Master of Architecture

College of Architecture and Planning

Overview

Degree: M.Arch

Classroom Type: On campus

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.

Program Details

Interest Categories: Architecture & Planning

Campus: CU Denver

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.

Curriculum Overview:

THE CURRICULUM EMPHASIZES:
• the development of the critical, analytical, interpretive and creative abilities that are essential to engaging and effectively addressing the diverse bodies of knowledge that define architecture's realm and its practices
• the use of design thinking as a highly effective means for dealing with complex situations, and will ask students to respond to design issues and situations that are often in conflict through analysis, interpretation, reason, argumentation and proof with both precision and accuracy
• the ability to analyze, interpret, organize, arrange and manipulate various bodies of knowledge
• understanding and being able to apply appropriate methodologies

REQUIRED CREDITS:
120 MINIMUM CREDITS TO GRADUATE
• 49 credits outside the Architecture Program 37 required Core Curriculum credits 12 elective credits
• 71 credits in the Architecture Program 54 required 17 elective

FOUR AREAS OF STUDY
The curriculum is organized around four areas of study:
1. Design Studies - 27 credits Design studios assist students in developing their design thinking as applied to the complex process of analysis, interpretation, definition and conclusion of design problems. Undergraduate students take five studio courses.
2. Cultural Studies - 9 credits Historical and cultural studies courses present particular methodologies for analyzing, organizing, categorizing, interpreting and delivering information about the designed environment's past. Courses in this area are Introduction to Architecture and Urbanism, Architectural History I, and Architectural History II.
3. Technical Studies - 18 credits Technological studies investigate the science of building technology. Courses in this area are:
• ARCH 3130: Construction Practices I
• ARCH 3430: Construction Practices II
• ARCH 3330: Building Systems I
• ARCH 3130: Building Systems II • ARCH 3130: Theory of Structures I • ARCH 3130: Theory of Structures II
4. Architecture Electives - 12 credits Architecture electives allow students to focus their education in areas specific to their individual career goals. Recent electives include: Architecture Photography, 3D Design, Computation, & Prototyping, Architecture Digital Media, Biomimicry, and Survival Sketching. Students may also have the opportunity to take courses in landscape architecture and planning.

Recommended Completion Time:2 years

Max Transfer Credits:45

Required Credits for Completion:105

Admission Requirements


Architecture MArch (4 studio track)

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