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Program Overview
The Master of Architecture program is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The program is also STEM-designated. The M. Arch focuses on preparing students for entry into the architecture profession and licensure.
Our mission is to lead the discovery, communication, and application of knowledge in architecture by integrating theory and practice. In this collaborative educational model, environmental, economic, social, cultural, aesthetic, and ethical concerns are fundamental. The M.Arch is offered in two tracks based on your experience level—a 4-Studio Track and a 6-Studio Track.
Four Studio Track
This course of study is designed for students with a pre-professional degree in architecture. Applicants must hold one of the following: Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Art in Architecture, or a Bachelor of Environmental Design.
Six Studio Track
This course is designed for students without a pre-professional degree in architecture. However, the student must still hold an undergraduate degree.
Why Master of Architecture at CU Denver?
High-Tech Facilities
Students have access to a fully equipped design fabrication shop and a visual resource center. These facilities will help in developing both digital and analog graphics skills. Students will learn sketching and drawing as well as the latest parametric and digital fabrication design technologies. Students will have opportunities to engage in LIDAR 3-D laser scanning technology to document structures through work in the CAP centers.
STEM-Designated
The M. Arch is a STEM-designated program, approved by the Colorado Board of Higher Education. The STEM designation allows our students to apply for the optional practical training (OPT) extension program for F-1 students. Upon completion, students may extend their stay in the United States for an additional 24 months.
Interdisciplinary Educational Model
Through the CAP, we offer courses and opportunities for our graduate students to earn dual degrees. Students can choose from architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, or business. Students also have the opportunity to pursue a certificate in integrated construction, management, and leadership, geospatial information science, design build, historic preservation, interior design, classical studies, and landscape architecture.
Sustainability Focus
Students will have a broad range of courses in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED). Through this, students have the opportunity to apply their thinking about carbon-neutral new buildings and renovations to the 2030 Challenge.
International Exploration
We encourage you to think, collaborate, and network globally. Foreign study courses are available in locations such as Rome, Finland, Turkey, and Amsterdam.
In-State Tuition is Available to Western State Residents
The College of Architecture and Planning has WICHE-WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program) status. This means that students who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States are granted in-state tuition.
Program Description
Our mission is to lead the discovery, communication, and application of knowledge in architecture by integrating theory and practice. In this collaborative educational model, environmental, economic, social, cultural, aesthetic, and ethical concerns are fundamental. The M.Arch is offered in two tracks based on your experience level—a 4-Studio Track and a 6-Studio Track.
Four Studio Track
This course of study is designed for students with a pre-professional degree in architecture. Applicants must hold one of the following: Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Art in Architecture, or a Bachelor of Environmental Design.
Six Studio Track
This course is designed for students without a pre-professional degree in architecture. However, the student must still hold an undergraduate degree.
Why Master of Architecture at CU Denver?
High-Tech Facilities
Students have access to a fully equipped design fabrication shop and a visual resource center. These facilities will help in developing both digital and analog graphics skills. Students will learn sketching and drawing as well as the latest parametric and digital fabrication design technologies. Students will have opportunities to engage in LIDAR 3-D laser scanning technology to document structures through work in the CAP centers.
STEM-Designated
The M. Arch is a STEM-designated program, approved by the Colorado Board of Higher Education. The STEM designation allows our students to apply for the optional practical training (OPT) extension program for F-1 students. Upon completion, students may extend their stay in the United States for an additional 24 months.
Interdisciplinary Educational Model
Through the CAP, we offer courses and opportunities for our graduate students to earn dual degrees. Students can choose from architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, or business. Students also have the opportunity to pursue a certificate in integrated construction, management, and leadership, geospatial information science, design build, historic preservation, interior design, classical studies, and landscape architecture.
Sustainability Focus
Students will have a broad range of courses in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED). Through this, students have the opportunity to apply their thinking about carbon-neutral new buildings and renovations to the 2030 Challenge.
International Exploration
We encourage you to think, collaborate, and network globally. Foreign study courses are available in locations such as Rome, Finland, Turkey, and Amsterdam.
In-State Tuition is Available to Western State Residents
The College of Architecture and Planning has WICHE-WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program) status. This means that students who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States are granted in-state tuition.
Program Features
105
number of credit hours
GRE Optional
GRE is optional but recommended if your GPA is below 3.0.
Two to three years
program duration
Fall, Spring
starting semesters
Fall: January 15 & Spring: October 15
application deadlines
NAAB
accreditation
Useful Links
Admissions Process & Requirements
Students from a variety of academic backgrounds are eligible to apply for the M.Arch degree. Learn more about the M.Arch admissions processes and requirements.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of the three. View scholarship and funding information.
Curriculum
View the M.Arch Curriculum for the 4-studio and 6-studio tracks. The 4-studio track is for students with an undergraduate degree in architecture, and the 6-studio track is for students without a background in architecture.
Tuition & Fees
The University of Colorado Denver has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Colorado. View the M.Arch tuition and fees.
Student Testimonials
I had the opportunity to apply the graphic skills I learned during my first year of school to the drawings I made for LoDo Lab. It was fun to experiment with ways of representing decay and growth that are both systematic and atmospheric. A lot of the techniques and issues of representation that I studied in classes with Matt Shea, Anca Matyiku, and Kevin Hirth came into play here.
Jacob Taswell
Master of Architecture (2023)
"Between Rhino, Revit, Illustrator and Photoshop, I am creating visuals I never thought were possible. I am also learning how to utilize new materials in my models, such as basswood and cork (and for one of my remote studios, corrugated cardboard). The plethora of architectural knowledge I now have is something I never would have imagined two years ago."
Molly Rose Merkert
Master of ArchitectureAlumni Success Stories
Stephan Hall is a Senior Associate at Anderson Mason Dale Architects (AMD). Stephan’s well-rounded training in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design—M.Arch, MLA, and MUD received from the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) in 2012—has propelled him to assume a lead architect role within the practice; overseeing teams on a variety of project types throughout the Rocky Mountain Region.
Recently, Stephan was honored by AIA Colorado with the prestigious Young Architect of the Year Award for 2022, an award given to a member of the profession who has been practicing for ten years or less.
Read Full Story
Recently, Stephan was honored by AIA Colorado with the prestigious Young Architect of the Year Award for 2022, an award given to a member of the profession who has been practicing for ten years or less.
Stephan Hall
Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, and Master of Urban Design
(2012)
Senior Associate at Anderson Mason Dale Architects
Harsh received his B.Arch from M.S. University in Vadodara, India, moved to Denver to attend CAP, fell in love with the city, and never left. Now, after having traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, he realizes how lucky he is to have landed in Denver and call it home. His 25 years in Denver have coincided with some of the most consequential years in Denver’s history as it sees continuing in-migration and growth.
While attending CAP, Parikh joined a Denver firm, Murphy Stevens Architects, as a student intern and grew into a leadership position. In 2020, the firm was renamed to Santulan Architecture, with Harish as the President. Santulan is Sanskrit for ‘balance’.
Read Full Story
While attending CAP, Parikh joined a Denver firm, Murphy Stevens Architects, as a student intern and grew into a leadership position. In 2020, the firm was renamed to Santulan Architecture, with Harish as the President. Santulan is Sanskrit for ‘balance’.
Harsh Parikh
Master of Architecture
(1995)
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