Master of Architecture (Track I: 5+ Year Program)
The Master of Architecture is a NAAB-accredited professional degree program and is an essential aspect of preparing for the professional practice of architecture. Graduates of this program who complete a recognized internship program (such as the Architectural Experience Program) and successfully complete the Architectural Registration Examination are able to become licensed architects.
The Track I program is designed for students entering from high school or transferring from another undergraduate program. The curriculum is designed so as to be completed within 5 calendar years, but to do so demands sustained concentration and focus.
The 172 credit curriculum is divided into three segments: Foundations, Core and Professional Options.
The Foundations segment involves two foundation design studios and introductory lecture courses examining the discipline of architecture. A unique aspect of our program is that immediately upon commencing their studies at KU, first-year students enter into architecture-specific design studios and are immediately ensconced in the program’s culture.
The Core is a six-semester sequence that addresses the wide range of skills and understanding required for the practice of architecture, including history and theory, technology, professional practice, and integrating this knowledge within design projects of increasing scale and complexity. The core culminates in a comprehensive studio experience in which students demonstrate their readiness to enter the profession of architecture.
Professional Options: The architecture profession has become an extremely diverse field. Seeking to provide our students the greatest opportunity within that diversity, the final year of the curriculum allows a student to explore a more-focused professional option of their choosing. This experience allows students to craft an area of specialization or a domain of architecture that may otherwise be addressed superficially within a professional curriculum. Currently, students are investigating design-build processes, researching sustainable design practices, participating in internship-based Co-Op programs, pursuing healthcare and urban design as areas of specialization, and engaging in service-learning opportunities around the globe.
Within the 172 credits required to graduate, students will also have a study abroad experience and complete coursework in a variety of other academic disciplines. Students will be exposed to the social sciences, the physical sciences, the humanities and the arts. Study abroad options currently includes spending a semester in Denmark, Germany, England, or Australia, traveling to Central America, Asia, or Europe during intersessions, or working in an international architecture office in Paris and Asia.
Students in the Department of Architecture M.Arch Track I program will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies when they complete a minimum of 136 credits of courses as outlined in the degree plan and fulfill all KU Core course requirements after the first 4 years of undergraduate studies.
Professional Registration and Licensing
Although state laws vary, professional registration as an architect in Kansas involves the completion of three aspects: receiving an accredited professional degree (such as the M.Arch.), completion of internship requirements (for information on the Architectural Experience Program, see www.ncarb.org) and successful completion of all sections of the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE). Upon successful completion of these three aspects, the applicant may use the title “architect” and may practice as an architect, either as an individual or as a licensed professional in an office performing professional services.
Undergraduate Admission
First-year and transfer students may be admitted to the 5-year Master of Architecture degree program. Contact:
Joan Weaver, Admissions Coordinator
School of Architecture and Design, University of Kansas
200 Marvin Hall
1465 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
arch@ku.edu
For undergraduate applications, write to:
KU Office of Admissions
KU Visitor Center
1502 Iowa St.
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-3911
adm@ku.edu
Applications
Applications for the Fall semester should be submitted during the student’s senior year in high school. The priority application deadline is November 1, and the final application deadline is February 1. Completed applications are reviewed, and applicants are notified of their admission status. A complete application includes sixth-semester transcript, ACT scores, and a list of courses in progress. Applications received after February 1 are considered but are less likely to be accepted due to space limitations.
Transfer students should apply by October 1 for the spring semester and by the priority deadline of November 1 for the summer and fall terms. The final application deadline is February 1. Space limitations apply to transfer students. Transfer applications received after February 1 are likely to be denied for reasons not connected with the applicant’s academic qualifications. The School of Architecture and Design encourages applications from women and members of minority groups.
High School Students
High school students are encouraged to apply for admission if they have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and have a minimum ACT of 23 or a minimum SAT of 1050 and if they will meet the following preparation thresholds by the time they graduate:
- 3 or more years of math ending with calculus (preferred),
- 3 or more years of natural science including physics,
- 3 or more art/drawing classes. Art/drawing classes are preferred over additional drafting or technical courses (1 semester of drafting is adequate),
Students who are already at the University of Kansas may apply to the M.Arch. program by February 1 for admission in the following fall. Students must have a cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or higher and space must be available to be admitted to the M.Arch. program.
