3-1/2 Year M.ARCH to D.ARCH Title Change

According to the NAAB, schools with 3-year (or 3+ year) programs currently have the option to change their M.ARCH titles to D.ARCH — however, the NAAB does not have the authority to compel them to do so. Institutions that offer a NAAB-accredited degree that wish to change the title of the NAAB-accredited degree are required to seek approval for the change from the NAAB. This is called a “nomenclature change.” The procedure is outlined in the 2008 Procedures for Accreditation, Section 9.5. The Procedures can be downloaded from the NAAB Web site www.naab.org. The 2009 procedures for nomenclature changes are also now available for review.

To:  3-1/2 year M.ARCH students/graduates

As of 2004, the NAAB (National Architecture Accreditation Board) has adopted a new degree entitled D.ARCH (Doctorate of Architecture). The degree requires a minimum of 120 undergraduate semester hours and a minimum of 90 graduate level (professional study/elective) hours. As you may be aware, the 3-1/2 year M.ARCH tract requires well over 90 graduate level credits (107-112 depending on when the student entered) in addition to the 120+/-undergraduate credits required prior to entering the program. This petition is to change the 3-1/2 year M.ARCH degree title to D.ARCH for both current 3-1/2 year students and retroactively for former 3-1/2 year graduates. The doctoral distinction is a necessary component for 3-1/2 year students to be adequately compensated financially and to obtain the proper stature in their desired career path. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The 3-1/2 Year M.ARCH to D.ARCH Title Change Petition to 3-1/2 year M.ARCH students/graduates was created by and written by Michael A. Richards (mar768@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.