Skip To Top Navigation Skip To Content Skip To Footer
Master of Architecture Program Granted Continuation of Candidacy by the NAAB Impact
Fairmont State News

Master of Architecture Program Granted Continuation of Candidacy by the NAAB

Mar 25, 2021

The Fairmont State University Master of Architecture Program is pleased to announce it has been granted continuation of candidacy status by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This milestone, based on a successful program review by the NAAB visiting team in October 2020, moves the program one step closer to becoming West Virginia’s first and only professional degree program in architecture.

“Our architecture program continues to be a top choice for those wanting to pursue a professional degree in architecture,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “This is an important step forward in the rigorous accreditation process, and it is confirmation as to why so many students choose to study architecture at Fairmont State. We offer a rigorous curriculum taught by caring, expert teacher-mentors, and we have a record of excellent post-graduation outcomes. Congratulations to the entire department.”

The program now anticipates an initial accreditation of the Master of Architecture degree following the next NAAB visit, scheduled for fall 2022.

“Immense credit and thanks for the program’s success goes to long-serving professors, Kirk Morphew and Philip Freeman. Our significant accreditation and teaching loads were further supported by our newest faculty member Kellie Cole,” said Dr. Robert Kelly, Architecture Graduate Program Director. “Thanks also goes out to our supportive administration, dedicated adjunct faculty, Professional Advisory Council, a variety of practitioners and alumni, and to Judy Belcher, AIAWV, who all helped to highlight our program during the NAAB visit.”

The Master of Architecture Program consists of 42 semester hours of graduate architecture courses in addition to a pre-requisite Bachelor of Science in Architecture. The combined degree programs offered at Fairmont State provide graduates with the educational background necessary to enter the professional practice of architecture.

“I count myself very fortunate to be a part of this ground-breaking team and look forward to our next step to accreditation,” Kelly concluded.

For more information visit, www.fairmontstate.edu/masterofarchitecture.

Master of Architecture ProgramNational Architectural Accrediting BoardDr. Robert Kelly