Guide to Graduate Concentrations

What is a graduate concentration?

A graduate concentration is a secondary area of interest that complements or reinforces a graduate student’s primary discipline. Certain CABE graduate programs require that a student choose a concentration to establish a focus area within the primary discipline. Students enrolled in a master’s program that does not require a concentration may elect to declare a concentration in order to pair their major discipline with another architecture related field. A concentration allows students to group electives together in a meaningful way, providing a set of courses that provides supplemental study in a particular subject area. Options for graduate concentrations are determined by the academic programs and consist of a minimum of nine (9) credits in the subject area. Guidelines for available concentrations are below: 

• A student may not use the same course for credit in both the primary discipline and area of concentration. In other words, only free elective credits can be applied to the concentration.
• Concentrations typically consist of at least one required course, plus a selection of courses from which the student may choose.
• Any substitute elective course from within the concentration must be approved by the program director of the area of concentration.

What are the advantages to completing a concentration?

In addition to integrating and unifying subjects covered in free electives, a graduate concentration enables a student to pursue a secondary area of interest and to develop a knowledge base and skill sets that complement the primary discipline.

By layering a secondary area onto a primary field of study, a concentration indicates versatility and flexibility to a prospective employer, increasing a student’s marketability and expanding prospects for internships and future employment.

What is the difference between a graduate “concentration” and a graduate “certificate”?

A graduate certificate is a grouping of four courses for a minimum of twelve credits in a subject area and is available to individuals who are NOT matriculating in one of CABE’s master’s programs. Individuals who have completed a baccalaureate degree or a master’s degree are eligible to apply for acceptance into a CABE certificate program. Unlike a concentration that is integral to a specific master’s curriculum, a certificate is a stand-alone, self-contained credential.

However, if after completing the graduate certificate a student decides to pursue a master’s degree, credits accrued in the graduate certificate will be applied to the master’s program to fulfill ether required foundational or elective coursework. In this way, the student achieves advanced standing in the master’s program, saving both time and tuition.  

When should I declare a concentration?

Students determine an appropriate concentration in consultation with their program director. Students should map out a schedule in advance to assure the completion of the concentration. Certain courses are offered only once a year in specific semesters.

To formally declare a concentration requires filling out appropriate paperwork, available at the University Registrar’s website, and obtaining approval from both the student’s program director and the program director of the concentration area. Only general electives can be applied to fulfill the coursework in the concentration.

Non-CABE graduate students can declare a CABE concentration. Any non-CABE graduate student declaring a CABE concentration must meet CABE laptop requirements as well as fulfill prerequisite requirements.   

All courses listed in CABE concentrations are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted.