well as public members who are not affiliated with these organizations. The agency's structure includes various committees and staff members who oversee the accreditation process, conduct evaluations, and provide support to accredited programs. NAAB's independence is crucial to maintaining the integrity and credibility of its accreditation decisions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

NAAB's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of architecture programs based on the Conditions for Accreditation. Programs seeking accreditation must undergo a self-assessment, followed by a site visit from a team of trained evaluators. The evaluation focuses on various aspects of the program, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes. Programs granted accreditation are required to submit an annual report to update program records and provide information about continuing compliance with accreditation standards. This process ensures that accredited programs maintain high standards and continuously improve their offerings.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NAAB is actively involved in international cooperation and is a member of several global networks dedicated to quality assurance in higher education. The agency's international certification program assesses foreign architecture programs to determine if they are comparable in educational outcomes to NAAB-accredited programs in the United States. This program facilitates the recognition of foreign qualifications and promotes the international mobility of architects. NAAB's participation in international networks helps align U.S. architectural education with global standards and fosters cross-border collaboration.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NAAB plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of architectural education in the United States. By ensuring that accredited programs meet high standards of quality and relevance, NAAB helps prepare graduates who are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the profession. The agency's emphasis on continuous improvement encourages programs to innovate and adapt to changing educational needs. Furthermore, NAAB's international collaborations enhance the global visibility and competitiveness of U.S. architectural education, attracting students and professionals from around the world.

Summary

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is a central institution in the landscape of architectural education in the United States. Established in 1940, the agency is responsible for accrediting professional degree programs in architecture, ensuring that they meet established standards of quality and relevance. Through its governance, accreditation processes, and international collaborations, NAAB contributes to the development of a high-quality, globally recognized architectural education system.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is NAAB?
  NAAB is the National Architectural Accrediting Board, the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States.
• When was NAAB established?
  NAAB was established in 1940 following the abandonment of standard minima by the ACSA in 1932.
• What are the main functions of NAAB?
  NAAB accredits architecture programs, ensures they meet established standards, and promotes continuous improvement in architectural education.
• Is NAAB an independent agency?
  Yes, NAAB operates as an independent, non-profit organization governed by a board of directors comprising representatives from AIA, ACSA, NCARB, and public members.
• How does NAAB contribute to international recognition?
  Through its international certification program, NAAB assesses foreign architecture programs to determine if they are comparable in educational outcomes to NAAB-accredited programs, facilitating the recognition of foreign qualifications.

Organization Name

National Architectural Accrediting Board

Acronym

NAAB

Year of Establishment

1/01/1940

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington
20006 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 783 2007

Fax

+1 (202) 783 2822

List of universities offering programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB):

Arizona

• Arizona State University
• University of Arizona

Arkansas

• University of Arkansas

California

• Academy of Art University
• California Baptist University
• California College of the Arts
• California Polytechnic State University
• California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
• Southern California Institute of Architecture
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Woodbury University

Colorado

• University of Colorado, Denver

Connecticut

• Yale University
• University of Hartford

District of Columbia

• Catholic University of America
• Howard University
• University of District of Columbia

Florida

• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida International University
• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• University of South Florida

Georgia

• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Kennesaw State University
• Savannah College of Art and Design

Hawaii

• University of Hawai'i at Manoa

Idaho

• University of Idaho

Illinois

• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Judson University
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Southern Illinois University
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Indiana

• Ball State University
• Indiana University
• University of Notre Dame

Iowa

• Iowa State University

Kansas

• Kansas State University
• University of Kansas

Kentucky

• University of Kentucky

Louisiana

• Louisiana State University
• Louisiana Tech University
• Tulane University
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Maine

• University of Maine at Augusta

Maryland

• Hampton University
• Morgan State University
• University of Maryland

Massachusetts

• Boston Architectural College
• Harvard University
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University
• University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Wentworth Institute of Technology

Michigan

• Andrews University
• Ferris State University
• Lawrence Technological University
• University of Detroit Mercy
• University of Michigan

Minnesota

• Dunwoody College of Technology
• University of Minnesota

Mississippi

• Mississippi State University

Missouri

• Drury University
• Washington University in St. Louis

Montana

• Montana State University

Nebraska

• University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Nevada

• University of Nevada, Las Vegas

New Jersey

• Kean University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Princeton University

New Mexico

• University of New Mexico

New York

• City College of New York
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• New York City College of Technology
• New York Institute of Technology
• Parsons School of Design at The New School
• Pratt Institute
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
• Syracuse University
• The Cooper Union
• University at Buffalo, SUNY

North Carolina

• North Carolina State University
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte

North Dakota

• North Dakota State University
• South Dakota State University

Ohio

• Bowling Green State University
• Kent State University
• Miami University
• The Ohio State University
• University of Cincinnati

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma State University
• University of Oklahoma

Oregon

• Portland State University
• University of Oregon

Pennsylvania

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Drexel University
• Marywood University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Temple University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

• Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
• Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
• Universidad de Puerto Rico
• University of Ana G. Mendez

Rhode Island

• Rhode Island School of Design
• Roger Williams University

South Carolina

• Clemson University

Tennessee

• University of Memphis
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Texas

• Prairie View A&M University
• Rice University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Tech University
• The School of Architecture
• University of Houston
• University of Texas Arlington
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Texas at San Antonio

Utah

• University of Utah

Virginia

• Hampton University
• University of Virginia
• Virginia Tech

Washington

• University of Washington
• Washington State University

Wisconsin

• University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

International

• American University of Sharjah
• American University in Dubai
• Lebanese American University
• Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

National Architectural Accrediting Board's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

National Architectural Accrediting Board's X page

LinkedIn

National Architectural Accrediting Board's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

National Architectural Accrediting Board's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other US higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in the United States.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.