Architecture, MArch
Architecture, Construction, Environment, Innovation, Sustainable, approved for STEM-OPT extension, building, design, interior, landscape
This accredited professional degree program has been educating aspiring architects and other built environment professionals since the 1950s. Customize your educational journey and achieve excellence through this inclusive and accessible program.
Architecture and the building industry are rapidly changing, and professionals need to be more effectively prepared to innovate and challenge a workforce that is far more complex and diverse than it was 20 years ago. Professional architecture firms and offices no longer specialize in only building design; they've expanded into related fields that compel architecture education to become more comprehensive and advanced than ever.
You can both complete the accredited architecture degree content and gain additional credentials for another master's degree or certificate that supports your individual interests. This enables you to pursue concurrent options in related areas, such as construction management, sustainability, real estate development, urban planning, landscape architecture, interior architecture and business. You may also simultaneously join other programs across ASU, such as health, education and fine arts.
Each semester includes a design studio and two other courses, such as technology, representation, history, theory, research and practice. You craft the design and plan the construction of economically and ecologically sustainable built environments and communities. You are rigorously trained on advanced design and digital prototyping, innovative building systems and new technologies, as well as in the research and advocacy of the expansive public role of architects within a broader civic dialogue and social justice aspirations.
The program is offered in two distinct learning modalities --- in person and online --- providing further opportunities for you to earn the same National Architectural Accrediting Board-accredited professional degree.
If you complete the requirements for the Master of Architecture program along with your chosen certificate electives, you may continue for an additional year in your certificate field and earn a second master's degree. When you pursue concurrent degrees, you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas, enabling you to pursue your personal or professional interests.
The mission of The Design School is to prepare students for professional success, while continuing to innovate and advance the discipline of architecture through an emphasis on place, context and contemporary culture. This emphasis recognizes the school's responsibility and commitment to social and environmental justice within Arizona, the region, the nation and the world.
The Design School in ASU's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program:
- Master of Architecture, two-year track (preprofessional degree + 48 graduate credit hours)
- Master of Architecture, three-year track (non-preprofessional degree + 72 credit hours)
Next accreditation visit: 2031
Accredited since 1985
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe or Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests by working with their academic advisor during or after their first semester of study. Some concurrent combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum; students should speak with their academic advisor for more details.
This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with the following:
54 credit hours including the required capstone course (ARC 602), or
78 credit hours including the required capstone course (ARC 602)
TWO-YEAR OPTION Required Core (36 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) THREE-YEAR OPTION Required Core (36 credit hours) Architectural Foundations Coursework (24 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information For the two-year option, applicants must have completed a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with a major in architectural studies or a similar preprofessional degree in architecture. The undergraduate degree must be awarded by an institution recognized by ASU that offers a National Architectural Accreditation Board accredited degree program in architecture. For the three-year option, applicants must have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree in any field, excluding architectural studies.
ARC 501 Advanced Architecture Studio I (6)
ARC 502 Advanced Architecture Studio II (6)
ARC 522 Advanced Architecture Technology I (3)
ARC 531 Advanced Architecture History (3)
ARC 532 Architectural Theory I (3)
ARC 601 Advanced Architecture Studio III (6)
ARC 622 Advanced Architecture Technology II (3)
ARC 631 Architectural Theory II (3)
ARC 662 Architectural Practice (3)
ARC 602 Advanced Architectural Studio IV (6)
ARC 501 Advanced Architecture Studio I (6)
ARC 502 Advanced Architecture Studio II (6)
ARC 522 Advanced Architecture Technology I (3)
ARC 531 Advanced Architecture History (3)
ARC 532 Architectural Theory I (3)
ARC 601 Advanced Architecture Studio III (6)
ARC 622 Advanced Architecture Technology II (3)
ARC 631 Architectural Theory II (3)
ARC 662 Architectural Practice (3)
ARC 511 Architectural Studio (I) (6)
ARC 512 Architectural Studio (II) (6)
ARC 513 Architectural Technology (I) (3)
ARC 514 Architectural Technology (II) (3)
ARC 515 Architectural Representation (3)
ARC 516 Architectural History (3)
ARC 602 Advanced Architectural Studio IV (6)
The culminating experience course is a final design studio with a written component, taken under guidance of studio faculty members and industry professionals. Elective courses should be selected in consultation with the program advisor.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letter of intent
- portfolio
- contact information of two references
- professional resume or CV
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The Design School requires that the letter of intent, portfolio, resume or CV, and contact information for professional references be submitted via SlideRoom: https://asudesign.slideroom.com/#/Login. The applicant also must complete the Graduate College application requirements.
In the letter of intent, the applicant should explain their motivation for applying to the program and describe their future goals in the field, briefly touching on their background and the experiences and qualifications that make them a suitable candidate.
The portfolio should be a curated collection of a candidate's design works, projects and creations to visually represent the applicant's skills, creativity, design sensibilities and ability to conceptualize, innovate and effectively communicate design ideas.
Applicants must submit contact information for two professional references. These can be current or past faculty members, professional mentors, supervisors, or community leaders or elders.
Admission to the program is selective and cannot be deferred. Students are required to enroll in the semester for which they are admitted; otherwise, they must repeat the entire application process to be considered for a future semester.
Admission requirements for the two-year pathway:
Applicants must have completed a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with a major in architectural studies or similar preprofessional degree in architecture. The undergraduate degree must be granted by an institution that is recognized by ASU and offers a National Architectural Accreditation Board-accredited degree program in architecture.
Admission requirements for the three-year pathway:
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree in any field other than architectural studies.
Additional coursework:
If a student is assigned any additional coursework by the academic unit upon admission, depending on their undergraduate background, they must complete those courses with a grade of "B" or higher before completing the master's program required coursework.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Final |
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Priority |
| Session A/C | Online | 05/01 | Final |
| Session A/C | Online | 01/15 | Priority |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Perform professional-level tasks during their internship, including drafting, collaboration, and technical proficiency appropriate for design practice, as identified by the National Architectural Accreditation Board.
- Distinguish the basic context and framework of diverse cultural and social contexts as they relate to The Design School Imperatives (history, context, program, technology, construction, representation).
- Design a response to social issues, cultural representation, and sustainability concerns through their proficiency in analyzing, discussing, and applying their findings in a professional design and/or presentation.
Graduates of the architecture program often pursue careers as:
- architects
- building information modeling managers
- contractors
- developers
- energy modelers
- facilities managers
- film and media producers
- politicians or public servants
- professors
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure.
The Design School
|
CDN 162
designgrad@asu.edu
480-965-3536
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
