UH Manoa School of Architecture Receives Accreditation for First-In-Nation Doctorate Degree Program

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa‘s School of Architecture received accreditation for its Doctor of Architecture program, the nation‘s first doctoral architecture professional degree program. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) granted accreditation in July 2004, nearly five years after the initiation of the program. Approved by the UH Board of Regents in 1999, the Doctor of Architecture (Arch.D.) degree replaced the school‘s bachelor and master of architecture programs.

"The intention of the new professional doctoral program is to offer our students a more effective preparation for their future professional pursuit," said Raymond Yeh, Dean of the School of Architecture. "With about 16 full-time faculty and 40 adjunct and affiliate faculty from UH and around the world, our program brings a diverse range of expertise, academic and professional experiences you can‘t find anywhere else."

The seven-year, Asia-Pacific focused doctoral curriculum consists of 212 semester credits, incorporating an undergraduate double major, which allows students to have a broad-based liberal arts education and qualify for a bachelor degree in an interdisciplinary area of the student‘s choosing. The program accepts students at the university freshmen level, advanced students with prior degrees and experienced licensed practitioners. Students can complete the program in less time depending on their background and qualifications.

The program integrates professional practice early in the curriculum culminating in two semesters of off-campus professional leadership practicum in the fifth and sixth year. Students spend their time in major world cities where they are mentored by leading principals of major international firms with recognized Asia-Pacific practice. The practicum arrangement is recognized by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and allows students to receive office training credits towards professional licensing.

The School of Architecture currently enrolls about 250 students consisting of 65 percent male, 35 percent female, 60 percent from Hawaiʻi and 40 percent from other states and foreign countries, ranging in age from 17 into the 70s. When fully implemented, the program will have about 300 professional doctoral students enrolled.

"The Arch.D. degree program further emphasizes the mission of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in offering graduate and professional education at the highest level," said Chancellor Peter Englert.

For more information, visit web1.arch.hawaii.edu

For more information, visit: http://web1.arch.hawaii.edu