The Master of Science in Architecture is a STEM-designated graduate degree devoted to fundamental and applied research in the built environment with a flexible curriculum of approximately three semesters.
As 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 practice and research, you’ll develop specialized skills in a concentration area while broadening knowledge, critical thinking and understanding about research practices in architecture and the built environment.
The first semester includes a common foundation in research methods and program colloquium, after which each student establishes an individual research project through a research seminar culminating in an original master’s project or thesis.
We offer engaging courses and advising in research areas that align with our faculty members’ expertise, including but not limited to:
- Design and energy conservation
- Emerging building technologies
- Health and the built environment
- Heritage conservation
- Sustainable market transformation
- Urban design
The University of Arizona MS.Arch provides a foundation in applied research in architecture and the built environment through:
Theory Development
Including conceptual framework, problem characterization, potential futures and critical inquiry.
Technical Skills
Including materials, archival research, fabrication, digital design, instrumentation, simulation and analysis.
Research Skills
Including subject development, project execution, synthesis and documentation.
Curriculum
A minimum of 31 units of coursework is required for the Master of Science in Architecture.
Electives are recommended in consultation with faculty chair/academic advisor. We recommend a mix of theory and skills development electives that support the degree candidate’s thesis research.
Review MS.Arch curriculum below or download the CAPLA MS.Arch Overview and Curriculum (PDF)
FALL 1
| Course # | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SBE 580 | Research Methods | 3 |
| ARC 599 | MS.Arch Colloquium | 1 |
| Graduate Elective (500 or 600 level)* | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective (500 or 600 level)* | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective (500 or 600 level) | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 13 |
*Two elective courses may be replaced with a 6-unit Specialized Graduate Studio.
SPRING 1
| Course # | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 900 | Research Seminar | 3 |
| Graduate Elective (500 or 600 level)* | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective (500 or 600 level)* | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 9 |
*Two elective courses may be replaced with a 6-unit Specialized Graduate Studio.
FALL 2
| Course # | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 909/910 | Master's Report/Thesis | 6 |
| Graduate Elective (500 or 600 level) | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 9 |
Master's Project or Thesis
The master’s project is a research-based design outcome for students who are interested in pursuing advanced practices. The master’s thesis is a research-based written document outcome for students who are interested in pursuing advanced academic and consulting practices.
Core Courses
The courses listed here align with the curriculum above, and are subject to change. For more information, contact an academic advisor.
Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.
Typically offered: Fall/Spring
Units: 3
Individual study or special project or formal report thereof submitted in lieu of thesis for certain master's degrees.
Typically offered: Fall/Spring
Units: Variable
Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Units: Variable
This course is all about answering questions and solving problems in urban environments. Students will get to choose what content to study during the course; i.e. transportation, the environment, social equity, etc. Graduate students can use the work from this class to advance their thesis or professional project work.
Typically Offered: Fall
Units: 3
This colloquium aims to provide a focused forum for discussions regarding ongoing strategies for research, writing, and practice in the built environment. It will examine the status of architectural research and its application. It will introduce students to the objectives of the MS.Arch program. Students are expected to develop an awareness of diverse faculty and student research interests in the built environment and related fields.
Typically Offered: Fall
Units: 1