Degree Requirements | Non-Studio Requirements | Studio Requirements | Sample Curriculum
Degree Overview: Master of Architecture Track II
Our master of architecture (MArch) degree allows you to complete a professional degree, leading to a path for licensure, in a stimulating academic environment characterized by cooperation, rigor, and a commitment to quality in the built environment. Studio projects and courses deal with real projects and problems and engage students in state-of-the-art knowledge and tools to produce visionary leaders.
Eligible applicants must have a pre-professional degree in architecture from a qualified university that is equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree. A four-year program is considered qualified if the school has an accredited graduate program in architecture. Exceptions may be considered for those with very strong applications. The program is two years, beginning in the fall, and is available at two campus locations: Eugene and Portland.
Prior to fall term admissions, students who choose the Portland location should have completed coursework in:
- Building construction
- An introductory course in structures
- Basic technical requirements as shown in our program guide: Master of Architecture Track II (PDX) Degree Requirements
Portland, Oregon, is known for its innovative leadership in the green buildings movement, breaking new ground in energy conservation practices, mass timber construction, land use development models, and equitable multimodal transportation planning. The city's critical position at the confluence of a diverse set of regional ecologies makes it an unparalleled urban laboratory for the study of architecture and its engagement with social, economic, and environmental systems. With the Design for Spatial Justice initiative, the Portland Program works to ensure that a green city is a just city. Major research threads here include climate action and spatial justice, mobility and inclusion, and housing and health that are spearheaded by research centers such as the Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory and its Institute for Health in the Built Environment, UrbanismNext and the Collaborative for Inclusive Urbanism.
The UO Portland Architecture program houses approximately 60 students in its studio and lab spaces in the historic White Stag Block. Track II students are joined by Track 1 master of architecture graduate students and fifth-year bachelor of architecture students who have completed core architectural studies at the Eugene campus.
The Eugene program for graduate architecture studies houses approximately 160 students in its studio and lab spaces in Lawrence Hall. Focusing on sustainable architecture, building tectonics and performance, urban design, design leadership, and health in the built environment. The program includes Track II graduate students along with Track 1 MArch, MS, PhD, and BArch students.
The Master of Architecture Track II is a STEM-designated degree.
Learn about prerequisites for this degree.
Degree Requirements
- Professional Coursework (Non-Studio): minimum 47 credits
- Architectural Design (Studios): minimum 40 credits credits
- Professional Focus: 15+ credits (can be integrated into other degree requirements)
Required Courses
Professional Coursework (Non-Studio) Requirements (minimum 47 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 540 Human Context of Design
4 Credits
Design Technology
28 Credits Total
ARCH 561 Structural Behavior
6 Credits
ARCH 562 Structural Design
6 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
Subject area electives include ARCH 607: Option II Seminar
Courses not offered in Portland
(must be completed during undergraduate)
ARCH 530 Architectural Contexts: Place and Culture
(substitute ARCH 535 Principles of Urban Design)
4 Credits
ARCH 550 Spatial Composition
4 Credits
ARCH 570 Building Construction
4 Credits
Architectural Design (Studio) Requirements (minimum 40 credits)
ARCH 683 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design (Three Terms)
18 Credits (3 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 three options:
- Completing credits in an approved cluster of courses. See the Graduate Advanced Study Cluster Requirements worksheet.
- Completing required coursework for one of the following specializations:
Historic Preservation (Portland campus only)—See the Historic Preservation Specialization Requirements worksheet.
Urban Architecture and Urban Design (Portland campus only)—See the Urban Architecture and Urban Design Specialization Requirements worksheet.
Students pursuing concurrent master's degrees are not required to complete a professional focus.
See Master of Architecture—Declaring A Professional Focus for additional information. Further details on completing the professional focus requirement are available with the departmental academic advisor.
Sample Curriculum Outline
Most required courses are only offered in certain terms as shown. Your core course requirements are determined by transcript evaluation.
Year One
FALL TERM
13 Credits
ARCH 683 Introductory Graduate Design
6 Credits
ARCH 607 Option II Seminar
3 Credits
Required Core Course
4 Credits
WINTER TERM
14 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design
6 Credits
Required Core Course
4 Credits
Required Core Course
4 Credits
SPRING TERM
14 Credits
ARCH 584 Architectural Design
6 Credits
Required Core Course
4 Credits
Subject Area Elective
4 Credits
Year Two
FALL TERM
16 Credits
6 Credits
4 Credits
4 Credits
WINTER TERM
16 Credits
ARCH 585 Architectural Design I
8 Credits
Subject Area Elective
4 Credits
Subject Area Elective
4 Credits
SPRING TERM
16 Credits
ARCH 586 Advanced Architectural Design II
8 Credits
ARCH 517 Context of the Architectural Profession
4 Credits
Subject Area Elective
4 Credits
Note: Subject area electives can be taken any term and in any order.