Architects must be licensed before they can practice independently. Even after achieving a Master's in Architecture, students who want to practice independently must achieve licensure. There are three main steps in becoming an architect: education, experience, and examination.

All states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architectural services.

The median time between graduation and licensure is about seven years. Because emerging professionals have flexibility in mapping out their paths to licensure, the timing for achieving this milestone is influenced by how they choose to fulfill various requirements (education, experience, examination). The degree program you select, where and how you decide to fulfill internship requirements, when you take the examination, and where you plan to seek initial licensure all can have an impact on the length of time it will take to achieve your goal of licensure.

For students working toward an ultimate goal of licensure to practice architecture, the internship period is intended as an extension of the process of architectural education, providing specialized training and knowledge about architectural practice that is not usually covered in the academic setting. Each US state registration board establishes the details of its own training requirement; for those states and provinces requiring an NAAB- or CACB-accredited degree, three years of training in addition to the degree is the norm.

As the scope and complexity of architectural practice have expanded, the traditional method of mentorship, where apprentices attained practical training through a close working relationship with a practitioner, has become less tenable. In the United States, the Intern Development Program (IDP) was created to provide a coherent structure ensuring that graduates entering the profession today can acquire the specific knowledge and skills necessary for the competent practice of architecture

While some state registration boards allow training options other than IDP for those pursuing licensure, most boards have adopted the IDP training standards as a requirement for licensure. The IDP requirements outline specific training in four major categories: Pre-Design, Design, Project Management, and Practice Management. Participating interns must demonstrate competency in each of these areas in the course of their internship in order to meet the overall training requirement.

In addition to the more traditional settings of architectural practice, IDP also encourages interns to gain experience in less conventional areas within the overall profession. While every state mandates the acquisition of experience under the direct supervision of a registered architect, many states also accept experience gained under the supervision of other design professionals, such as landscape architects, engineers, and general contractors.

To a greater extent than in the academic setting, the internship period must balance the needs of the intern with the needs of the educational setting, which in this case is also an employment setting. While the firm has a responsibility to provide the training opportunities central to the internship, it also expects the intern to perform basic professional services and learn the particularities of how the firm practices architecture. Successful interns will learn to recognize and take advantage of the overlap in these often conflicting goals in order to maximize the value of their internship experience.

Obtaining a Master's in Architecture without pursuing licensure can still lead to stable and rewarding employment opportunities. While licensure is often associated with traditional architectural practice, many industries and roles value the skills and knowledge gained through an architectural education. Here's how someone with a Master's in Architecture can secure stable employment without pursuing licensure:

   - Architectural Visualization: Specializes in creating 3D visualizations, animations, and renderings of architectural designs. This skill is in demand in architectural firms, real estate, and film production.
   - Urban Planning: Work in urban planning departments, helping to shape the development of cities and communities.
   - Sustainability Consultant: Focus on sustainable design and environmental considerations within the built environment, assisting organizations in meeting green building standards and regulations.
   - Project Management: Manage construction projects, ensuring they stay on budget and are completed on time.
   - Interior Design: Concentrate on the interior aspects of architectural design, including space planning, aesthetics, and material selection.

Here are other ways to use your skills gained during graduate studies pursuing licensure: 

Technical and Design Skills: Architects gain strong technical and design skills during their education, which are transferable to various industries. These skills include CAD software proficiency, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of construction and materials.
Communication Skills: Architects are adept at communicating complex ideas visually and verbally. These skills are valuable in roles that require collaboration and conveying ideas effectively to clients, colleagues, or stakeholders.
Research and Analysis: Architectural education often involves extensive research and analysis. These skills are applicable in roles where data collection, analysis, and reporting are essential. Architectural education equips individuals with the ability to adapt to different design challenges and work in interdisciplinary teams. This adaptability is highly valuable in many job sectors.
Networking: Building a strong professional network during your education and through internships can open doors to job opportunities. Attend industry events, join relevant associations, and connect with alumni.
Certifications and Further Education: Consider obtaining certifications in areas related to your career interests, such as LEED certification for sustainable design or PMP (Project Management Professional) certification for project management roles.
Internships and Experience: Gain practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in related fields. Practical experience can make you more attractive to employers.
Freelancing and Consulting: Offer your architectural skills as a freelance consultant. You can work on design projects, provide advice on design aesthetics, or assist with project management on a contract basis.
Entrepreneurship: Consider starting your own design-related business, such as an interior design consultancy or a firm specializing in architectural visualization.

It's important to research and tailor your job search to industries and roles that align with your interests, skills, and career goals. While architectural licensure is valuable in certain contexts, there are numerous career opportunities where a Master's in Architecture can be a strong asset without pursuing licensure.