Online Architecture Degree: 13 Best Programs in 2023

Architects beautifully design urban environments, and today’s young people are flocking to metropolitan areas. It’s no wonder many of them want to become architects themselves. Of course, imagine designing city squares, skyscrapers, and other buildings with an eye for aesthetics and sustainability. The first step to this career is researching what it takes to become an architect. As a result, this article reviews the top online architecture degree programs available to students today.

Article Navigation: Required Degree to Become Licensed Architect | NAAB Accreditation | Types of Online Architecture Degrees | 17 Best Online Architecture Degree Programs in 2023 | Associate’s Degrees | Bachelor’s Degrees | Master’s Degrees | What to Expect in Online Architecture Schools | Degree Cost | Licensing Requirements | Career Path | Start an Online Architecture Degree Today

What Degree Do You Need to Become a Licensed Architect?

Do you want to become an architect because of the salary? How about the job prospects? Or the unique challenges that lie in the intersection of art and science? In any case, you’ll need to complete the following steps.

Firstly, you’ll need to acquire a degree related to architecture. Two options are available: a five-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree, commonly called a B.Arch, and a graduate master’s program, an M.Arch. The latter degree choice usually takes between two and three years to finish.

You can find four-year bachelor’s degrees in architecture. But they may not be accredited and, therefore, unsuitable for professionals who want to become licensed architects.

Do I Need an NAAB Accredited Online Architecture Degree?

Let’s dig deeper into The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). It is the official and unbiased institution that accredits colleges and architecture programs. You’ll need to acquire a degree from a NAAB-accredited university if you want state licensure to be a legally employed architect. Accreditation means that a program has the rigor and information to be valuable for new architects. In the case of NAAB, it’s the key to state licensure.

Which Online Architecture Degree is Right For You?

Earning an architecture degree online can be a great idea. When you earn an online bachelor’s in architecture or master’s in architecture, you’ll learn a variety of important skills. These skills include:

• Design skills. All licensed architects need to have a strong sense of building and aesthetic design.
• Mathematics skills. Good architects leverage mathematics to create strong, beautiful buildings. They specifically need to learn a lot of geometry and calculus.
• Physics and other science skills. Architecture majors must have good science backgrounds to build safe structures and understand their work.
• Problem-solving and analytics skills. Architects must be able to solve day-to-day problems when they are involved with a building site. They need to be able to solve and analyze issues both at the blueprint stage and later on.
• Teambuilding skills. Most architects have to work as part of a team. Whether they lead the team or not, they must be cooperative and communicative.
• Leadership skills. Some architect managers (usually those with master’s degrees) head up larger architect teams. Thus, they need to know how to motivate and inspire their followers and explain complex ideas in simple ways.

As you look through different architecture degrees online, you might wonder which degree level you should pursue.

Associate’s

An associate degree in architecture is an entry-level credential. It doesn’t qualify you to work as an architect either in the field or as a licensed professional. However, you may qualify for certain entry-level jobs related to the architect industry. These can include architectural assistant, receptionist, etc. Most architect majors pursue associate degrees as stepping-stone credentials on their way to bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

Bachelor’s

An online architecture bachelor’s degree or B.Arch is the primary credential used by most practicing architects. In other words, it’s the minimum degree level required to become licensed as an architect in all 50 states. Once you have a bachelor’s in architecture, you’ll qualify to work as an architect in most industries. You’ll earn a higher salary and have the opportunity to expand your credentials later on. A B.Arch is also the only bachelor’s degree accredited by the NAAB. Technically, this is a type of BA or Bachelor of the Arts degree.

Conversley, a BS or Bachelor of Science in Architecture can be useful but keep in mind these are not accredited by the NAAB. Thus, a Bachelor of Science won’t qualify you for architect licensure. They’re “preprofessional” meaning you can complete these four-year degree programs and still work in architecture, but without licensure. For example, if you aren’t sure whether you want to become an architect, you can earn a BS in Architecture. Then you’ll qualify for jobs based on your background in science and mathematics, like designer, engineer, etc. In this case, if you choose to become an architect later, you can complete a NAAB-accredited M.Arch degree and get your license that way.

