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) 48 credits: 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) 63 credits: 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) 99 credits: 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.
PROGRAM HANDBOOK
- Reference the M.Arch Handbook (PDF) for full admission and program policies, procedures, and deadlines.
READY TO APPLY?
Visit M.Arch Admission Procedures.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
To transfer credits from another institution into the M. Arch program at WSU, applicants must be in an ongoing accredited Master of Architecture program or a non-accredited Master of Science program in an allied design discipline.
In both transfer cases, the number of allowable transfer credit hours can be no more than half of the total preparatory coursework credit hours in the two- and three- year pathways. A maximum of 6 credits can be transferred into the two-year pathway, and a maximum of 24 credits can be transferred into the three-year pathway. Courses considered for transfer of credits will be approved upon alignment with an equivalent WSU course using this form for the two-year pathway and this form for the three-year pathway. Equivalencies will be determined using course descriptions, syllabi, and other materials as needed.
Applicants must submit a design portfolio, letter of interest, and transcript for evaluation.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Graduate Program Director Omar Al-Hassawi.