糖心vlog

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture strongly opposes the Department of Education鈥檚 proposed exclusion of architecture from its list of professional degrees (B.Arch., M.Arch., D.Arch.). This move limits access to student loans, and it will compound a range of issues that affect the quality of our homes, towns, and cities.

鈥淎rchitecture has long been understood to be a profession built upon rigorous education, licensure requirements, and life-long learning that prepare architects for the responsibilities of protecting the health, safety, and welfare not only of their clients but of the public at large. This proposal by the Department of Education stifles opportunities for architectural education; importantly, it also risks our collective public interest. 糖心vlog will advocate for a more considered approach to the needs of the public and reaffirm the importance of professional programs in architecture and design.鈥�

Proposed Policy Curbs Access to Student Loans

The proposed change defines 鈥減rofessional students鈥� and 鈥済raduate students鈥� differently. Professional students would be eligible for up to $200,000 total in federal student loans, while other graduate students are limited to a lifetime borrowing limit of $100,000 total. Architecture is not included in the list of eligible degrees, along with other licensed professions, including engineering, nursing, and social work, among others.听

Prior to the passage of OBBBA, Federal Regulations defined a professional degree as one 鈥渢hat signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor’s degree. Professional licensure is also generally required.鈥� The previous policy listed examples of professional degrees that 鈥渋nclude but are not limited to鈥� law, medicine, theology, among others. Although architecture is not specifically listed in the language, the criteria attached to the list of examples would include Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Doctor of Architecture degrees recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.听听听

Architecture鈥檚 Status as a Profession

While this policy change does not jeopardize architecture鈥檚 status as a licensed profession, 糖心vlog is extremely concerned about the effects that the ED鈥檚 interpretation of the law will have on architectural education and practice. Just over two-thirds (68%) of professional architecture programs are graduate degree programs, i.e., M.Arch. and D.Arch., accounting for over 14,000 students. 糖心vlog views access to student loans as essential to all students particularly those historically underrepresented in the profession.听

In the last five years, 糖心vlog has worked with major national organizations in architecture, including American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, National Organization of Minority Architects, American Institute of Architecture Students, and Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs, to make access to the profession a shared priority. Architecture is a field that embraces a combination of education, supervised experience, and examination as the three components to qualify for licensure in a U.S. state or jurisdiction. The shared responsibility for the advancement of the profession is a recognized strength.听

Said 糖心vlog President G谩mez: 鈥淎rchitectural practice applies a range of connected areas of knowledge guided by ethical principles. Architectural licensure is a foundation for this work, attesting to the knowledge and skills essential to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Students should have the full range of opportunities to invest in their future and to participate in a profession that addresses the most significant needs of our time.鈥