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Master of Architecture
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree is the title denoting a collection of two different levels of a Master's degree in Architecture. Many schools offer both tracks and they range from 1 to 5 years, usually called M.Arch I and M.Arch II).
M.Arch I is a first professional degree available to students who have already earned a 4 year undergraduate degree. Program length for those with a pre-professional degree in architecture (BA, BS, etc. in architecture) is, typically, 2 years in length, while those with an undergraduate degree in another discipline study for 3 years. Those with a pre-professional architecture degree may enter with advanced standing into the 3-year Master of Architecture program, but it is not guaranteed and depends on the institution. Some 5-year M.Arch I programs exist offering the accredited professional degree as a graduate degree (without having to receive a degree in another discipline). An example would be the University of Detroit Mercy.
M.Arch II is a post-professional degree involving between a year and two years (depending on which school) of intensive focused work for students that already have a 5-year Bachelor's of Architecture degree.
The above degree tracks allow students to pursue the same standards in a masters program but with differing undergraduate backgrounds. The process of earning a M. Arch I or M. Arch. II leads to a graduate with similar knowledge and experiences. When students graduate with a Master of Architecture in either of the above tracks the degree on the diploma only states "Master of Architecture" without regard to the track taken by the student.
Graduate-level architecture programs consist of course work in design, building science, structural engineering, architectural history, theory, professional practice, and elective courses. For those without any prior knowledge of the field, coursework in calculus, physics, computers, statics and strengths of materials, architectural history, studio, and building science is usually required. Some architecture programs allow students to specialize in a specific aspect of architecture, such as architectural technologies or digital media. A thesis or final project is usually required to graduate.
An architectural thesis is the culmination of a student’s research. Submission of the thesis represents the completion of the final requirement for the degree and may be presented as graphic representations, a written work, or physical forms. According to Groat and Wang, Architectural Research Methods, the scope of the research inquiry must not be too broad or too narrow. A good topic will clearly and simply identify a body of literature to which the topical question can be referred. Additionally, a thesis question must have significance to not only the student, but his or her peers, and to the field of architecture.
In the United States, Master of Architecture degrees may be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) as professional degrees, allowing the recipient to qualify for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), after three years of experience working in an architect's office. First time students matriculating with a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree can also qualify for registration. Some programs offer a concurrent learning model, allowing students the opportunity to work in the profession while they are earning their degree, so that they can test for licensure immediately upon graduation.
In Canada, Master of Architecture degrees may be accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), allowing the recipient to qualify for both the ARE and the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).
As of March 2006, there were eighty-four accredited Master of Architecture programs in the United States, including Puerto Rico. In Canada, there were ten accredited programs.
Master of ArchitectureThe Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree is the title denoting a collection of two different levels of a Master's degree in Architecture. Many schools offer both tracks and they range from 1 to 5 years, usually called M.Arch I and M.Arch II).
M.Arch I is a first professional degree available to students who have already earned a 4 year undergraduate degree. Program length for those with a pre-professional degree in architecture (BA, BS, etc. in architecture) is, typically, 2 years in length, while those with an undergraduate degree in another discipline study for 3 years. Those with a pre-professional architecture degree may enter with advanced standing into the 3-year Master of Architecture program, but it is not guaranteed and depends on the institution. Some 5-year M.Arch I programs exist offering the accredited professional degree as a graduate degree (without having to receive a degree in another discipline). An example would be the University of Detroit Mercy.
M.Arch II is a post-professional degree involving between a year and two years (depending on which school) of intensive focused work for students that already have a 5-year Bachelor's of Architecture degree.
The above degree tracks allow students to pursue the same standards in a masters program but with differing undergraduate backgrounds. The process of earning a M. Arch I or M. Arch. II leads to a graduate with similar knowledge and experiences. When students graduate with a Master of Architecture in either of the above tracks the degree on the diploma only states "Master of Architecture" without regard to the track taken by the student.
Graduate-level architecture programs consist of course work in design, building science, structural engineering, architectural history, theory, professional practice, and elective courses. For those without any prior knowledge of the field, coursework in calculus, physics, computers, statics and strengths of materials, architectural history, studio, and building science is usually required. Some architecture programs allow students to specialize in a specific aspect of architecture, such as architectural technologies or digital media. A thesis or final project is usually required to graduate.
An architectural thesis is the culmination of a student’s research. Submission of the thesis represents the completion of the final requirement for the degree and may be presented as graphic representations, a written work, or physical forms. According to Groat and Wang, Architectural Research Methods, the scope of the research inquiry must not be too broad or too narrow. A good topic will clearly and simply identify a body of literature to which the topical question can be referred. Additionally, a thesis question must have significance to not only the student, but his or her peers, and to the field of architecture.
In the United States, Master of Architecture degrees may be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) as professional degrees, allowing the recipient to qualify for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), after three years of experience working in an architect's office. First time students matriculating with a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree can also qualify for registration. Some programs offer a concurrent learning model, allowing students the opportunity to work in the profession while they are earning their degree, so that they can test for licensure immediately upon graduation.
In Canada, Master of Architecture degrees may be accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), allowing the recipient to qualify for both the ARE and the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC).
As of March 2006, there were eighty-four accredited Master of Architecture programs in the United States, including Puerto Rico. In Canada, there were ten accredited programs.