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Architecture - M.Arch.

Ready to pursue an architecture career? The professionally accredited (NAAB) and STEM-designated Master of Architecture degree expands your technical knowledge and fosters creative thinking and design skills focused on making built environments that meet societal needs. With a strong emphasis on design skills, hands-on learning and real-world experience, our program offers students the opportunity to work with industry professionals and gain practical skills that will set them apart for leadership in the profession. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a licensed architect.

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More About the Master's Degree in Architecture

The STEM-designated Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) prepares graduates to be progressive leaders in the field of architecture by developing technical skills, professional knowledge and design creativity through the exploration of project-based learning. The program fosters the refinement of critical design skills and offers opportunities for inquiry in architecture and related disciplines through comprehensive research.

Distinguished faculty, a rigorous curriculum and travel study opportunities—along with an ambitious series of co-curricular lectures, exhibitions, symposia and workshops provide an innovative education that prepares graduates for leadership roles in a rapidly changing world. In addition to recently renovated studio and classroom spaces in Cleveland, Ohio and Florence, Italy, the CAED's Kent-based award-winning, LEED Platinum John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design offers state of the art facilities. Including a Robotics Labs, Computer Labs, Lighting Lab, Gallery, Café, Architecture Library, Fabrication Lab and a full spectrum of digital and analog fabrication tools.

Did You Know? The GRE scores are not required for the Fall 2024 admission cycle.

 

Program Information for Architecture - M.Arch.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Architecture degree seeks to prepare graduates to lead in the field of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. The program fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs. Master coursework affords opportunities for inquiry in architecture through the introduction of traditional scholarly research methods as well as approaches to research through design in a studio setting. Professional practice courses are paired with theory seminars and elective classes in areas of digital technology, building sciences and history to provide a comprehensive exposure to professional opportunities and a broad capacity for considering and postulating architecture in innovative ways.

Students may also pursue a dual degree program with the or with the .

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Architecture - M.Arch.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university1
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • GRE scores (or GMAT scores for the dual degree with the M.B.A.); test scores are not required for applicants with a Â鶹ÊÓƵ B.S. degree in Architecture (effective for summer 2025 admission, test scores will no longer be required)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement (include intent and background information)
  • Portfolio, with design work clearly indicating role in group projects
  • Three letters of recommendation, with one letter from a non-academic source
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

Applicants with a non-professional bachelor’s degree or a pre-professional degree in architecture from another institution will have their prior education evaluated to determine if they meet student performance criteria as stipulated by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). If deficient criteria or courses are recognized, the student may be required to complete additional courses to earn the degree. Determinations will be made by the program director and graduate coordinator at the time the student is admitted to the program.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: January 15
  • Summer Term
    • Application deadline: January 15

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Increase level of intellectual discourse about architecture.
  2. Demonstrate enhanced verbal, graphic and writing skills.
  3. Develop and enhance student's research skills.
  4. Develop and enhance problem-solving and reasoning skills; an ability to critically analyze information and fundamental design skills.
  5. Understand the complexities of environmental design, including both technical and theoretical components.
  6. Develop management and leadership skills.
  7. Understand design and systems integration.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and to gather, record and apply relevant information.
  9. Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to international cultures.
  10. Understand different cultural perspectives, values, customs and traditions.
  11. Understand the principles of building programming, including assessment of user needs, review of precedents, an inventory of space requirements, site analysis and review of the relevant laws and standards.
  12. Understand design principles and theories of urban design.
  13. Develop an ability to compare and contrast the perspectives, values, customs and traditions of their own culture from those held by other cultures.
  14. Develop and enhance writing skills.
  15. Understand the following professional practices:
    1. real estate and development,
    2. contract and planning law,
    3. leadership and ethics and
    4. office and finance management.
  16. Understand site.
  17. Understand the responsibility of the architect to elicit, understand and resolve the needs of the client.
  18. Develop an awareness of diverse cultures, ideals and beliefs.
Dual Degree

Dual Degree with M.B.A. in Business Administration

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the Master of Architecture degree and the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

The dual degree combining the M.Arch. and the M.B.A. is designed for architects or undergraduate architectural students who aspire to middle or executive management positions in architectural practices, or who are interested in starting their own business along with the preparation to enter the profession of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. It fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs, also by offering a broad exposure to professional issues and knowledge.

Dual Degree Requirements

Major Requirements
ACCT 63037FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING 2
ACCT 63038MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING 2
ARCH 60101GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO I 6
ARCH 60102GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO II 4
ARCH 60103GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO III 9
ARCH 60150PROJECT PROGRAMMING 3
ARCH 60301THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE 3
ARCH 60922METHODS OF INQUIRY IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES 2
ARCH 65001PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT 2
ARCH 65002PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: CONTRACT AND PLANNING LAW 2
ARCH 65003PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT 3
ARCH 66995SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 11
BA 64005ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING 2
BA 64026SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 2
CIS 64042GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY 2
ECON 62021MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS 2
ECON 62022MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS 2
FIN 66060MANAGERIAL FINANCE 2
HRM 64271HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2
MGMT 64158LEADERSHIP 2
MGMT 68051BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I 1
MKTG 65051MARKETING MANAGEMENT 2
Business Elective3
Culminating Requirement
MGMT 64399BUSINESS STRATEGY 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:64
1

Topics in professional practice.

