Transferring into Architecture Programs

If you intend to become a licensed Architect, most states (including Illinois) require that you graduate from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).  Degrees accredited by NAAB are 1.) a Bachelor of Architecture, and 2.) a Master of Architecture. The NAAB website is a good resource if you have more questions about accreditation and Architecture programs.  The following are five pathways for acquiring an accredited degree.

The 5-year Bachelor of Architecture is a good option if you are certain that you want to become an Architect. These programs have fewer general education courses. Instead they have a greater percentage of courses focused on preparation for architectural practice. The 5-year programs are more common with private schools.

The other accredited degree is the Master of Architecture. Generally, this degree is a 2-year graduate program if you have a 4-year undergraduate degree from a pre-architecture program. The 4-year undergraduate degrees are commonly called Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies or Bachelor of Science in Architecture. The 4+2 path is more common with state schools. The 4-year degree provides a more broad foundation and may be a better choice for students who are not certain whether they want to become a licensed Architect. A student may, for example, complete a 4-year program and then decide to pursue a Master of Landscape Architecture degree. 

Graduates from non-professional 4-year degree programs can find employment within the field, but a professional degree (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture) from an accredited program is required for licensure. 

Institutions in Illinois that offer a Master of Architecture include IIT, UIC, UIUC, SIU, Judson and SAIC

Drury University, Hammons School of Architecture

Drury University, Springfield, Missouri. Drury’s 5-year Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB. Students can transfer directly into the graduate program from the City Colleges of Chicago. Completion of the AAS in Architecture is recommended. To view course equivalencies and a list of recommended general education courses refer to the transfer guide. A link to the guide can also be found at the bottom of the transfer information page. Students interested in this school are highly encouraged to work with Drury’s advisers and CCC faculty as early as possible.

Illinois Institute of Technology, College of Architecture

IIT Chicago, IL. 5-year program. IIT's Bachelor of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB. Students from CCC have two options: 1.) Take only courses that directly transfer. In this scenario a transfer student would enter into the first-year studio, but would have a number of general education courses completed. 2.) Complete the AAS degree. In this scenario a transfer student would have a portfolio review and would acquire second-year or third-year studio placement depending on the courses taken and the quality of the work. Refer to the IIT Transfer Guide for course recommendations. It is also recommended that you meet with advisors at IIT and CCC faculty.

Lawrence Technological University

LTU Department of Architecture, Southfield, LTU has a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree which can be followed with direct entry to the Master of Architecture program for qualified students. LTU's Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB. Students are encouraged to complete the AAS in Architecture in preparation for transfer. Courses in addition to those required for the AAS may also transfer, but should be coordinated with advisors from LTU and CCC. Refer to the LTU Articulation Guide for course recommendations.

NewSchool of Architecture and Design

NewSchool, San Diego, CA. Offers both a 4-year pre-professional degree and a 5-year professional degree. The NewSchool’s Bachelor of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB. Students are encouraged to complete the AAS in Architecture in preparation for transfer. Refer to the NewSchool Transfer Guide for course recommendations. It is also recommended that you meet with advisors at the NewSchool and CCC faculty.

Southern Illinois University, School of Architecture

SIU Carbondale, IL. 4+2 program. SIU's Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB. Students may be eligible to transfer from CCC and enter SIU's Architecture Program as juniors.  Following the completion of an SIU undergraduate degree, students have the option of applying for the graduate program to receive a Master of Architecture. 

If you are interested in attending SIU, it is recommended that you declare and follow the AAS in Architecture as your pathway. Refer to the SIU Transfer Guide for course recommendations. It is recommended that you meet with SIU advisers and CCC faculty as early as possible.

University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Architecture Design and the Arts

UIC Chicago, IL. 4+2 program. The UIC's Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB.  Visit the Transfer Guide page to see the course requirements for the degree. To determine the transferability of courses UIC asks that students consult Transferology. Additional information for students transferring into the Architecture program is provided on the Transfer Applicants page. Students who have a body of visual work can submit a portfolio for advanced studio placement. Guidelines for the portfolio submission can be found on the Portfolio Requirements page.

IMPORTANT NOTE: IF YOU PLAN ON GOING TO UIC, IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TAKE ARCHITECTURE COURSES AT CCC. YOU MAY RECEIVE ADVANCED PLACEMENT AFTER A PORTFOLIO REVIEW, BUT YOU WILL LIKELY NOT BE ABLE TO TRANSFER ALL OF YOUR CREDITS. IF YOU ONLY TAKE THE REQUIRED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES AT CCC, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TRANSFER THE CREDITS, BUT YOU WILL BE PLACED IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE STUDIO SEQUENCE. BECAUSE THE STUDIOS ARE SEQUENTIAL, YOU WILL NEED EIGHT SEMESTERS TO COMPLETE THE STUDIO SEQUENCE. THERE ARE BETTER OPTIONS IF YOU INTEND TO TRANSFER.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois School of Architecture

UIUC Ubana-Champaign, IL. 4+2 program. The UIUC's Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB. Students can transfer into the undergraduate program and have the option of applying for the graduate program to receive a Master of Architecture. Refer to the UIUC Transfer Handbook for planning recommendations, and to determine the transferability of courses UIUC asks that students consult Transferology. Additional information for transfer students is provided on the Transfer Students page of the UIUC website. Students who have a body of visual work can submit a portfolio for advanced studio placement. Students interested in this school are highly encouraged to work with UIUC advisers and CCC faculty as early as possible.

University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning

U of M Ann Arbor, MI. 4+2 program. The U of M's Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the NAAB. Students can transfer into the undergraduate program and have the option of applying for the graduate program to receive a Master of Architecture. Students interested in this school are highly encouraged to work with U of M advisers and CCC faculty as early as possible. Refer to the U of M Transfer Guide for course recommendations. Please note that some of the CCC Architecture courses may transfer as electives in addition to the 6 studio courses listed on the guide.