Master’s

An M.Arch or master’s in architecture is a graduate-level degree. It’s an advanced credential and is not needed to become a practicing/licensed architect. However, it may qualify you for additional job opportunities, like architect team lead or manager. Generally, it’s advisable to pursue an M.Arch if you want to be a leader or business owner. This degree may also be advisable if you want to become an architect at a competitive firm.

17 Best Online Architecture Degree Programs in 2023

While there are many excellent schools with top-tier options to check out, many would-be architects don’t know where to start to find quality online architecture degree programs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at 17 of the best online architect programs available in 2022.

Online Architecture Associate’s Degrees

Online associate degrees in architecture are entry-level credentials. They do not qualify you to work as an architect. However, they could get you on the path to earning your bachelor’s in architecture. Here are some of the best online architecture associate’s degrees.

1. Nash Community College – AAS in Architectural Technology

   Credits: 60 credits
   Program Length: 5 to 11 semesters

   Nash Community College offers an affordable AAS in Architectural Technology. It is a good choice if you have a variable schedule or need a flexible program. You can complete it over five to 11 semesters. The time depends on how much time you have to study, whether you have to juggle a job, etc.

   Even better, in-state residents of North Carolina will enjoy low tuition rates. If you want to attend this program from out-of-state, non-resident tuition is reasonable. The application is straightforward. It requires scores for standardized tests and a high school diploma with a reasonable minimum GPA.

   The program’s material emphasizes construction document preparation, building codes, computer applications for architectural needs, and more.

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2. Academy of Art University – AA in Interior Architecture & Design

   Credits: 60 credits
   Program Length: 2 years

   Academy of Art University offers a wide variety of online architectural programs. That is why you’ll see this school pop up in our list multiple times below. Its AA in Interior Architecture & Design is straightforward and accessible, particularly for students wanting to try out a few classes before proceeding into a BFA program.

   The degree includes videos, live streams, and other lecturing elements to guarantee positive learning outcomes. Also, there is a high level of student support. If you’re a military veteran, your application fee is waived. Generally, there are lots of financial assistance options available, ranging from grants to scholarships.

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3. Academy of Art University – AA in Landscape Architecture

   Credits: 60 credits
   Program Length: 2 years

   This university also offers an AA in Landscape Architecture. This program prioritizes technical and design skills for entry-level jobs. Specifically those in landscape architecture companies. Again, you can use this degree to transition into a BFA program. That is if you want to become a fully-fledged architect in the future.

   Some courses focus on ecological design. Others on sustainable architectural practices, drainage, and how they relate to their environment. The curriculum is as robust and well-designed as the on-campus counterpart. You’ll have to complete several projects, but you’ll get detailed instructor feedback with each completed course.

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Best Online Architecture Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degrees are required to turn architecture licensure. All NAAB-accredited bachelor’s degrees are at least 150 credit hours in total. They take five years to complete on average. Four-year, non-accredited degrees may allow you to work in the industry. But you cannot call yourself an architect. You also cannot acquire architect licensure.

1. Academy of Art University – Bachelor of Architecture

   Credits: 162 credits
   Program Length: 10 semesters

   Academy of Art University returns once again with this bachelor’s degree in architecture. This one is a professional degree. It’s perfect for honing your critical thinking and artistic sensibilities as they relate to design. It generally takes about ten semesters to complete. However, you could complete this degree more quickly with an associate degree in a related field.

   As with all Academy of Art University’s online programs, you’ll find a well-designed spread of online courses, live streams, and other innovative tools. These generally make your online education engaging. This degree focuses specifically on architectural design and practical skills. It’s great to acquire experience before proceeding into the workforce.

