What’s in a Degree?

Education has long been one of the pillars of architectural licensure—but what does a degree actually demonstrate? This episode examines how education fits into licensure today and why it is central to conversations about access, equity, and competency.Andy speaks with Jeremy Fretts, NCARB’s Assistant Vice President for Education and Certification, about NAAB-accredited degrees, jurisdictional requirements, and how NCARB’s Competency Standard may create new ways to recognize learning.Then, Ingalil Wahlroos-Ritter, a licensed architect and educator, shares her perspective from both NAAB-accredited programs and community college education. She discusses affordability, career readiness, professional literacy, and the value of multiple educational pathways.Find out more about Pathways to Practice.