Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Record 2008-2009 
    
Graduate Record 2008-2009 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Master of Architecture


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Admission


The Master of Architecture Program attracts a diverse range of students with undergraduate degrees in liberal arts as well as architecture. After an introductory summer session, students with liberal arts degrees typically complete their courses in six semesters, while those with pre-professional degrees frequently gain advanced standing. A two-semester Master of Architecture Program, directly tailored to the interests of each student, is available for those with an undergraduate professional degree in architecture. Students who wish to obtain the Master of Architecture degree should have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average with a 3.5 average in design studios. Admission to the Master of Architecture programs is extremely competitive.

Curriculum


The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) curricula emphasize strong foundation studies in design with coursework in architectural history, theory, building technology, and construction. To gain broader understanding of the relationships within and parallel to the field of architecture, students may take courses in the departments of Architectural History, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Environmental Planning. Upper level graduate students are encouraged, through an optional teaching elective, to expand their knowledge by serving as teaching assistants to undergraduate students in design, theory or technology courses.

Accreditation


In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a six-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of conformance with established educational standards.

Masters degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional undergraduate degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

The University of Virginia’s Master of Architecture program received a professional six-year term of accreditation in 2003. This program will be reviewed again in 2009. A professional degree in architecture is a necessary prerequisite for the one-year post-professional Master of Architecture degree. 

Master of Architecture Curriculum


This program allows students to obtain a first professional degree in three years plus an initial summer session. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Students entering with a four-year pre-professional bachelor’s degree in Architecture may receive up to one year of advanced placement.

Prior to enrollment, it is required for students to have completed a calculus and physics course or the equivalent. Candidates admitted to the program must have taken a survey course in Architectural History. 

Summer Design Institute - Credits: 3


On very rare occasions students with unusual circumstances and entering with design studio experience may receive waiver of attending the Summer Design Institute by permission of the chair.

First Year


Fall Semester - Credits: 18


Spring Semester - Credits: 17


  • Students entering with pre-professional degrees in architecture typically receive waiver of courses by permission of the chair.
  • Elective Credits: 3 
    Students entering with pre-professional degrees in architecture typically receive waiver of courses by permission of the chair.
    Elective Courses must include two in architectural history, one in architectural theory, one in building technology, and three open electives.

Second Year


Fall Semester - Credits: 15


Students that have entered the Masters Program with significant waivers (Path B) must take ARCH 614 and SARC 600 in their first year of study.

  • Elective Credits: 6
    Students entering with pre-professional degrees in architecture typically receive waiver of courses by permission of the chair.
    Elective Courses must include two in architectural history, one in architectural theory, one in building technology, and three open electives.

Spring Semester - Credits: 17


  • Elective Credits: 3 
    Students entering with pre-professional degrees in architecture typically receive waiver of courses by permission of the chair.
    Elective Courses must include two in architectural history, one in architectural theory, one in building technology, and three open electives.

Third Year


Fall Semester - Credits: 16


  • ARCH 823 - Building Synthesis Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3 
    Students entering with pre-professional degrees in architecture typically receive waiver of courses by permission of the chair.
    Elective Courses must include two in architectural history, one in architectural theory, one in building technology, and three open electives.
  • Elective Credits: 3 
    Students entering with pre-professional degrees in architecture typically receive waiver of courses by permission of the chair.
    Elective Courses must include two in architectural history, one in architectural theory, one in building technology, and three open electives.
  • Open Elective Credits: 3

Spring Semester - Credits: 15


  • ARCH ___ - Building Elective Credits: 3

Degree Total - 99 Credits


Architecture Course Descriptions


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