Architecture Master's Programs
Research and design sustainable buildings and spaces in harmony with climate and place.
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Learn more about the M Arch and MS Arch and talk with a recruiting specialist by calling 520-621-9819 or completing this form:
The architecture master's programs at the University of Arizona prepare you to thrive in practice, research and more—in Arizona, across the country and around the world.
Our Master of Architecture is an accredited professional STEM degree that combines place-based design honed in the extreme climate and multicultural landscape of the Sonoran Desert with cutting-edge material and environmental research, all delivered through hands-on learning.
Our STEM-designated Master of Science in Architecture is the only graduate architecture program of its kind that allows you to move across and between concentration areas to form your own specialization in architectural research and practice in such areas as design and energy conservation, emerging building technologies, health and the built environment and sustainable market transformation.
The NAAB-accredited M Arch is available in two- or three-year tracks, and places an emphasis on critical practice and sustainable design honed by the poetics of space.
Devoted to applied research on the built environment, the 18-month MS Arch is open to students with degrees from disciplines other than architecture, as well as those holding professional and non-professional architecture degrees.
Compare Architecture Master's Programs
| MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE II | MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE III | MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEGREE TYPE | Professional | Professional | Non-Professional |
| PURPOSE | For applicants who want to become a registered architect or faculty member in architecture. | For applicants who want to become a registered architect or faculty member in architecture. | For applicants who want to do applied research related to the built environment, as well as those from abroad who already have the equivalent of a professional B Arch but wish to teach in their home country. |
| PROGRAM LENGTH | 4-5 semesters, depending on qualifications. | 6-7 semesters, depending on qualifications. | 3 semesters. |
| CURRICULUM | 67 units beginning in summer with immersive studio. | 101 units beginning in summer with immersive studio. | 30 units beginning in fall with full course load. |
| PREREQUISITES | A non-professional bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in architecture or other design field. | A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university in any field. | A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university in a relevant field. |
| ACCREDITATION | National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). | National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). | None. |
| CAREER GOALS | Architectural practice, sustainability consulting, teaching architecture or related design fields. | Architectural practice, sustainability consulting, teaching architecture or related design fields. | Conducting original research in areas related to the built environment, development of products for the building industry, consulting in building technologies. |
Master of Architecture II
Degree Type
Professional
Purpose
For applicants who want to become a registered architect or faculty member in architecture.
Program Length
4-5 semesters, depending on qualifications.
Curriculum
67 units beginning in summer with immersive studio.
Prerequisites
A non-professional bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in architecture or other design field.
Accreditation
National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Career Goals
Architectural practice, sustainability consulting, teaching architecture or related design fields.
Master of Architecture III
Degree Type
Professional
Purpose
For applicants who want to become a registered architect or faculty member in architecture.
Program Length
6-7 semesters, depending on qualifications.
Curriculum
101 units beginning in summer with immersive studio.
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university in any field.
Accreditation
National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Career Goals
Architectural practice, sustainability consulting, teaching architecture or related design fields.
Master of Science in Architecture
Degree Type
Non-Professional
Purpose
For applicants who want to do applied research related to the built environment, as well as those from abroad who already have the equivalent of a professional B Arch but wish to teach in their home country.
Program Length
3 semesters.
Curriculum
30 units beginning in fall with full course load.
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university in a relevant field.
Accreditation
None.
Career Goals
Conducting original research in areas related to the built environment, development of products for the building industry, consulting in building technologies.
From the West? Get Arizona Resident Tuition Pricing!
If you're from one of 15 Western states in the U.S., you're eligible for Arizona resident tuition pricing for the M Arch and MS Arch through the Western Regional Graduate Program. Save an average of $20,000 per year in tuition!
To study architecture at the University of Arizona is to immerse yourself in a rich tradition of hands-on research and design that prepares you to thrive in the profession, whether as a practicing architect or researcher, educator or consultant, set designer or one of many other possibilities.
Robert Miller, Professor Emeritus of Architecture
Ready to create a sustainable future?
Learn more about our architecture master's programs by contacting Emilio Romero, graduate services coordinator.
Header image by MS Arch students Sara Ghaemi and Tasbeeh Alaqtum.