Most states require that an individual intending to become an architect hold an accredited degree.
These professional degrees are structured to educate those who aspire to registration and licensure to practice as architects. The core of 98 credits is primarily taken in the first three years and is designed to give basic professional preparation in architectural design, construction, technology, graphic communication, and the humanistic aspects of design. The remaining 12 credits are taken as electives from among the liberal arts courses offered by the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The elective courses are composed of 18 credits of professional electives selected from courses offered by the School of Architecture's undergraduate and graduate programs, and 14 all-Institute electives which may be selected from courses offered by any school in the Institute. By purposefully selecting courses within all elective areas during their later semesters, students can develop their own unique architectural education in accord with their own needs and goals.