Section 1150.50  Approved Architecture Programs

a)         An architecture program, upon recommendation of the Board, shall be approved by the Department if it meets the following minimum criteria:

1)         The educational institution is legally recognized and authorized by the academic jurisdiction in which it is located to confer any of the degrees required for licensure in accordance with Section 1150.20(a).

2)         Has a faculty which comprises a sufficient number of full-time instructors to make certain that the educational obligations to the student are fulfilled.  The faculty must have demonstrated competence in their area of teaching as evidenced by appropriate degrees from reputable professional colleges or institutions; and

3)         Maintains permanent student records that summarize the credentials for admission, attendance, grades and other records of performance.

4)         Has a curriculum:

A)        Which confers a first professional degree in architecture and is accredited by the NAAB;

B)        Which confers a pre-professional 4 year degree accepted for direct entry into a professional master of architecture degree program; or

C)        Until January 1, 1996, for applicants who have completed their education prior to January 1, 1990, which is at least 4 academic years and provides educational experience directed toward the development of the ability to apply knowledge to the identification and solution of practical problems and which encompasses the following:

i)          Basic sciences including physics, chemistry and subjects from the other areas of life and earth sciences;

ii)         Architectural science courses in building technology which assist the student to develop capabilities for recognition of problems through to formulation of creative solutions;

iii)         Architectural design courses which foster the development of critical awareness and responsibility to protect the public health, safety and welfare;

iv)        Appropriate studio and laboratory experience as determined by the college or institution shall be included in the program of each student; and

v)         The overall curriculum shall include a minimum of 120 semester hours or the equivalent and shall include at least the following subjects:

            Advanced Mathematics – including calculus and analytical geometry – 8 hours

            Basic Sciences – 8 hours

            Architectural Sciences – 16 hours

            Architectural Design – 18 hours – which may include up to 6 hours of art or freehand drawing

            Humanities/Social Studies – 12 hours

            History of Architecture – 12 hours

b)         In determining whether a program should be approved, the Department shall take into consideration but not be bound by accreditation by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

c)         All architecture programs accredited by the NAAB as of January 1, 1991 meet the minimum criteria set forth in subsection (a), above, for an approved architecture program and are, therefore, approved.

d)         Each architectural program, other than a program referred to in subsection (c) above, from which graduates have been issued permanent licensure in Illinois since July 1, 1975, is deemed an approved architectural program for purposes of meeting the minimum criteria set forth in subsection (a) above, retrospectively and until such time as the Department, upon the recommendation of the Board, determines that the program should be considered disapproved.

e)         Reevaluation

1)         Any program disapproved for failure to satisfy the minimum requirements set forth in subsection (a) may be reevaluated by the Board upon the request of an applicant for a period of time previously evaluated only for good cause shown. In determining the existence of good cause, the Board shall consider whether the applicant raised an issue as to whether incorrect or insufficient information was provided during the original evaluation.  If the program was disapproved based on the fact that the Board has not received sufficient information concerning the program, it shall be reevaluated upon the request of any applicant who can present evidence that sufficient information for evaluation is now available.

2)         The applicant for whom a reevaluation is conducted shall be required to submit such documentation as is deemed necessary to substantiate that program's assertions.  In addition, the Board may request clarification or amplification of any documentation so submitted when additional clarification will aid in the reevaluation decision.  Unless the Board at its discretion grants an extension of time on its own motion or at the request of the applicant, it shall, no later than six months from the date of the request for reevaluation, either approve the program, disapprove the program for failure to satisfy the minimum requirements of subsection (a), or disapprove the program based on the fact that the Board has not received sufficient information concerning the program. An extension of time will be granted when such an extension is necessary in order to effect a fair, equitable and complete evaluation.

f)          The Board shall maintain a list of all programs approved as of July 1 of that year.

g)         Reevaluation of An Approved Program

1)         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Board may reevaluate any approved architectural program at any time if it has reason to believe that the program has failed to continue to satisfy the minimum requirements of subsection (a) or that its decision was based upon false, deceptive or incomplete information.

2)         If the Board has reason to believe there has been any fraud or dishonesty in the furnishing of any documentation for the evaluation of a program, it shall refer such matter to appropriate Department personnel for any disciplinary action which might be appropriate under the Act.

3)         An architectural program whose approval is being reevaluated by the Department shall be given at least 15 days written notice prior to any recommendation by the Board and may either submit written comments or request a hearing before the Board in accordance with 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1110.

(Source:  Amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 3143, effective February 14, 1992)