Dunwoody College of Technology’s Bachelor of Architecture program and Texas A&M University’s Master of Architecture program were recently accepted to join the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) initiative, which offers students the opportunity to earn an architecture license upon graduation.

Led by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), IPAL is an accelerated pathway that enables students to jump-start their career by completing licensure requirements while earning a degree. Becoming an architect in the United States typically takes about 12 years, and involves earning an architecture degree, reporting professional experience, and passing the licensing exam. Although, this timeframe can be shortened by incorporating these three requirements within existing curricula. 

In most cases, aspiring architects are not eligible to take the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) until after college—which makes IPAL an attractive choice for motivated students from various backgrounds and experience levels. Students are also encouraged to complete the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) while in school, which provides a framework for earning real-world experience across a variety of areas. In addition to streamlining the path to licensure, IPAL programs help strengthen the relationship between schools and architecture firms, as they partner to secure full-time positions for students.  

Dunwoody College is the first Minnesota school to be accepted into the IPAL community, while Texas A&M is the first school in Texas. To date, over 600 students are enrolled in 28 Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture IPAL programs nationwide. 

To learn more about the benefits of attending an IPAL program, visit www.ncarb.org/IPAL.