The Master of Architecture is designed to reflect and uphold the Department of Architecture’s mission: Architecture has the power to improve lives by creating, activating, facilitating, and substantiating innovative and inclusive design for all communities and environments. Faculty with diverse perspectives and backgrounds can foster an interdisciplinary academic experience that positions architecture at the dynamic center of social, cultural, historical, technological, and physical issues within our shared world. A commitment to design excellence, social equity, and sustainability is evident throughout the curriculum and faculty research. We aim to equip graduates with the creativity, competence, compassion, and conviction to be positive agents of change and stewards of the built environment.
Program Description
The Master of Architecture (MArch) program is a first-professional graduate program designed to prepare students for professional architectural practice through the development of sustainable design and technology skills, knowledge of project management, and collaborative experiences in an interdisciplinary environment. The NAAB accredited program is located within easy access to Center City Philadelphia with its rich collection of major historical and contemporary buildings. Philadelphia also provides an ongoing laboratory for many of our courses and opportunities for internships.
The MArch Program offers multiple points of entry and credit requriments, with your track being individually decided based on your level of preparedness. The selection committee will consider your educational background, experience and portfolio. While each applicant is reviewed individually, these are the typical entry points:
- Students without a degree in a design discipline will be enrolled in the full 90 credit progam, starting during the fall semester with gradation after the terminal spring semester.
- Students who are granted advanced standing, typically coming from a 4-year pre-professional architecture or related design degree program, will complete the degree in two years with reduced required credits. Students in the two year program begin in the fall semester with gradation after the terminal spring semester.
- Students who are eligible for advanced standing but desire a spring start, may complete the program in two and a half years with reduced required credits, and graduation after the terminal spring semester.
A portfolio and personal statement are required for admission. We look forward to reviewing your application and work.
The Master of Architecture is a STEM designated program (CIP Code 04.0902).
Program Highlights
With multiple starting tracks, the Master of Architecture program prepares students with any undergraduate degree to meet the demands of the architecture and built environment industries in the 21st century.
You will prepare for professional architectural practice by developing sustainable design and technology skills, knowledge of project management and collaborative experiences within an interdisciplinary environment, alongside students with diverse undergraduate experience.
The program ranges from a 48-credit minimum for those with advanced standing, to a 3+ year 99-credit degree program for students without previous experience.
- Gain sustainable design and technology skills and a knowledge of project management.
- Learn through collaborative experiences in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Earn your Master of Architecture in 2-3+ years, depending on previous experience.
- Take advantage of opportunities to collaborate on global projects and work with teams such as the Malawi Health & Design Collaborative.
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Watch: I am a Master of Architecture Student
Hear firsthand from some our students about what it's like to be an architecture major.
