Master of Architecture

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The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree is the title denoting a collection of three different levels of a Master's degree in Architecture. Many schools offer all three tracks and they range from 1 to 5 years, usually called M.Arch I, M.Arch II, and M.Arch III (M. Arch III being less common).

  • M.Arch I is a first professional degree for students that have earned a four year unaccredited undergraduate degree in architecture or related discipline, such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. Program length varies, but is often anywhere from 3 to 4 years. 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).[citation needed]
  • 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.
  • M.Arch III is a professional Master's degree that takes 3 to 5 years to complete and it requires no previous teachings in Architecture (some schools do not have an M.Arch III program).

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, M. Arch. II, or M. Arch III leads to a graduate with similar knowledge and experiences. When students graduate with a Master of Architecture in any of the above tracks the degree on the diploma only states "Master of Architecture" without regard to the track taken by the student.

These degrees are 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.

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.

As of March 2006, there were eighty-four accredited Master of Architecture programs in the United States, including Puerto Rico.

Note: Schools where a Bachelor of Architecture can also be earned are marked with *

Contents

[edit] Master's Degree programs

Colleges and universities in the United States with accredited Master of Architecture degree programs are listed below.

Colleges and universities in Canada with accredited Master of Architecture degree programs are listed below:

Universities in Australia with accredited Master of Architecture degree programs are listed below:

[edit] Candidates

Four United States schools are candidates for accreditation, meaning that their newly-created programs may be accreditated to offer the M.Arch. degree upon proof of meeting NAAB standards. They are:

[edit] Schools and Universities in Europe

[edit] See also

de:Master of Architecture

nl:Master of Architecture

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