  • Actual offerings and schedules vary from year to year and the college will jointly provide a pre-approved recommended course of study. Students who wish to take a different course of study need to obtain separate approvals from both college graduate coordinators. Contact the College of Architecture and Environmental Design graduate secretary for details on coursework registration.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum of 64 credit hours: 35 credit hours from the M.Arch. degree and 29 credit hours from the M.B.A. degree.

Dual Degree with M.U.D. in Urban Design

Student have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.U.D. degree in Urban Design and the M.Arch. degree in Architecture. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

This dual degree program prepares students to enter the profession of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. It fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs and offers a broad exposure to professional issues and knowledge related to urban design.

Dual Degree Requirements

Major Requirements
ARCH 60101GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO I 6
ARCH 60102GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO II 4
ARCH 60103GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO III 9
ARCH 60150PROJECT PROGRAMMING 3
ARCH 60301THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE 3
ARCH 60922METHODS OF INQUIRY IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES 2
ARCH 65001PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT 2
ARCH 65002PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: CONTRACT AND PLANNING LAW 2
ARCH 65003PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT 3
ARCH 66995SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 11
UD 55705FORCES THAT SHAPE CITIES 3
UD 60703URBAN DESIGN STUDIO III 6
UD 60705MASTER PROJECT IN URBAN DESIGN PREPARATION 3
UD 65101COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS 1
UD 65102URBAN SYSTEMS 3
UD 65632URBAN ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS 3
UD 66995SPECIAL TOPICS IN URBAN DESIGN 1
UST 623 Urban Development Finance (Cleveland State University) 24
Electives 311
Minimum Total Credit Hours:70
1

Special topics course in professional practice.

2

This course is offered at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.

3

These credits may be taken from the course offerings in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; or from another Â鶹ÊÓƵ college, school or department; or from at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.

Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ARCH 60101GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO I 6
ARCH 60102GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO II 5
ARCH 60103GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO III 8
ARCH 60150PROJECT PROGRAMMING 3
ARCH 60301THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE 3
ARCH 60922METHODS OF INQUIRY IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES 2
ARCH 65001PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT 2
ARCH 65002PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: CONTRACT AND PLANNING LAW 2
ARCH 65003PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT 3
ARCH 66995SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 1
Electives 19
Minimum Total Credit Hours:44
1

Elective credits may be taken from the offerings in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, or from other Â鶹ÊÓƵ colleges, schools or departments or from at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Note

Time to completion for the degree typically is one to two years for students with an accredited pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture. Students admitted without a pre-professional degree may be required to take additional courses, in addition to the requirements for the degree, to meet NAAB student performance criteria. Therefore, time for graduation may be three years with more than the listed credit hours.

Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation for Architecture - M.Arch.

The M.Arch degree in Architecture is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Evaluation Process

Evaluation of preparatory / pre-professional education is executed by the Architecture Program Director.

For eligible applicants, following a positive admission decision by the Graduate Committee, courses and work from the candidate’s prior degree program are reviewed for conformance to or consistency with the pre-professional program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ as it relates to the completion of NAAB Student Performance Criteria (SPC). Syllabi and student work are solicited for additional information on SPC at the undergraduate level.  When appropriate, the Program Director will request the input of faculty on the performance of student work or the content of a syllabus in a particular course. When deficient SPC or courses are recognized, the course is added to the student’s Graduation Requirements Sheet (GRS). This sheet is included in the materials sent to admits for their signature in accepting our offer of admission. A student’s GRS is used to clear for graduation to ensure the requirements and SPC have been met.

A variety of graduate assistantships, scholarships, research and work opportunities are available to both new and returning graduate students.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Architecture - M.Arch.

Graduates of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Master of Architecture program can pursue careers as licensed architects, project managers, urban designers, and sustainability consultants. They may work in architectural firms, government agencies, or as independent architects. The degree opens opportunities for leadership roles in design and construction, allowing graduates to design buildings, plan urban spaces, and contribute to sustainable development projects.

Architects, except landscape and naval

0.8%

little or no change

129,900

number of jobs

$82,320

potential earnings

Architectural and engineering managers

2.6%

slower than the average

198,100

number of jobs

$149,530

potential earnings

Architecture teachers, postsecondary

5.1%

faster than the average

8,500

number of jobs

$90,880

potential earnings

Designers, all other

-1.9%

decline

13,600

number of jobs

$63,750

potential earnings

Historians

2.6%

slower than the average

3,500

number of jobs

$63,100

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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