Degree Requirements | Non-Studio Requirements | Studio Requirements |Sample Curriculum
Degree Overview: Master of Architecture
Our master of architecture degree allows students to complete a professional degree, leading to licensure, in a stimulating academic environment that is characterized by cooperation, rigor, and a commitment to human quality in the built environment.
Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited four-year U.S. college or university OR hold an equivalent credential from a qualifying international institution.
This program is studio-based, with a full complement of professional courses with opportunities to focus on an area of special interest. Students can take advantage of numerous on and off-campus opportunities for expanding their academic experience. We offer a full array of foreign-study programs, internships in architectural offices, and various opportunities to work directly with communities.
This program is three years plus one term (or 10 terms) in length, begins in the summer, and is available at the Eugene campus location.
Below are some UO courses that prospective undergraduate students might be interested in taking in preparation for the M.Arch, Track I application and program:
- Arch 201, Intro to Architecture
- Media courses (freehand sketching, drawing, watercolor, etc.)
- ARH 314, 315 Hist of World Arch I and II, and other Art History courses related to architecture
- Arch 430 Architectural Contexts
Most of our graduate and undergraduate students are in Eugene. The Eugene program offers a wide diversity of faculty and courses, concurrent degree programs, and the option to take courses in other departments of the university. Eugene-based programs offer various focuses, including sustainability, building technology, housing, and user-centered design. Learn more about what our faculty members in Eugene and Portland are researching by reading their profiles or browsing the Guide to Research + Creative Practice.
About 60 architecture students, including some track I students in their final year, are in Portland. The Portland program is housed in a beautifully renovated warehouse block in the city center, has strong connections with the Portland professional community, and strong engagement with current architectural and urban issues of the city.
The Master of Architecture Track I is a STEM-designated degree.
Master of Architecture Degree Requirements (144 Credits)
- Professional Coursework (Non-Studio): 80 credits
- Architectural Design (Studios): 64 credits
- Professional Focus: 15+ credits (can be integrated into other degree requirements)
Master of Architecture Required Courses
Professional Coursework (Non-Studio) Requirements (minimum 80 credits)
Introductory Media and Process
5 Credits Total
ARCH 611 Graduate Design Process
3 Credits
ARCH 610 Introduction to Architectural Computing
2 Credits
Intermediate Media
3 Credits Total
ARCH 523 Media for Design Development
3 Credits
Design Arts
12 Credits Total
ARCH 530 Architectural Contexts: Place and Culture
4 Credits
ARCH 540 Human Context of Design
4 Credits
ARCH 550 Spatial Composition
4 Credits
Design Technology
28 Credits Total
ARCH 561 Structural Behavior
6 Credits
ARCH 562 Structural Design
6 Credits
ARCH 570 Building Construction
4 Credits
ARCH 571 Building Enclosure
4 Credits
ARCH 591 Environmental Control Systems I
4 Credits
ARCH 592 Environmental Control Systems II
4 Credits
Professional Practice
4 Credits Total
ARCH 517 Context of the Architectural Profession
4 Credits
Architectural History
3 Courses Minimum
Three 500-level courses covering areas: ancient (ARH), renaissance (ARH), modern (ARCH 610: 20th Century Architecture History)
Subject Area Electives
16 Credits Minimum
Architectural Design (Studio) Requirements (minimum 64 credits)
ARCH 680 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 681 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 682 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design (Five Terms)
30 Credits (5 Terms x 6 Credits)
ARCH 585 Architectural Design I
8 Credits
ARCH 586 Advanced Architectural Design II
8 Credits
Professional Focus 15+ credits (can be integrated into other degree requirements)
Master of Architecture students are required to declare a professional focus. This requirement can be fulfilled through one of two options:
- Completing required coursework for one of the following specializations:
Architectural Technology (Eugene campus only)
Housing (Eugene campus only)
Interior Architecture (Eugene campus only)
Historic Preservation (Portland campus only)
Urban Architecture and Urban Design (Portland campus only)
- Completing required coursework for a graduate certificate
Ecological Design Certificate
Technical Teaching Certificate
Students pursuing concurrent master's degrees are not required to complete a professional focus. See the Professional Focus Overview.
Further details on completing the professional focus requirement are available with the departmental academic advisor.
Sample Curriculum Outline
This degree is typically completed in 10 terms. Most students graduate in spring of their third year. Portland can only accommodate spring degree completion. Students who have taken a design studio during the summer may be able to finish their degree in the winter term of their third year.
Year One
SUMMER TERM
13 Credits
ARCH 680 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 610 20th Century Architecture History
4 Credits
ARCH 611 Graduate Design Process
3 Credits
FALL TERM
16 Credits
ARCH 681 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 550 Spatial Composition
4 Credits
ARCH 570 Building Construction
4 Credits
ARCH 610 Introduction to Architectural Computing*
2 Credits
WINTER TERM
14 Credits
ARCH 682 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 540 Human Context of Design
4 Credits
ARCH 591 Environmental Control Systems I
4 Credits
SPRING TERM
14 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design
6 Credits
ARCH 530 Architectural Contexts: Place and Culture
4 Credits
ARCH 592 Environmental Control Systems II
4 Credits
SUMMER TERM
Optional studio in Eugene, Portland, or abroad.
Year Two
FALL TERM
16 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design
6 Credits
ARCH 523 Media for Design Development
3 Credits
ARCH 561 Structural Behavior
6 Credits
Subject Area Elective
3 Credits
WINTER TERM
14 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design
6 Credits
ARCH 562 Structural Design
6 Credits
Architectural History
4 Credits
SPRING TERM
14 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design
6 Credits
Advanced Technology
4 Credits
Architectural History
4 Credits
SUMMER TERM
Optional studio in Eugene, Portland, or abroad.
Year Three
FALL TERM
14 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design
6 Credits
ARCH 571 Building Enclosure
4 Credits
Subject Area Elective
4 Credits
WINTER TERM
15 Credits
ARCH 585 Architectural Design I
8 Credits
ARCH 517 Context of the Architectural Profession
4 Credits
Seminar
3 Credits
SPRING TERM
ARCH 586 Advanced Architectural Design II
8 Credits
Seminar
3 Credits
Subject Area Elective
4 Credits
*—ARCH 610: Introduction to Architectural Computing may be waived for students with appropriate background in design computing.
Note: General education and subject area electives can be taken any term and in any order.