The Department of Architecture prepares students to lead in a world shaped by climate change, social inequity, and rapid technological transformation. Recognized among the nation’s top programs for sustainable design, the department offers fully accredited professional degree programs that emphasize collaborative, integrative design thinking to address today’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Students engage with real clients and real places, designing new buildings and reimagining existing spaces that are healthy, regenerative, and inspiring. Students customize their educational experience through studio options aligned with their individual interests and academic goals. Evaluation is based on rich qualitative feedback using a Pass or No Pass system rather than letter grades. Intermediate and advanced students learn together in a shared academic community that encourages collaboration and peer teaching. Each graduate student selects a professional focus area and may pursue a specialization, certificate, or dual master’s degree. Graduate programs are offered in both Eugene and at the scenic Northeast campus in Portland, providing distinctive settings for architectural study and practice.
- Master of Architecture Track I
- Master of Architecture Track II
- Master of Architecture Track II (Portland)
- Master of Science in Architecture
- Master of Science in Architecture (Portland)
- Concurrent Master's Degrees
- PhD in Architecture
- Graduate Specializations and Certificates
Note: Students in the Master of Architecture II and Master of Science in Architecture programs may begin and complete all required coursework in Portland to earn their degrees. Master of Architecture Track I students must begin their coursework in Eugene. After completing the required prerequisites, they may transition to Portland to finish their degree requirements.
Living in Portland’s Old Town, alumna Josymar Rodriguez, MArch 2021, witnessed how the pandemic deepened the struggle of the neighborhood’s unhoused community. In response, Rodriguez developed the project, “Pandemic Response for the Homeless,” a guide to resources including tents, meals, health, sanitation, inclusion, and support. The Architecture Foundation of Oregon named Rodriguez a 2021 Hatfield Scholar, recognizing her commitment to improving living conditions for the vulnerable.
"As architects, we have the responsibility to design how we inhabit the planet. We have to own it, care for it, and do so by building fairness and justice through our acts,” Rodriguez said.
Faculty strive to create inclusive learning environments where students, faculty members, and visitors share a rich intellectual community. For example, the Design for Spatial Justice Initiative brings visiting faculty fellows to grow our mix of perspectives and talents. Full-time faculty members have particular strengths in:
- Building Performance
- Housing
- Urban Design
- Architectural Tectonics
- Design Leadership
- Mass Timber
Faculty engage in cutting-edge research, professional practice, competitions, and service projects, sharing work through national and international conferences and publications. Students have opportunities to contribute in these efforts as well as getting faculty support for independent research and creative projects. Diverse faculty specialties are integrated into the design studio to provide a well-rounded education for the architectural profession.
Awarded annually, graduate fellowships provide opportunities for significant financial support, as well as teaching and professional experience.
Our Master of Architecture (MArch) program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).