The DA aims to provide, to the region, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, architects who can cope with the challenges of today, are aware of local culture and regional architectural style, and are conscious of industrial and technological innovations worldwide. The department supports architecture students in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to develop a personal architectural identity and a unique critical mind. Therefore, the department’s objectives can be stated as follows:

• Strengthen core focus areas within the program and track advancements in comprehensive architectural technology and research.
• Elevate the profile of the program by providing the highest educational standard.
• Attract and retain a diverse faculty and staff of the highest academic and professional experience.
• Establish a strong relationship between the department and the community.
• Graduate professionals with high efficiency in a wide range of professional practices.
• Fulfill the growing demand for architects in Saudi Arabia and the neighboring countries.
• Foster an interdisciplinary educational environment.
• Incorporate active learning strategies that promote student participation in the educational process.
• Improve the facilities and resources to support high-quality learning, research, and work environments.
• Provide students with support and guidance to enhance the learning experience.

Statement on International Certification Degrees

The term “International Certification” identifies a program as comparable in educational outcomes in all significant aspects to a program accredited by the NAAB in the United States and indicates that it provides an educational experience meeting acceptable standards, even though such program may differ in format or method of delivery. The designation is valid for six years beginning 1 January of the year in which the final visit (Visit 3) took place. In order to maintain the designation, the program must be visited again in the sixth year of the designation.

Schools with programs identified as holding NAAB International Certification are not formally “accredited” as that term is used with reference to programs in the United States and may not refer to their programs as “accredited” by the NAAB. However, students who graduate from internationally certified programs are able to apply for individualized review of their credentials on an expedited basis for purposes of the Educational Evaluation Services for Architects program administered by the NAAB on behalf of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

The Al Yamamah University Department of Architecture/College of Engineering and Architecture is in the process of pursuing but has not yet received the International Certification designation from the National Architectural Accreditation Board for the following professional degree program:

Bachelor of Architecture