Master of Architecture

Degree: M.ARCH.
Coordinator: David Walters

The Master of Architecture degree serves two groups of students: 1) the three-year M.Arch I program serves students whose previous degree is outside the field of architecture; and 2) the two-year M.Arch II program serves students who have already completed a 4 or 5 year degree program in architecture at an NAAB accredited institution. The courses and options within the program are similar in both programs, but the advanced standing of M.Arch II students allows them to complete the degree requirements in two years. Students in both programs must complete a thesis project approved by the COA Graduate Committee. Full time residency is expected during study in the program.

The M.Arch I Program involves four components: 1) the first year focused on establishing a strong foundation in fundamental design skills, architectural history and theory, and building systems; 2) the second year focused on building technology, comprehensive building design, and urban issues; 3) a summer study experience; and 4) the third year dedicated to individual student architectural thesis investigations.

The M.Arch II Program is tailored through the advising process to the previous educational background of the students and to their individual professional and research goals. The two primary components are 1) the first year focused on building technology, comprehensive building design and urban issues through selected studios and seminars; and 2) the second year dedicated to individual student architectural thesis investigations.

Additional Requirements for Admission. All applicants to the College of Architecture must complete both the application to the UNC Charlotte Graduate School and separate COA requirements.

Degree Requirements. The M.Arch. I Program requires 92 hours to be completed during three academic years and one summer session:

Year I

Fall

ARCH 6111

Studio (Design Fundamentals/Skills)

7

ARCH 4211

Architectural History I

3

ARCH 6131

Readings in History/Theory I

1

ARCH 6141

Environmental Control System

3

 

 

14

Spring

ARCH 6112

Studio (Design Fundamentals/Skills)

6

ARCH 6135

Architectural Theory

3

ARCH 4212

Architectural History 2

3

ARCH 6132

Readings in History/Theory 2

1

ARCH 6142

Structures I

3

 

 

16

Year 2

Fall

ARCH 7101

Studio (Comprehensive Bldg. Design)

5

ARCH 6145

Construction/Material Systems

3

ARCH 6133

History/Theory Elective

3

ARCH 6143

Structures 2

3

 

 

14

Spring

ARCH 7102

Studio (Urban/Topical)

5

ARCH 6151

Design Methodology

3

ARCH 6134

History/Theory Elective

3

ARCH 6144

Structures 3

3

 

 

14

Summer

ARCH 7110

Summer Study Program

6

Year 3

Fall

ARCH 7103

Studio (Topical)

5

ARCH 7111

Research Document

3

 

Architectural Elective

3

 

Architectural Elective

3

 

 

14

Spring

ARCH 7104

Thesis Studio

8

ARCH 5112

Professional Practice

3

 

Interdisciplinary Elective

3

 

 

14

The M.Arch. II Program requires 44-56 credit hours to be completed during two academic years, including 12 hours of entry level competencies that are evaluated upon acceptance to the program:

Expected Entry Level Competencies

History/Theory

ARCH 6133/

4 History/Theory Seminar

(6)

Building Systems

ARCH 6143/4

Structures 2, 3

(6)

 

Year l

Fall

ARCH 7101

Studio

5

ARCH 6145

Construction/Material Systems

3

 

Architectural Elective

3

 

 

11

Spring

ARCH 7102

Studio (Urban/Topical)

5

ARCH 6151

Design Methodology

3

 

Architectural Elective

3

 

 

11

Summer

ARCH 7110

Summer Study Program

6

(Optional. Replaces 6 credit hours of elective credits)

Year 2

Fall

ARCH 7103

Studio (Topical)

5

ARCH 7111

Research Document

3

 

Architectural Elective

3

 

 

11

Spring

ARCH 7104

Thesis Studio

8

ARCH 5112

Professional Practice

3

 

 

11

Graduate Advising. Critical components of any successful graduate program are academic advising and guidance during the course of a student’s program of study. To ensure that incoming students are evaluated appropriately, the College of Architecture requires candidates for the M.Arch. II program to furnish the Graduate Admissions Committee with course descriptions and syllabi of all architecture courses taken during the student’s undergraduate career. This information is used to determine entry level competencies in History/Theory and Building Systems, and whether students will be required to take required course work in these areas.

Each student in the M.Arch II program will be asked to identify an adviser by the end of the first year of study who will work with him/her as they begin thesis research. Prior to this time, all graduate students will be advised by the College’s Graduate Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit. Transfer credit is not normally allowed because of the nature of the program. An exception may be made for graduate students to pursue a specific academic offering at another institution as part of their research.

Assistantships. A limited number of assistantships are available. Applications may be obtained from the program coordinator.

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