Get your architecture license faster with one of the five best Integrated Path To Licensure (IPAL) programs
So you want to become an architect? Sooner rather than later, preferably. In order to officially call yourself an architect you must first obtain a license from the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB). The requirements for licensure include earning an architecture degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited school, documentation of 3,740 Architecture Experience Program (AXP) hours, and passing all six divisions of the ARE. It’s a rewarding, albeit challenging, process that can take decades. There is a short-cut, however, that can cut the time it takes to get licensed in half: the Integrated Path To Licensure (IPAL).
What is Integrated Path To Licensure (IPAL)?
IPAL is essentially a fast track to getting your license. This NCARB initiative gives students the chance to complete their AXP hours and ARE requirements while they pursue their degree. In a non-IPAL program, you’d have to complete your degree before being able to begin the AXP and ARE requirements.
IPAL programs combine architect education, experience, and examination into as few as six years. Compared to the 12 plus years it typically takes someone to become licensed, IPAL programs significantly cut down the time it takes to go through the whole licensure process.
While IPAL programs do save you time, they don’t cut out any material—meaning that you’re meeting all the same requirements as someone not in an accelerated program, but in less time. This can be a great fit for someone looking to get to work in the field right away, but be prepared for a rigorous curriculum and schedule to get all those requirements met.
There are currently around 25 schools across the country that have or are developing IPAL programs. In addition to giving you the foundational architecture degree you need, by incorporating AXP hours into a structured curriculum, IPAL programs can help you get meaningful internships and make connections in the industry that can lead to jobs later.
It’s important to note that not all jurisdictions access IPAL licensure. Before committing to an IPAL program, check NCARB’s map of IPAL options to see if the state you plan to practice in accepts IPAL licenses.
What Are The Best IPAL Programs?
Each IPAL curriculum is unique and serves students differently. To choose the one that’s right for you, think about how you learn best, where you can afford to go to school, and what you hope to get out of your degree after graduation.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- IPAL Degree options: 6 year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and 4 year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program.
- Why is USC one of the best schools for an IPAL Program?
- USC has the largest IPAL program, with 147 enrolled students, integrating licensure preparation into the entire learning experience rather than a separate curriculum.
- USC’s undergraduate program ranks #12 on Design Intelligence’s list of most respected architecture schools and #7 in terms of alumni being hired by top firms.
- USC’s strong network, including the USC Architectural Guild, provides extensive resources and professional connections to students, offering a streamlined path to licensure.
- Location: Boston, MA
- IPAL Degree Options: 11 semester B.Arch and 8 semester M.Arch program.
- What Makes BAC’s IPAL Program Worth It?
- BAC was one of the first schools chosen for the IPAL initiative by NCARB. It stands out due to its exclusive focus on architecture and design, and its mentorship culture.
- BAC ranks #9 in the category of most hired-from architecture schools. Graduates from BAC’s IPAL program have successfully achieved licensure, further showcasing the strength of this program.
- Not every IPAL program out there has found success yet, but BAC has had several graduates obtain licensure. You can read NCARB’s interview with BAC’s first IPAL graduate.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- IPAL Degree Options: 6 year B.Arch and a 2-4 year M.Arch
- How does Woodbury’s IPAL Program Stand Out?
- Woodbury is also located in LA, but unlike USC’s IPAL program, they separate IPAL candidates from their regular architecture degree programs.
- At Woodbury, you must apply for the IPAL program in your second year. You can find detailed schedules for their three IPAL tracks on their website to see what kind of path you might take.
- Woodbury actively coordinates student participation, advising their IPAL students, assisting with outreach to firms, and communicating with NCARB regarding student participation.
- If you prefer a more hands-on approach this might be a good program for you. Woodbury works with dozens of firms in Los Angeles and San Diego and ranks #11 in most hired from architecture schools nationwide.
- Location: Clemson, SC
- IPAL Degree Options: Clemson only offers an M.Arch option. Architecture students are selected for IPAL during their second year of undergraduate study and must embark on a 4.5 year track into the M.Arch program for a total of 6.5 years.
- What makes Clemson’s IPAL Program different?
- Clemson offers a smaller, highly supportive IPAL program. Students participate in a work-study program with summer internships at Clemson’s Charleston campus.
- If you prefer a small, tightly-knit program with plenty of internship placement support, Clemson is an excellent choice.
- Location: Savannah, GA
- IPAL Degree Options: 7 year M.Arch program
- How does SCAD’s IPAL Program Work?
- SCAD has the second-largest IPAL program in the country and ranks #13 for alumni employment.
- SCAD places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the ARE exam, providing dedicated resources and support.
- While it’s one of the longer IPAL programs, its focus on a broad arts education may appeal to those seeking a more well-rounded degree.
What other schools have great IPAL Programs?
A great IPAL program should provide comprehensive, research-based instruction that is tailored to individual student needs and interests. All of these programs have those qualities. If you would like to learn more about institutions’ IPAL Programs, here is the full list.
*This list took into consideration Design Intelligence's rankings of the most admired architecture schools and most hired from architecture schools, in addition to the level of online transparency from schools regarding their IPAL programs.
