Master of Architecture

M.ARCH PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Master of Architecture (M. Arch) degree program at Washington State University’s School of Design and Construction prepares students for practice-based design innovation and leadership in the architecture profession.

Our M. Arch degree is a STEM designated degree and fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Throughout the program students engage in design practice and design research that offers new insights into the role of architecture in advancing people and place, social and ecological resilience, and building science and technology. Within this context our students assess existing conventions and offer innovative approaches to the critical issues for architecture and the world today.

The program involves students in transformational activities and experiences through public lectures, exhibits, travel-study, faculty-led research & teaching labs, internships following NCARB AXP guidelines for architecture licensure, professional architecture firm immersion studios, and cross-curricular engagement with leading scholars and architects at the regional, national, and international scales.

PROGRAM LENGTH

Depending on educational background, students wishing to earn the professional M. Arch degree may be admitted to a one, two, or three-year track. Applicants are evaluated individually in the admissions process. Students are admitted to our degree programs based on strength of prior academic performance. This allows for students from any and all backgrounds to be considered. Rather than establishing diversity goals per-se, we strive to create a culture and climate for all to thrive and to be inclusive and affirm action when required to foster equity, justice, and belonging.

• 1-year (accelerated) (2 semesters plus summer): for current WSU students with a four-year, preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture who have met the criteria for acceptance.
• 2-year (4 semesters plus summer): typically for students with an undergraduate degree in
• architecture, or for those with a degree in an allied design discipline who have submitted application materials demonstrating the need for additional design experience.
• 3-year (6 semesters plus summer): typically for students with a non-architecture undergraduate degree, or for those with a degree in an allied design discipline who have submitted application materials demonstrating the need for additional design experience beyond a two-year timeframe.