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2. Academy of Art University – BA in Architectural Design

   Credits: 132 credits
   Program Length: 8 semesters

   This BA in Architectural Design emphasizes many topics. For example, core architectural design and urban history. Also, building construction and sustainability. It doesn’t require as many credits as other online architectural degree programs.

   The BA includes a variety of liberal arts credits to broaden your horizons. In addition, it provides peer collaboration and feedback from your instructors and well-made online course modules with videos and interactive elements.

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3. Athabasca University – Bachelor of Science in Architecture

   Credits: 120 credits
   Program Length: 2-6 years

   This BS in Architecture is the first online architectural program in Canada. It’s available to students around the world. It has flexible scheduling that takes into consideration your needs. The degree takes four years or more or less. You can also transfer credits for prior coursework to accelerate your degree process.

   Uniquely, the program can also be taken as a postgraduate certificate. That is, if you already have a degree in another subject but want to change your career to fit the architecture industry.

   Tuition rates are reasonable, both for in-country and international students.

   The program has welcoming professors, an excellent network of peer feedback tools, and more. The subject material emphasizes community and environmental sustainability practices. Therefore, it’s great for future architects specializing in urban planning and construction.

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Master’s of Architecture Online

M.Arch or master’s of architecture online degrees are graduate-level. They take three years to complete. NAAB-accredited master’s degrees are appropriate for licensure if you also complete the AXP and pas the ARE 5.0.

1. Lawrence Technological University – Master of Architecture

   Credits: 90 credits
   Program Length: 15 months to 2 years

   Lawrence Technological University offers this degree program almost entirely online. However, you’ll have to complete a Critical Practice Studio course on-campus during a few weekends over your summer semester. Regardless, the online program overall is synchronous with on-campus lessons. It’s easy to keep track of your schedule and collaborate with your peers or professors.

   If you already have an undergraduate degree in architecture or a related field, you could complete this master’s program in about 15 months. There is an alternate path for those that do not have an undergraduate education in architecture. It’s an attractive online master’s program due to its small class sizes and reasonable tuition rates. It’s an excellent choice for both international and US students. In most cases, you need a 3.0 GPA to be admitted unless you have professional experience as an architect.

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2. Chatham University – MS in Interior Architecture

   Credits: 30 credits
   Program Length: 1-2 years

   Chatham University’s MS in Interior Architecture can be taken either as an online or hybrid degree (the latter of which mixes both in-person and online classes). It’s designed for architectural professionals who already have an undergraduate degree in interior architecture or design.

   The resulting program is flexible and can be taken part-time. On top of that, students can acquire supervised teaching experience if they want to become an architectural professor or mentor later in their careers. The program material emphasizes sustainability. Hence, it’s excellent for architects who already prioritize such elements in their work.

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3. Boston Architectural College – Master of Architecture

   Credits: 36 credits
   Program Length: 2.5 years

   Boston Architectural College is explicitly designed for architects who are currently working and already have an undergraduate degree in the field. It is a low residency program and requires a single on-campus learning session that lasts eight days each semester.

   It’s also a cohort program. You simultaneously progress through the material with your peers, benefiting from the collaborative projects you’ll complete together. On the downside, you won’t be to complete this program at an accelerated rate.

   The program offers practical experience and online lectures. It also requires 3000 hours of architectural practice, which can be completed at your current architectural job. The online coursework focuses on more advanced architectural concepts and leverages graphic, audio, and text teaching tools.

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4. University of Missouri – Columbia – Master of Arts in Architectural Studies/Environment & Behavioral Studies

   Credits: 30 credits
   Program Length: Variable

   The University of Missouri’s Columbia campus offers an online master’s degree in architectural studies. To illustrate, this program’s material emphasizes behavioral studies and environmental sustainability, with many of the courses examining the connection between environments and people. Other courses examine housing and neighborhood design, facility management, and the aesthetics of design.

