Master of Architecture Track I

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)


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

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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:
 

  1. 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)
     
  2. 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.

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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

15 Credits

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.

Master of Architecture Track I (3-year)
Degree Requirements

 

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