The graduate professional program in architecture is intended to develop our students' abilities to conceive and accurately describe appropriate built spaces at several scales, to help them to learn the processes that can be used to bring buildings into place, and to provide a basis for understanding the consequences that complexes of buildings and open spaces have for their inhabitants, for society, and for the environment.

The Master of Architecture degree is awarded to students who successfully complete a one- to three-year program of studies. The length of the required residence period, the number of required semester units, and the specific list of required courses varies depending upon undergraduate major and previous graduate study, if any.

Thesis Requirement

A design thesis culminates the program for all Master of Architecture students. With the approval of the chair of graduate advisors, a research thesis option is available.

Accreditation

Accreditation refers to educational programs that meet standards set by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The Master of Architecture is the only accredited professional degree offered by the Department of Architecture. At present the degree is accepted for partial credit toward licensure by the California Architects Board.

As applicants to the Option 1 degree program already hold the professional Bachelor of Architecture degree, the one-year program is not accredited by the NAAB.