Architecture (M.ARCH2)

Architecture (M.Arch 2)

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program prepares the student through the process of critical thinking, designing, and making to provide meaningful contributions to our built environment through the practice of architecture and urban design. We work to develop each student’s individual capacity through critical thought, rigorous exploration and personal design vision.

B.Arch BA M.Arch Track 1 MA Track 1 MA Track 2

Master of Architecture (M. Arch) Degree – Track 2

Available Online

Major Classes

ARH 602 Structures Major/3
ARH 604 Material and Methods of Construction: Building Detailing Major/3
ARH 605 Graduate Design Technology: Environmental Controls Major/3
ARH 606 Construction Documents and Building Codes Major/3
ARH 608 Advanced Design Studio II - Concept, Context, and Typology Major/6
ARH 609 Advanced Design Studio I - Design Process and Morphology Major/6
ARH 613 Sustainable Design Major/3
ARH 614 Architectural Professional Practices Major/3
ARH 619 Advanced Design Studio III - Integrated Design Concepts Major/6
ARH 620 Digital Generated Morphology Major/3
ARH 640 Architectural History - Introduction Major/3
ARH 641 Architectural History: Modernism and its Global Impact Major/3
ARH 642 Architectural Theory Major/3
ARH 650 Foundational Design Studio I Major/3
ARH 651 Design Process and 2D Media Major/3
ARH 652 Architectural Tectonics Major/3
ARH 653 Introductory Design Studio 2 Major/3
ARH 654 Design Process and 3D Media Major/3
ARH 659 Digitally Generated Fabrication Major/3
ARH 690 Thesis Preparation and Development Major/3

FOR YOUR INDIVIDUALIZED ENROLLMENT PLAN, CONTACT YOUR ADVISOR

Unit Requirements

Major Coursework Units
Major 69
Major Electives 6
Directed Study 6
Electives 6
Total 87

Degree Requirements

M.ARCH ARCHITECTURE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 87 units.

Additional Information

For information on the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE) and Intern Development Program (IDP) requirements, go to: www.ncarb.org.


The NAAB accredited Master of Architecture is a holistic professional program offered in two tracks. Dedicated to the relationship of theory, up to date technical developments, advanced architectural design and the practice of making and building, the program has an exceptional profile. Through knowledgeable and practicing faculty, we enable our students to become responsible leaders in their field, who have the skills to envision, design and construct a desirable and viable future, and therefore actively contribute towards the evolution of society.

  1. Applicants who graduate from a NAAB-accredited 5 year B.ARCH program or equivalent are eligible for MA-ARH I (36 units). Final placement will be determined after portfolio review.
  2. Applicants who graduate from a 4 or 5 year non-NAAB-accredited Bachelor’s program in Architecture, Environmental Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Engineering are eligible for MA-ARH I (36 units). Final placement will be determined after transcripts and portfolio review.
  3. Applicants who graduate with an unrelated undergraduate degree will be placed into the MA-ARH II (60 units).
  4. Applicants interested in Architectural licensure in the United States should consider the NAAB-Accredited M.Arch program. This might also apply to international students when their country of origin requires a professionally accredited degree (NAAB or equivalent) in order to obtain an architecture license in this country. 

Track 1 and Track 2 Placement

Both the 63-unit and 87-unit degree program tracks are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole authority for accredited professional degree programs for architecture in the United States. We have an open enrollment policy and operate on a rolling admissions basis.  A portfolio is required for applications to the School of Architecture. The Graduate School of Architecture at the Academy of Art University is unique in that there are many advanced standing options for applicants with a background in architecture or a related field. The advanced standing is determined on an individual basis through a portfolio review and transcript evaluation.

Note for English as a Second Language Students: All placement into architecture classes is pending ESL evaluation, ESL 604 placement necessary to start architecture classes. We do not require a TOEFL test but all placement into architecture classes is pending ESL evaluation, ESL 604 placement necessary to start architecture classes.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Design:

  • Demonstrate development of design exploration and understanding throughout the program

Visual Communication:

  • Visually communicate ideas through hand sketching/ drawing, including hand drawn concept sketches, design process sketches and diagrams
  • Visually communicate ideas through architectural drawings (digital or otherwise): site plan, plan, section, elevation, and 3D representation
  • Produce accurate physical models of design ideas

Written Communication:

  • Effectively summarize the project and process in a well-crafted proposal and thesis book

Presentation Skills:

  • Professionally present the thesis proposal and final project

Building Systems, Materials and Methods:

  • Demonstrate understanding of material systems and construction details
  • Demonstrate understanding of building systems (including structural systems, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems)
  • Demonstrate understanding of environmental control systems
  • Demonstrate understanding of building codes and accessibility
  • Apply sustainability concepts in their project

Thesis Proposal Development:

  • Clearly define the mission of their project
  • Present research that defines the need and desirability of the project
  • Provide a profile of the user group
  • Comprehensively define and analyze the proposed site area and its context
  • Present and analyze relevant precedents for the project
  • Develop a general project concept related to the site analysis and program
  • Effectively present the suitability of the proposed program on the proposed site
  • Produce a spatial/ functional program online

Thesis Project:

  • Produce a comprehensive architectural and building solution to the mission statement

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
  2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
  3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
  4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
  5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
  6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
  7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
  8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.

*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu

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