   In summary, this online program is incredibly flexible and can be completed at your own pace, making it great for working architects. Also, tuition is affordable. It’s ultimately an outstanding graduate degree program for students who wish to teach architecture or work at environmental design firms.

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5. Academy of Art University – Master of Architecture

   Credits: 2 years or less
   Program Length: 63 or 87 credits

   Academy of Art University also offers a plethora of online master’s degrees in architecture. This generalized master’s degree is available in two tracks. The first is a 63-credit program for architects with a pre-professional degree in the field. The second is an 87-credit program for would-be architects who don’t have a pre-professional degree.

   Notwithstanding, you can complete the Academy of Art University architecture degree in a truncated time if you already have experience in architectural jobs. The program culminates in a thesis project, and the coursework will teach you about the technical and design elements of advanced architectural jobs. Furthermore, the online curriculum is robust and well-designed.

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6. Academy of Art University – MA in Interior Architecture & Design

   Credits: 36 credits
   Program Length: 3 semesters or more

   This MA in Interior Architecture & Design is an extension of the Academy of Art University’s bachelor’s degree in architecture online with the same name. It’s fantastic if you want to qualify for professional architectural practices and features a multifaceted, dynamic online curriculum.

   Interaction with your professors and peers is expected. Also, the courses include interviews with experts, slideshows, and other excellent online learning elements. Finally, the classes focus on programming, color and material use, and human social and spatial interaction with spaces.

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7. Academy of Art University – MFA in Interior Architecture & Design

   Credits: 63 credits
   Program Length: 2 years

   This program is similar to the above but emphasizes more liberal arts courses. The National Council fully accredits it for Interior Design so that students can take that exam. The advanced coursework focuses on global issues, materials used, architectural techniques, and how they impact the environment and people. It also requires students to complete and defend a thesis and produce research documents over their studies.

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What to Expect in Online Architecture Schools

Architecture programs online are just as rigorous as in-person programs.

To become an architect, you must complete a bachelor’s program or master’s program in architecture. It must be accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). NAAB-accredited online architecture degrees are always necessary to become an architect. To summarize, if you’re looking for the cheapest online architecture degree, make sure it’s accredited.

It is also a good idea to consider the ASCA. Yes, ensure your degree is from a school accredited by the NAAB. But also be sure that it’s part of the ASCA. The ASCA Architecture association is a non-profit that includes only the best architecture schools in its organization. In short, its list of schools offers the best architecture certificate programs online. In addition, the schools offer full-on architecture online courses with certificates. These can be valuable resources as you grow your career.

How Long is Architecture School?

The NAAB lays out architecture degree requirements. For example, an accredited bachelor’s program must include 150 credit hours at minimum. Most online bachelor’s degrees in architecture take five years to complete instead of four. Keep this in mind when applying to one of these programs.

Some schools offer accelerated options. They can be completed in four years instead. Fast-track architecture degrees are ideal for those who can focus exclusively on school. Or you can attend a part-time architecture program. However, part-time will take longer than an accelerated architecture degree.

If you choose to pursue an online architecture master’s, an accredited program will be 2 to 3 years long. However, note that you don’t need an M.Arch to become a licensed architect. You just need an accredited B.Arch, then complete the required practice experience hours and the NAAB exam.

Technically, you can start working in the field with a four-year undergraduate degree that isn’t NAAB accredited. Such a degree will allow you to start working in an architecture firm. But you can’t work as or call yourself an official architect.

Typical Courses in an Online Architecture Degree Program

The courses in an online architecture degree program vary depending on degree level. For example, associate architecture degree program courses are generalized. They cover the foundations of this broad topic. Common associate courses you may be required to complete include:

• Architectural design
• Visual communication
• Freehand drawing
• Architectural detailing
• Conceptual structural analysis

Meanwhile, bachelor’s program online architecture courses are more in-depth. They may also concentrate on a specific area depending on whether the degree is specialized. Some example bachelor’s architecture degree courses include:

• Design studio
• Architectural visualization II
• Architectural history
• Construction practices: material and structural systems
• Calculus

Above all, M.Arch programs have even more in-depth knowledge. They’re intended for those who already have some foundational architectural understanding. There are plenty of particularly advanced topics covered in master’s in architecture online courses, such as:

• Architecture design studio
• Integrated building studios
• Contemporary façade design
• Integrated building systems
• The environmental engineering of buildings

Online Architecture Degree Cost

It’s a good idea to consider the cost of an architecture degree, especially before pursuing one fully. The average cost of a bachelor’s degree as of 2023 is roughly $35,500 per year. That totals over $120,000 for four years of education.

NAAB-accredited bachelor’s degrees take five years to complete. However, you must add another $35,500 to your total. Some colleges are cheaper. Finally, attending an in-state college is usually more affordable than an out-of-state college. That’s online or otherwise.

Scholarships for Architecture Students

Not sure where to start your search for financial aid? Here’s a breakdown of five scholarships for architecture students:

• Robert and Joanne Koch Scholarship for Architecture. This scholarship is for $1000. It’s specifically available to graduating high school seniors from the Orange, Osceola, or Seminole counties. In short, it’s awarded based on merit and can be applied to any mandatory tuition fees.
• CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Architecture and Design. This $20,000 scholarship is available to applicants with Cuban citizenship or direct lineage. To qualify, award applicants should submit architectural drawings. These drawings may be added to the CINTAS Fellows Collection.
• Wisconsin Architects Foundation Out-of-State Study Scholarship. This is a $1500 scholarship. It’s awarded to outstanding or notable Wisconsin students who are pursuing architectural degrees out-of-state. Also, students must be in a NAAB or CACB-accredited school of architecture (or be planning to attend such a school). In addition, they must have received their high school diploma from a Wisconsin high school.
• The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation Scholarship. This $2500 scholarship is available only to women studying architecture. However, related majors, such as landscape architecture or interior design, are also acceptable. It includes a one-year Association for Women in Architecture and Design membership. Specifically, all applicants must be residents of California or attending California schools. In addition, they must be enrolled in one of the qualifying majors for the current school term.
• WRNS Studio Foundation Architecture Scholarship. The scholarship’s amount depends on the applicant’s needs. This scholarship is available to students who identify as Black or African-American. It’s available to full-time students. Specifically, those pursuing architecture or design at approved 5-year or 4+1-year programs in:
  – California
  – New York
  – New Jersey
  – Washington
  – Hawaii

Do Online Architecture Degrees Qualify for Licensure?

Yes, you can acquire an architect degree online and become a licensed architect. Say you want to acquire your architect licensure and start working as a practicing architect. In that case, you must complete a NAAB-accredited undergraduate degree. This takes five years or 150 credit hours to complete. Conversely, you can complete a NAAB-accredited three-year graduate degree/master’s degree.

It’s crucial to acquire a NAAB-accredited degree no matter what. Many of these degrees are available through architect online programs. Like the options below, online programs are advantageous since many of them feature flexible scheduling requirements and are ideal for working professionals.

They are an excellent choice for employed architects who want a graduate degree in the field because you can complete an online degree without quitting your job or leaving your architecture firm. In particular, the advanced degree will help you move up in the firm.

Completing your degree is just the start of your journey, however. In addition to completing your degree, you must complete the Architectural Experience Program or AXP. This is a comprehensive, multiyear training program that all licensure candidates must finish. It’s required by the NAAB and in all states.

Architect Licensure – AXP Program

You can start earning credit for your AXP as soon as you graduate from high school. To earn credit through the AXP, you have to work under the supervision of a licensed AXP supervisor at an architectural firm. Only some work environments count. Approved work environments are monitored/listed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

To complete your AXP, you have to acquire 3740 experience hours. Those hours must also be accumulated in distinct areas, including:

• Practice management (160 hours required)
• Project management (360 hours required)
• Programming and analysis (260 hours required)
• Project planning and design (1080 hours required)
• Project development and documentation (1520 hours required)
• Construction and evaluation (360 hours required)

Once you complete the AXP, you’ll be eligible to take the ARE 5.0.

