Ub Master of Architecture Program Granted Maximum Reaccreditation Term by NAAB

 

After a comprehensive, multi-year review, the professional Master of Architecture program from the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning has earned the maximum, eight-year continuing accreditation by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). In earning continuous accreditation through 2032, UB met all criteria reviewed by NAAB, an extraordinary accomplishment achieved by only six percent of schools across the United States under NAAB’s most recent conditions and procedures, released in 2020. Moreover, UB is one of only two schools to do so in 2024.

The review board cited several areas of strength, including UB’s dedicated student services, which have expanded significantly in recent years. According to the NAAB’s Visiting Team Report: UB has a “robust team of dedicated staff and clinical faculty who support students throughout their academic journeys and beyond. Adjectives such as ‘miraculous’ and ‘super awesome’ were used [by students] to describe the academic and career advising team. The librarian, Rose Orcutt, is known by name and the entire fabrication team teaches students so much about what it means to engage in the craft of making…The students feel supported.”

The NAAB team also highlighted the program’s “plurality of thinking [which] fosters a culture of open communication, constructive and respective conversations, and a deep appreciation for the diverse viewpoints and life experiences of every member of the UB community.”

“Meeting all criteria for an eight-year accreditation places us among the very best architecture programs in the country,” says Korydon Smith, who, as professor and chair of architecture, led the department’s preparation over the past two years in partnership with faculty, staff, administration, students and alumni. “It is a public recognition of the excellent students, faculty, staff and alumni at UB.”