People need places in which to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop, eat, private and public spaces, indoors and out, rooms, buildings, and complexes, neighborhoods and towns, suburbs and cities. Architects are professionals trained in the art and science of building design and licensed to protect public health, safety, and welfare to transform these needs into concepts and then develop the concepts into building solutions that can be constructed by others. Modern architects must concern themselves not only with traditional design issues, but also with such emerging concerns as accessibility, the preservation and adaptive use of older buildings and neighborhoods, sustainability, and the form of rapidly expanding urban centers.<br><br>To become a licensed architect in North Carolina and other states, BEDA graduates (architecture students who complete four years) must complete an additional fifth year of study in a Bachelor of Architecture program or a two-year Master of Architecture program. Both of these accredited professional degree programs are offered at NC State University. The final requirements for licensure are a period of professional training and passing the Architectural Registration Examination.