Many new design related concentrations are popping up outside schools of architecture. These other schools do not recognize the degree structure in architecture, where the M.Arch is the terminal professional degree. Thus, architecture grads with the M.Arch are often denied full time positions or are forced to co-teach with a PhD faculty. Strangely, Lawyers with the JD or doctor's with the MD, also "terminal professional degrees", do not face such inequality. The mere fact that there is no "doctor" in the architects title has held the profession from expanding teaching/research in other disciplines. The NAAB has a procedure for schools with 3+ year M.Arch programs to apply to change the title to D.Arch (Doctor of Architecture). Other professional fields such as law and Pharmacy have mandated similar changes...architecture needs to do the same. Please write to your Alma Maters and/or the ACSA to expedite this change. Also visit
www.marchtodarch.com for more information.
