The professional Master of Architecture degree program (M.Arch) is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and is open to students with a baccalaureate degree in any field from an accredited college or university. The M.Arch program fulfills the professional degree requirements leading to architectural licensure and registration. Two distinct tracks (3.5 years and 2 years) accommodate students’ diverse undergraduate backgrounds.
3.5-year track
The 3.5-year track is structured for students with an accredited baccalaureate degree in any field. The seven-semester curriculum begins with a summer semester, followed by six semesters that include core instruction to fulfill NAAB requirements in addition to elective studios and seminars.
2-year track (advanced standing)
The 2-year track provides an accelerated path for students with substantial architectural education. Those with a pre-professional degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Architecture or a Bachelor of Environmental Design, or international students with a terminal architecture degree in their respective country who wish to work towards licensure in the US and Canada should apply to this track to gain advanced standing within the M.Arch program.
The Director of Graduate Architecture determines the level of advanced standing based on students’ college transcripts and design portfolio strength. Typically, students will complete the curriculum in four semesters, which include core instruction to fulfill NAAB requirements in addition to elective studios and seminars. International students with license to practice architecture or eligible for licensure in their respective countries may qualify for further advanced standing to complete the degree in three semesters.
Dual degree options
Graduate students may pursue a Master of Architecture degree in conjunction with a Master of Preservation Studies or Master of Sustainable Real Estate degree, typically with one additional semester of course work. Learn more on the Dual Degree page on the School of Architecture's website, or by the contacting Program Directors of Architecture, Historic Preservation or Real Estate Development.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| History/Theory Sequence | ||
| ARCH 6110 | Intro to Architecture * | 3 |
| ARCH 6111 | Topics in Architecture History/Theory 1 | 1.5 |
| ARCH 6112 | Topics in Architecture History/Theory 1 | 1.5 |
| ARCH 6113 | Topics in Architecture History/Theory 1 | 1.5 |
| ARCH 6114 | Topics in Architecture History/Theory 1 | 1.5 |
| ARCH 6130 | Architectural Research Methods 2 | 3 |
| Digital Media Sequence | ||
| ARCH 6311 | Digital Media * | 3 |
| ARCH 6312 | Advanced Digital Media | 3 |
| Studio Sequence | ||
| ARCH 6011 | Architecture Studio * | 6 |
| ARCH 6012 | Architecture Studio * | 6 |
| ARCH 6021 | Architecture Studio * | 6 |
| ARCH 6022 | Architecture Studio * | 6 |
| ARCH 6031 | Architecture Studio | 6 |
| ARCH 6032 | Architecture Studio | 6 |
| ARCH 6051 | Advanced Studio Elective | 6 |
| Technological Sequence 3 | ||
| ARCH 6211 | Site Strategies * | 3 |
| ARCH 6212 | Materials and Methods * | 3 |
| ARCH 6213 | Building, Climate, Comfort * | 4 |
| ARCH 6214 | Structural Systems * | 4 |
| ARCH 6215 | Integrated Building Systems 4 | 4 |
| Professional Concerns Sequence | ||
| ARCH 6511 | Professional Concerns I | 3 |
| ARCH 6512 | Professional Concerns II | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| General Electives (4) 5 | 12 | |
| History/Theory Elective (1) | 3 | |
| Credits from either thesis or non-thesis studio options during the final year (listed below) | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 111 | |
- *
Course may be substituted by previous coursework for advanced standing students (2-year program).
- 1
ARCH 6111 concurrently with ARCH 6112 and ARCH 6113 must be taken concurrently with ARCH 6114
- 2
Advanced standing students must take ARCH 6130 Arch Research Methods in the fall of their first year.
- 3
Students in the 2-year program typically receive advanced standing credit for three out of the four available technology courses. If a student qualifies for advance standing on all four, they must take an additional elective course.
- 4
Advanced standing is not available for ARCH 6215 Integrated Building Systems.
- 5
In addition to electives from the Architecture catalog, students may take courses from the Preservation Studies or Sustainable Real Estate programs.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis option | ||
| ARCH 6980 | Thesis Research | 3 |
| ARCH 6925 | Independent Thesis Research | 3 |
| ARCH 6990 | Thesis Studio | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Elective Courses in addition the the 5 listed above (2) | 6 | |
| ARCH 6052 | Advanced Studio Elective | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |