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In addition to the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, application and admission requirements for the Master of Architecture degree program require submission of a portfolio of architectural design work for applicants with previous architectural education or experience.

Portfolio of Architectural Design Work

Applicants with previous architectural or design education are expected to submit a portfolio of work with a minimum of 4 projects, including at least 3 buildings, that shows evidence of the following:

• Purposefulness
• Critical thinking skills
• Advanced communication
  • Exemplifies traits of good writing
  • Representation/graphics: process, 2D, 3D, and models
• Design Synthesis
  • Demonstrates clear decision making in the synthesis of user requirements, regulatory requirements, site conditions, and accessible design, and consideration of the measurable environmental impacts of their design decisions.
• Building Integration
  • Demonstrates clear decision making in the integration of building envelope systems and assemblies, structural systems, environmental control systems, life safety systems, and the measurable outcomes of building performance.

The portfolio should provide clear identification of academic or professional product, collaborations, and role.

The Master of Architecture degree requires a minimum of 45 credit hours of graduate coursework. The total number of required credits depends on your previous academic background, and we offer multiple entry points to accommodate students from both architecture and non-architecture disciplines.

If you have an NAAB-accredited undergraduate degree

If you hold a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from a program with a NAAB-accredited professional degree, you’ll complete the standard 45-credit-hour track. Your undergraduate transcripts will be reviewed to ensure you’ve met the NAAB Student Performance Criteria. In some cases, additional preparatory coursework may be required to address any gaps.

If you have another degree

If you earned a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than architecture, or a degree from a non-NAAB-accredited program, you will follow an extended 87-credit-hour track to ensure all professional competencies are met. Students with degrees in related design or environmental fields may be eligible for Advanced Standing, which can reduce the total number of credits needed. Final requirements are determined after a comprehensive transcript review.

Project vs Thesis Track

All students complete a capstone requirement by choosing one of two culminating paths:

• The Master’s Project Track involves a comprehensive architectural design supported by a written component.
• The Thesis Track includes a research-driven architectural design and a formal written thesis. Students pursuing this track must submit a proposal for approval during ARCH 565: Architectural ¾ÅÉ« and Programming.

No matter your background, we’ll help you build a personalized academic path that prepares you for licensure and professional success.

For a full breakdown of current fees, see the Current Tuition & Fee Schedules.

Because each student’s financial situation is individual, the Office of Financial Aid provides tools to help students estimate the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, equipment and supplies, and other expected expenses. Students are directed to the following resources:

• Students can use the Estimated Costs Worksheets to estimate their costs for each semester.
• Students can also use the University’s to determine the estimated cost of attending ¾ÅÉ«. This tool helps students calculate direct costs, including tuition, fees, food, and housing, as well as indirect costs, including books, course materials, supplies, equipment, and other expenses.

Estimated expenses in addition to tuition and fees

Over the course of attendance in the 87-credit-hour program, and in advance of beginning
the 45-credit-hour program, students can expect the following expenses in addition to
tuition and University fees:

• Approximately $1,500 – Computer and Required Peripherals: A Windows-based laptop meeting School of Architecture and Design specifications, a three-button mouse, and a 1 TB external hard drive. This is generally a one-time purchase beginning in Year 2.
• Approximately $350 – Required Books: Required architecture textbooks and reference materials used throughout the program. Costs may vary depending on whether students purchase new, used, rented, or electronic editions.
• Approximately $260 – Drawing and Drafting Supplies: Initial drawing and drafting equipment, including sketchbooks, drawing paper, tracing paper, pencils and pens, drawing board, straightedge, architectural scale, T-square, drafting triangles, compass, and related hand-drawing and drafting tools. Many of these items can be used throughout the program.
• Approximately $435 – Required Software:
  • Rhino: approximately $195 one-time student license
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: approximately $240 for the initial one-year student subscription
  • Other software utilized in the curriculum, including Autodesk products, Ladybug Tools, Lumion, SketchUp, Twinmotion, and visualization applications, is available through free student versions or no-cost alternatives.

In addition to these initial expenses, students can expect to spend an estimated $650 per semester on consumable studio supplies, including model-making materials, paper, printing and plotting, adhesives, blades, presentation materials, and other expendable supplies required for design studio coursework.