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M.Arch Prerequisites — STUDIO ONE
One-year post-professional program — Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Architecture (five-year professional) degree

See Master of Architecture STUDIO ONE for a full description of the program.

M.Arch Prerequisites — Option 2
Two-year program

The opportunity to complete the Master of Architecture program in two years (Option 2) is granted to students with an exceptional undergraduate record in a focused pre-professional degree, including the B.A. or B.S. with a major in architecture. The advanced standing is at the discretion of the admissions committee, based on both studio work and academic achievement.

See Master of Architecture Options 2 & 3 for a full description of the program.

M.Arch Prerequisites — Option 3
Three-year program — For applicants with a B.A. or B.S. degree in any field

Students admitted to the Option 3 program are required to have taken one semester of college-level calculus and one semester of college-level physics that includes the principles of mechanics. We will accept a physics course taken without a lab. These prerequisites must be completed by the time you enter, not apply to, the graduate program. At the very latest, you must take the courses in the summer preceding fall semester entry. We will accept a calculus or physics course from any community college or university. Students must pass these courses with a grade of at least a C minus. Online courses are not acceptable.

For those who took Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus or Physics in high school, the following scores will satisfy the prerequisites: 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam or at least a 3 on the AP Calculus BC exam; at least a 3 on the AP Physics B exam.

The core of the M.Arch. curriculum is the design studio, and students admitted to the program plunge right into the studio regimen their first semester. The ability to draw and sketch is essential. Although no prerequisite coursework in this area is required, applicants are strongly encouraged to take studio art and/or a beginning design course in preparation for applying.

The admissions committee looks for evidence that you have an aptitude for architecture and that Berkeley's program would be a good place for you to develop that aptitude. The ability to "conceptualize," think three-dimensionally, and communicate effectively both verbally and visually, plus some understanding of the architecture profession, is essential. If your academic preparation is in another field, it is important to incorporate into your statement why you have decided to move from your present field to architecture. What connections do you see bridging your past experiences with architecture?

The portfolio provides you the opportunity to show your creative ability. It need not necessarily be all architecture-related. In fact, if you have no experience in this area you would be wise to confine the examples to your best work, regardless of the media. The best results will emerge if you think of your exhibit in its entirety as a design project. The reviewers hope to see your projects displayed in a well-thought-out format, carefully executed. Most importantly, leave yourself plenty of time to think about and develop your creative work.

See Master of Architecture Options 2 & 3 for a full description of the program.