Architecture

The program leading to the Master in Architecture (MArch) is an accredited professional degree intended for individuals who have completed the bachelor's degree with a major other than one of the design professions or with a pre-professional undergraduate major in one of the design professions.

The course of study is rigorous and comprehensive, preparing graduates for the full range of professional activities in the field of architecture. It provides a solid intellectual base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, the social environment, and professional practice. Particular emphasis is given to developing mastery of design through an intensive series of design studio courses. Committed to developing independent thinking and resolving design issues, students are required to prepare a design thesis that serves as a transition from graduate school to professional practice. To attain registration for professional practice after completion of the degree, a candidate must complete an internship in an architectural office and pass a registration examination. Many students partially complete their internships during the summer while in graduate school.

For students entering without advanced standing, a minimum of seven terms of full-time study in residence, including thesis, is required. Individuals admitted with advanced standing normally begin with the third term of the program and must complete a minimum of five terms of full-time study in residence. Under special circumstances, students may receive permission to reduce their course load and extend their studies over a longer period of time.

A candidate will be recommended for the Master in Architecture as a professional degree upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 140 units. MArch I students pursue the following seven semester course of study:

First semester

• 8 UNITS GSD 1101 First Semester Architecture Core Studio: PROJECT
• 2 UNITS GSD 2121 (M1) Architectural Representation I
• 2 UNITS GSD 2122 (M2) Architectural Representation II
• 4 UNITSGSD 4121 Buildings, Texts, and Contexts I
• 2 UNITS GSD 6121 (M1) Environmental Systems I
• 2 UNITS GSD 6122 (M2) Environmental Systems II

Second semester

• 8 UNITS GSD 1102 Second Semester Architecture Core: SITUATE
• 4 UNITS GSD 4122 Buildings, Texts, and Contexts II
• 2 UNITS GSD 6125 (M3) Building Simulation
• 2 UNITS GSD 6126 (M4) Materials
• 4 UNITS GSD 6227 Structural Design I

Third semester

• 8 UNITS GSD 1201 Third Semester Architecture Core Studio: INTEGRATE
• 4 UNITS GSD 6123 Construction Systems
• 4 UNITS GSD 6229 Structural Design II
• 4 UNITSDigital Media Requirement or Distributional or General Electives

Fourth semester

• 8 UNITS GSD 1202 Fourth Semester Architecture Core Studio: RELATE
• 4 UNITS GSD 4223 Buildings, Texts, and Contexts III
• 4 UNITS GSD 6230 Cases in Contemporary Construction
• 4 UNITS Digital Media Requirement*** or Distributional or General Electives

Fifth semester

• 8 UNITS Option Studio
• 4 UNITS GSD 7212 Foundations of Practice
• 8 UNITS Distributional or General Electives

Sixth semester

• 8 UNITS Option Studio
• 4 UNITSGSD 9203 Thesis Prep Course (or pre-approved alternative)
• 8 UNITS Distributional or General Electives

Note:  The department encourages students to take electives that support thesis interests during their sixth semester.

Seventh semester

• 12 UNITS GSD 9301 Independent Design Thesis
• 8 UNITS Distributional or General Electives

Admission with No Previous Professional Education

Individuals who have completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in any field (architecture or other) are eligible for admission to the first term of the professional degree program. Preference for admission is given to applicants who have completed a balanced undergraduate education that includes study in the arts, sciences, and humanities.  Four college-level, semester-long courses are specifically required as prerequisites for admission to the M.Arch-1 program: one semester of calculus; one semester of physics (algebra-based, covering mechanics and thermodynamics); and two semesters of history of architecture(together covering Renaissance through Modern periods at minimum). Applicants must achieve a grade of B- or better in each of these courses. Applicants who have scored a 4 or 5 on AP Calculus or AP Physics exams will be considered to have met these prerequisites only if their undergraduate transcript acknowledges the results by awarding institutional credit.

Preparation in the visual arts is desirable and may include drawing, sculpture, and/or graphics. Courses in the humanities, philosophy, literature, and economics are also recommended but are not required.

The Graduate School of Design offers a Pre-Core Workshop to incoming students, which is required for all entering Master in Architecture students without an undergraduate degree in architecture. The workshop may also be required or recommended for students whose portfolios demonstrate a need for more depth of knowledge with software used to design and represent architectural projects (for example, Rhino, V-Ray, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop). The workshop allows students to set up their computers, their GSD network accounts, and to familiarize themselves with the GSD’s Digital facilities prior to the start of classes. Most importantly, the workshop allows incoming students to gain a basic knowledge of the workflows and digital techniques used in the context of studios: 3D software basics, rendering basics, data-transfer from 3D software, output and model building techniques using CAD/CAM facilities. No academic credit is given for the workshop. Please refer to last year's syllabus for additional details.