The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is aware that, as part of a rulemaking to implement provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the U.S. Department of Education will propose a new definition of a “professional degree” program. As proposed, the new definition will not include architecture programs.
As of today, no final determination has been made. Before issuing a final rule, the Department is required to seek public comment on the proposal. We expect and encourage robust participation in that process.
As the accrediting body for professional architecture programs in the United States, NAAB would caution against any regulatory change that would remove architecture from the Department’s federal definition of a professional degree. Doing so could have unintended consequences for the pipeline of future architects — and for the quality assurance systems that help ensure architecture programs prepare graduates to serve the public, advance the profession, and support a safe, sustainable built environment.
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