Architectural education in the 21st century is similar to the medical and
legal fields in several ways. Graduates from all three professions are
required to complete years of extended schooling, enter a highly
competitive job market, and must pass a state licensure exam to
practice.
The architectural profession, however, is the one that is expected to grow
faster in this decade than the average of all occupations in the United
States (to 24 percent by 2020). The recent reaffirmation of the accreditation of the
School of Architecture at FAMU will ensure
that minorities have access to these opportunities as the demand for
adequately trained professionals continues to grow with the industry.
“The
decision of the National Architectural Accreditation Board to again
reaccredit our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in architecture
is validation that FAMU students are receiving a high quality
education,” said Interim Provost Rodner Wright, who served as the
school’s dean from 1996-2012. “The academic scholarship of our faculty
and students is commendable and continues to raise the standard.”
“Central
to our mission is a commitment to contributing to a culturally diverse
workforce,” said Interim Dean Andrew Chin. “While most state
registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional
program as a prerequisite for licensure, many students see the value in
accreditation even before they graduate and employers are looking for
students from accredited programs.”
This summer, Jesse Hughes— a
graduate student in architecture from Greenwood Miss.—interned with
global architecture firm Gensler.
“Interning at one of the top
firms in the world was an experience I will never forget,” said Hughes.
“The experience helped me realize I am fortunate to have a strong
educational foundation built at the FAMU School of Architecture, where
the curriculum challenges me to be a better architect and the professors
always guide me in the right direction.”
According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the future job opportunities in architecture
will be best suited for college graduates who are creative. One way
creativity is generated is through collaboration. That is one reason why
the School of Architecture has partnered with the FAMU School of
Business and Industry to offer a new degree concentration in facilities
planning, available this fall for both business and architecture majors.
“The NAAB accreditation process provides a unique opportunity
to reflect on what we are doing and how well we meet our goals,” said
Chin. “In the end, it shows that regardless of the hurdles we face, we
can still meet and exceed the standards of a professional program.”