Architect Licensure – Architect Registration Examination

The Architect Registration Examination, or ARE 5.0. It is the final exam that architect licensure candidates must complete to acquire their licenses. It’s a multi-vision conference of exams that assess your skills and knowledge in the architectural field. It was developed by the NCARB and has six divisions. You have to pass all six divisions in order to earn your license. The six divisions are:

1. Practice management
2. Project management
3. Programming and analysis
4. Project planning and design
5. Project development and documentation
6. Construction evaluation

The ARE 5.0 is an extremely hard test. Licensure candidates must use all the knowledge they’ve acquired from an accredited degree program and the AXP to pass.

As you look through different online architecture degree programs, make sure your program is NAAB-accredited. That will ensure that the program includes the knowledge you need to pass this exam.

Furthermore, see whether the program has any professional connections or externship opportunities. These will allow you to accumulate AXP hours as you progress through your degree.

The AXP program and completing the ARE 5.0 mean it will likely take 5 to 7 years to become an architect. That’s from start to finish. Very few people have the AXP experience necessary to take the ARE right after graduating.

After passing your ARE 5.0, you will be granted state licensure to practice as an architect.

Apply to Jobs

At this stage, all you need to do is start applying to architect jobs. Depending on your work experience and your personal connections from your AXP, you may have a job lined up. Otherwise, you can apply to job boards. You should also list your current license on your resume to show to prospective employers.

Architect Career Path: What to Expect

Architects are experts in the planning and design of buildings or spaces. When a new structure is built, the builders use blueprints and other plans that an architect creates.

Architects develop the overall look and purpose of new structures. They combine many smaller fields, from geometry to environmental sustainability to graphic design. Overall, architecture is a field that merges both art and science. Therefore, it is a popular and somewhat multidisciplinary profession.

What Do Architects Do?

Architects may be responsible for several tasks or projects depending on their job duties or employer. Overall, architects may:

• Run small architecture firms akin to a business manager
• Plan or design buildings through design elements such as the creation of blueprints or other files
• Come up with new building designs
• Consider how the aesthetic elements of buildings’ interiors and exteriors interact with the functional requirements for the structure
• Incorporate plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and other aspects into building designs
• Make sure the building designs fully satisfy regulations such as zoning, building codes, and other safety rules
• Prepare detailed structural and material documents for construction companies
• Work with contractors or constructors during the building construction process

Types of Architects

There are many different types of architects. These types include:

• Design architects conceive the overall design for a building or broader project. They may also analyze the environment, building site, and unique requirements before beginning the planning process.
• Technical architects develop the specific details of a building before construction begins. They may have a more significant role in construction administration compared to other architects
• Interior design architects focus on the design and limitations of newly constructed or modified buildings. They may focus on arranging movable elements within a building’s interior. For example, the placement of power outlets, lighting placements, the arrangements of doors and walls, etc.
• Landscape architects focus on outdoor space design and construction, including gardens, parks, and zoos.
• Project management architects work more as construction administrators and who oversee various architectural processes. They also observe and manage other types of architects throughout a given project.

Architecture Degree Salary

Most architects enter this profession because they love structural design or because architectural projects like famous buildings or parks inspire them. But some are drawn to the work because they can earn a good living being an architect.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects can expect an average salary of $80,180 annually. The highest-paid architects can earn well over $130,000 annually, though they only acquire that high salary after several years of experience.

This salary is very competitive in most areas throughout the country.

Start an Online Architecture Degree Today

In conclusion, any of the above online architecture degree programs are excellent. Even so, pick the ones that match your unique professional goals, time requirements, and education. Consider each degree program carefully. Then apply – your path to a future in architecture is within reach!