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[mar768]

In the credential creep article, there was no mention of the heated debate in Architecture.  (see my post on Architecture nomenclature in the job seeking experience forum).  The NAAB has accreditied a new degree...D.ARCH.  They have set minimum guidelines and one school has adopted it and replaced their B.ARCH and M.ARCH degrees with one, first professional doctorate.  It should be noted that 4+3.5 M.ARCH tracts currently - and JUSTIFIABLY - qualify for this title change.  Some schools also have replaced their 5-year B.ARCH with M.ARCH...so now there is a M.ARCH that takes 5 years and one that takes 7.5 years...

The 4+3.5 year tract requires a toutal of roughly 220 credits, 112 at the graduate or "500" level, an academic thesis, and the preparation for a carrer in professional practice...so this is an example of title DEFLATION.  The Mastership status does not adequately reward the high level of rigor, time, energy and acheivment that 3.5 tract students must endure.  I would encourage all 3.5 year students and alumni to discuss this issue with their alma mater's, and the four architectural organizations (NAAB, NCARB, AIA, ACSA).  It is time 3.5 M.ARCH students to get the title they deserve...D.ARCH.