The university announced last week that it reached accreditation status from the National Architectural Accrediting Board, providing students with a direct path to a professional license.

The most common architecture program is a 4 + 2 model, where students had to complete a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a two-year master’s degree to become an architect, according to a UVU news release.

UVU launched a five-year Professional Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2019 to meet demand for employees in the building design industry. According to the university, NAAB accreditation signifies that the program has met rigorous educational requirements for curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, student performance and learning outcomes.

“Accreditation belongs to the students as much as anyone,” UVU architecture program coordinator Paul Monson said in the news release. “All our alumni and current students chose UVU before accreditation was guaranteed. They believed in the vision and direction of the program and helped shape its culture through countless hours of hard work. They took a chance on a young and ambitious program, and thanks to their commitment, they helped build something enduring.”

UVU lauded the faculty, students and alumni who helped establish and grow the program.

“I am appreciative of the stellar education I received from UVU architecture,” alum Tressa Messenger said. “I learned a language of classical design, placemaking, and problem solving that helps me each and every day in my current workplace.”

The university said its program places a strong emphasis on classical design principles, placemaking and community-centered architecture.