As ACBA’s founders considered how best to create a new institution to educate the next generation of highly skilled craftspeople in America, they looked toward the academic model found at France’s Compagnons du Devoir. With a history that dates back to the Middle Ages, Les Compagnons is a ten-year academic program during which students travel throughout the country completing apprenticeships with master artisans. ACBA then condensed the French program into a four-year American curriculum where educational methods are rooted in the medieval guild system, training craftspeople to master a trade and teach it too.

ACBA offers both a four-year Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree and a two-year Associate of Applied Sciences degree in the Building Arts. In addition to trade classes, students take a variety of general education and elective courses, providing the broad liberal arts core curriculum that prepares students for leadership and life-long learning in their trades.

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree

The objective of the Bachelor of Applied Sciences in the Building Arts degree program is to provide specialized education in one of six craft specializations: Architectural Carpentry, Blacksmithing, Classical Architecture & Design, Architectural Stone Carving, Plaster, and Timber Framing. Trade classes are coupled with traditional general education coursework in the liberal arts, including foreign language, business and leadership, architectural design, elective choices, and a Senior Capstone project. The Bachelor of Applied Sciences program requires eight semesters and three externships, which roughly translates into 42 months for completion.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

The objective of the Associate of Applied Sciences in the Building Arts degree program is to provide a general education in one of the three general specialization areas - Architectural Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Plaster or the Fundamentals of Architectural Carpentry & Timber Framing - coupled with traditional general education coursework. A.A.S. students are required to complete all degree program requirements, including one externship between the first and second years. Students must successfully complete four semesters and one externship, which roughly translates into 20 months of study.

At the end of the second year, A.A.S. students will present a final portfolio. At any time during coursework for the A.A.S. degree program, students may decide to pursue the four-year B.A.S. degree at ACBA. Those students in good academic standing who wish to do so may continue on to years three and four to complete the B.A.S. degree.