Overview | Degree Requirements | Studio Requirements | Non-Studio Requirements | Sample Curriculum
Prepare for architectural licensure while shaping a more just, sustainable, and human‑centered built environment.
Our Master of Architecture (MArch) Track II is an accredited, STEM-designated professional degree designed for students who already hold a pre‑professional degree in architecture and are ready to advance toward licensure. The program combines design excellence, technical rigor, and a collaborative studio culture in an intellectually engaging academic setting.
Who Should Apply
This program is intended for applicants who:
- Hold a pre‑professional undergraduate degree in architecture from a regionally accredited four‑year U.S. institution, or
- Possess an equivalent degree from a qualifying international institution
A four‑year degree is considered qualifying if it is offered by an institution with an accredited graduate architecture program.
Program Experience
The MArch is a two‑year, full‑time, studio‑based program that begins each fall. Students develop advanced design and professional competencies through a comprehensive sequence of studios and supporting courses, with opportunities to tailor their studies around personal and professional interests. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from:
- Community‑engaged design opportunities
- Internships in architectural and design offices
- Study abroad programs and global learning experiences
These experiences help students connect academic work to real‑world architectural practice and expand professional networks.
Locations and Learning Environment
The MArch Track II is offered at two campus locations: Eugene and Portland, each providing distinct advantages. Students at both locations benefit from close faculty mentorship and access to faculty research and creative practice. Learn more by exploring faculty profiles and the Guide to Research + Creative Practice.
Eugene
Eugene is home to most of our graduate and undergraduate architecture students and offers:
- A diverse and nationally engaged faculty
- A wide range of studios and elective courses
- Opportunities for concurrent degree programs
- The ability to take courses across the university
Eugene‑based study emphasizes areas such as sustainability, building technology, housing, and user‑centered design, allowing students to align their education with emerging professional priorities
Portland
The Portland program (Track II) is designed for students interested in advanced architectural studies with a strong emphasis on urban sustainability and contemporary city‑focused design. Located on our northeast Portland campus in Highland Hall, the program is home to approximately 60 students, fostering a close‑knit and professionally engaged learning community. Students benefit from:
- Strong connections to the Portland architectural and design community
- Direct engagement with current architectural, urban, and environmental issues shaping the city
- Opportunities to connect academic work with professional practice in one of the nation’s most design‑forward urban contexts
Applicants interested in the Portland program should review the special admission requirements for Track II (Portland) when preparing their application.
- Architectural Design (Studios): 40 credits
- Professional Coursework (Non-Studio): 47 credits
- Graduate Specializations: 15+ credits (can be integrated into other degree requirements)
Architectural Design (Studio) Requirements [Minimum 64 credits]
- ARCH 683 Introductory Graduate Design [6 Credits]
- ARCH 584 Architectural Design [18 Credits, 3 Terms x 6 Credits
- ARCH 585 Architectural Design I [8 Credits]
- ARCH 586 Advanced Architectural Design II [8 Credits]
Professional Coursework (Non-Studio) Requirements [Minimum 47 credits]
- ARCH 611 Graduate Design Process [3 Credits]
- ARCH 622 Introduction to Architectural Computing [2 Credits]
- ARCH 523 Media for Design Development [3 Credits]
- ARCH 530 Architectural Contexts: Place and Culture [4 Credits]
- ARCH 540 Human Context of Design [4 Credits]
- ARCH 550 Spatial Composition [4 Credits]
- ARCH 561 Structural Behavior [4 Credits]
- ARCH 562 Structural Design [4 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]
- ARCH 517 Context of the Architectural Profession [4 Credits]
- Three 500-level courses covering areas: ancient (ARH), renaissance (ARH), modern (ARCH 610: 20th Century Architecture History)
- Subject area electives include ARCH 633 Fundamentals of Sustainable Design [4 Credits]
Graduate Specializations
The Department of Architecture offers graduate specializations in specific academic and professional subjects with a strong graduate-level curriculum.
Most required courses are only offered in certain terms as shown. Your core course requirements are determined by transcript evaluation.
Year One
- ARCH 683 Introductory Graduate Design [6 Credits]
- ARCH 633 Option II Seminar [3 Credits]
- Required Core Course [4 Credits]
- ARCH 584 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
- Required Core Course [4 Credits]
- Required Core Course [4 Credits]
- ARCH 584 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
- Required Core Course [4 Credits]
- Subject Area Elective [4 Credits]
Year Two
- ARCH 584 Architectural Design [6 Credits]
- Required Core Course [4 Credits]
- Subject Area Elective [4 Credits]
- ARCH 585 Architectural Design I [8 Credits]
- ARCH 517 Context of the Architectural Profession [4 Credits]
- Subject Area Elective [4 Credits]
- ARCH 586 Advanced Architectural Design II [8 Credits]
- Subject Area Elective [4 Credits]
- Subject Area Elective [4 Credits]
Note: General education and subject area electives can be taken any term and in any order.