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)

Three 500-level courses covering areas: ancient (ARH), renaissance (ARH), modern (ARCH 610: 20th Century Architecture History)

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Architectural Design (Studio) Requirements (minimum 64 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 three options:

1. Completing credits in an approved cluster of courses. See the MArch Study Cluster Worksheet.
    
2. 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)
    
3. 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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