Architecture (MA Track 1)

The Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA-ARH) program prepares the student through the process of critical thinking, designing, and making to provide meaningful contributions to architectural design. We work to develop each student’s individual interest through critical thought, rigorous exploration, and personal vision.

The Master of Arts MA-ARH Track 1 program is designed for students who have graduated from Bachelor's program related to architecture. The program is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA-ARH I and MA-ARH II) degree programs are not accredited by NAAB and may not be accepted as meeting architectural licensure requirements in many U.S. states.

Master of Arts (MA Track 1) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

School of Architecture

ARH 608

Advanced Design Studio II - Concept, Context, and Typology Major/6

Engage in an intensive and stimulating process through which you will address architecture on an abstract conceptual level while questioning and considering broader implications at the finer scale of architectural idea, tectonics, space, and detail.

ARH 609

Advanced Design Studio I - Design Process and Morphology Major/6

Explore an experience-driven design methodology where you develop phenomenologically focused spatial circumstances that come together in an architectural composition to fulfill scale-specific program requirements.

ARH 613

Sustainable Design Major/3

Learn passive and innovative strategies to minimize a building's aggressive energy and resource consumption. You’ll examine the benefits of renewable resources and well-building design, focusing on best practices revealed both in vernacular architecture and forward-thinking contemporary design case studies. (This course is cross-listed with ARH 430.)

ARH 620

Digital Generated Morphology Major/3

Learn how to use the computer beyond representation as a generative design tool. Using 3D modeling software, you will gain the essential skills necessary to generate and design an architectonic proposal.

ARH 642

Architectural Theory Major/3

Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary architectural theory to understand the relationship of architectural theories to social, political, technological, and scientific events. You will learn about different schools of thought in architecture, current architectural discourse, and global practice.

ARH 659

Digitally Generated Fabrication Major/3

Explore methods of advanced architectural fabrication in relation to architectural design and construction processes. Through your work, you will engage in several techniques, processes, and technologies that are applicable towards architectural production.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Major	24
Major by Advisement	9
Electives	3
Total	36

MA ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of Final Thesis Project
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units

Track 1 and Track 2 Placement

The Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA-ARH I Track 1 and MA-ARH II Track 2) program allows students to specialize in a particular area of interest. Dedicated to advanced architectural design investigations immersed inside a large and vibrant art and design university, the program has an exceptional profile. Students develop their own interest covering diverse fields that mediate between contemporary architectural developments, design theory, and emerging technology. Through a curriculum lead by inspiring faculty, we enable our students to become responsible leaders in their field, possessing the skills to envision, design and construct a desirable and viable future, and therefore actively contribute towards the evolution of society and culture.

Applicants who graduate from a NAAB-accredited 5 year B.ARCH program or equivalent are eligible for MA-ARH I (36 units). Final placement will be determined after portfolio review.
Applicants who graduate from a 4 or 5 year non-NAAB-accredited Bachelor’s program in Architecture, Environmental Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Engineering are eligible for MA-ARH I (36 units). Final placement will be determined after transcripts and portfolio review.
Applicants who graduate with an unrelated undergraduate degree will be placed into the MA-ARH II (60 units).
Applicants interested in Architectural licensure in the United States should consider the NAAB-Accredited M.Arch program. This might also apply to international students when their country of origin requires a professionally accredited degree (NAAB or equivalent) in order to obtain an architecture license in this country.

Note for English as a Second Language Students: All placement into architecture classes is pending ESL evaluation, ESL 603 placement necessary to start advanced architectural design classes.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Design

Demonstrate development of design exploration and understanding throughout the program

Visual Communication

Visually communicate ideas through multiple representation methods
Visually communicate ideas through architectural drawings: site plan, plan, section, elevation, and 3D representation
Produce accurate physical models of design ideas

Written Communication

Effectively summarize architectural projects and design process in well-crafted proposals and final portfolio book

Presentation Skills

Professionally present design proposal and final projects

Building Systems, Materials and Methods

Demonstrate understanding of material systems and construction methods necessary for advanced architectural design projects
Demonstrate understanding of the general structure of the project

Portfolio Development

Demonstrate development of a clear area of focus for the duration of the program
Present advanced architectural design projects in a final, well-crafted portfolio book