Degree Evaluation

Evaluation of Non-Accredited Architecture Degree and Transfer Credits
At the Florida A&M University School of Architecture & Engineering Technology (SAET), the evaluation of a non-accredited architecture degree is a structured process that carefully examines an applicant’s prior education to determine how it compares to the content, rigor, and outcomes expected in the FAMU SAET Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS). This process is not designed to confer retroactive accreditation or blanket equivalency. Instead, it focuses on assessing how much of the applicant’s previous academic and design experience aligns with the SAET program. This applies to transfers into the four-year undergraduate, the professional Bachelor of Architecture, or the Master of Architecture.

The process begins with the submission of several critical materials: an online application, an official academic transcript, and a portfolio of architectural design work (for admission to the B. Arch or M. Arch programs). For non-Florida SUS courses, additional course documentation such as syllabi, project briefs, and examples of student work may be required. If the evaluation reveals gaps in the learning outcomes, students may be required to complete additional coursework or demonstrate competency in specific areas to meet the required standards.

Additional details are available online

Portfolio Evaluation
The portfolio is a central element of the evaluation process. A committee of studio faculty assesses the portfolio to evaluate the applicant’s capacity for spatial reasoning, design development, visual communication, material experimentation, and critical thinking. The work is reviewed for depth, originality, consistency, and technical proficiency. The portfolio rubric (see attached) relates to the design outcomes and the NAAB performance criteria for the related FAMU classes. If gaps are identified, they may be required to enter at a lower point in the sequence. If additional courses are required, the Director of the related program will alert the admitted students.

Transcript/ Course Content Review
For applicants from a public school in the State University System (SUS), the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) standardizes course numbers across the state’s public colleges and universities to support transfer and articulation. Courses with the same prefix and last three digits are considered equivalent and are guaranteed to transfer between participating institutions. When a student transfers, successfully completed equivalent courses must count toward the same requirements. For example, a student who completes ENC 1101 at a community college will receive credit for ENC 2101 at a university if both are designated as equivalent. For more information, see https://flscns.fldoe.org/

For non-SUS applicants, the Program Director will conduct a course-by-course analysis of the applicant’s academic record. This review examines the structure, scope, credits, and stated learning objectives of each course to determine whether it satisfies the content typically delivered in comparable courses at SAET. For instance, a course titled “Structures I” might be accepted as equivalent to SAET’s own structures sequence only if the syllabus demonstrates coverage of key structural principles, materials, analytical methods, and design integration, and if student performance in the course meets a minimum threshold (typically a grade of B or better). Incomplete documentation or insufficient alignment may result in the course not being recognized for waiver or advanced placement purposes.

Alignment with NAAB Criteria
A Program Director will use the 2020 NAAB Program Criteria (PC) and Student Performance Criteria (SPC) as a framework (see attached) for evaluating how well an applicant’s prior education prepares them for continuation within an accredited degree. Faculty input is gathered through the portfolio evaluation. This approach ensures that any waivers or advanced placements are grounded in nationally accepted standards and support the eventual completion of all NAAB-mandated competencies within the FAMU program.

Placement and Credit Recommendations
Once the transcript and portfolio reviews are complete, the results are synthesized into an admission memorandum issued by the program director. Importantly, SAET does not award formal credit for prior coursework unless equivalency is fully documented and aligns with the program’s instructional goals. In most cases, advanced placement is limited.

Documentation and Advising
All evaluation decisions are formally documented and included in the student’s academic file. Upon acceptance and placement, students meet with an academic advisor to develop a degree plan that integrates any waived requirements and outlines the remaining path to graduation. The advisor ensures that students understand the rationale behind placement decisions and provides guidance on meeting licensure expectations and accreditation outcomes.

Overall, this individualized and comprehensive process helps ensure that every student entering the SAET professional programs has a clear, well-supported academic path toward fulfilling all educational requirements for architectural licensure and professional practice.