Transfer Students
Transfer students may be admitted, if space is available, and if they have an overall grade-point average of at least 3.5.
International Students
The School of Architecture and Design admits only exceptional students from other countries. Standards for admission are set according to the traditions and grading policies of those countries. In some countries, for example, the grade of A is almost never given, while in other countries the A grade is more frequently seen. The number of students admitted depends on the space available on February 1.
Visit the Office of International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Master of Architecture Degree Requirements
Credit hours in the 5-year Master of Architecture curriculum are distributed as follows:
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 60 |
| 57 |
| 30 |
| 25 |
Total Hours | 172 |
Students must maintain a 2.0 grade-point average to remain in good standing and to graduate.
Students are required to complete at least 30 credit hours at the graduate level (fifth year), based on the NAAB Accreditation requirements.
The core of the curriculum is a sequence of design studios composing approximately 1/3 of the total degree requirements. Students complete sequences in graphics, structures, building construction, environmental technology, and architectural history and theory, and meet a study abroad requirement. Course work in site planning, urban design, and professional practice completes the professional content.
In addition to professional courses, students are expected to complete coursework in a variety of academic disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of architecture. These general education requirements include course work in mathematics, physics, English, communication, humanities and Western civilization, fine arts, and the natural and social sciences.
In the final year of the program, students participate in a chosen year-long professional option which may include an internship. Options are defined by faculty strengths and the emerging needs of the profession. They offer students the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest that is one of the professional choices or specializations available after graduation.
- Students in the Design-Build option participate in our national award-winning Studio 804, where they collaboratively design and construct a sustainable building.
- Students in the Health and Wellness option are expected to complete a 7-month professional work experience in an architectural firm engaged in design for health followed by a service-learning studio.
- Globalized Practice in Asia or Paris introduces students to the increasingly multinational nature of architectural practice; students are placed in an internship abroad for a semester followed by a campus studio in the final semester.
- Professional Practice Internship in Sports and Entertainment or General Practice
- Co-Op programs based on internships
This is an ambitious program of study, averaging 18 credit hours a semester. It is highly recommended that students either
- attempt to enter with advanced-placement credit for general education courses such as calculus, physics, environmental studies, or geography and/or
- plan to take 6 hours of general education requirements during a summer (this may be completed at a local community college).
Requirements and Policies
General Education Electives Course List Code | Title | Hours |
MATH 105 | Introductory Quantitative Reasoning (Fulfills Core Goal 1.2) | 3 |
or MATH 115 | Calculus I |
ENGL 101 | Composition (Fulfills Core Goal 2.1: 1 of 2 required) | 3 |
ENGL 102 | Critical Reading and Writing (Fulfills Core Goal 2.1: 2 of 2 required) | 3 |
PHSX 114 | College Physics I (Fulfills Core Goal 3N) | 4 |
HUM 204 | Western Civilization I (Fulfills Core Goal 1.1) | 3 |
or HUM 205 | Western Civilization II |
| |
| 3 |
| 3 |
Study Abroad Requirement
Students must fulfill a 6-credit-hour study abroad requirement by participating in eligible study abroad programs and enrolling in ARCH 690 (6 hours).
-
Participation in any school-directed short-term study abroad program, usually in the summer or winter (but including any during regular semesters), meets the requirement.
-
Participation in any of the school’s academic-year or semester study abroad programs in Germany, England, Denmark, Australia, and Spain automatically fulfills the study abroad requirement; however, to fulfill the total degree requirements, students must complete an additional 6 hours of electives.
-
Participation in other university-sponsored study abroad programs or programs at other college-level institutions approved by KU for transfer credit might meet the requirement. But the student's proposal requires approval by the Architecture Chair.
- International students, for whom enrollment in the school is already a study abroad experience, automatically meet the requirement; however, to fulfill the total degree requirements, they may need to complete an additional 6 hours of electives.
All students are encouraged to meet with their professional advisor by the end of the second year to begin planning to fulfill the study abroad requirement.
Portfolio Requirement
All students must maintain a record of work as they proceed through the program. This must be in the form of a portfolio and must include examples of at least one major project from each semester of the design sequence, starting with the foundation studios in the first year. It is recommended that all major projects be included in the portfolio as well as selected examples of work from support and elective courses such as building technology, construction documents, and photography.
Studio Grading Policy
Work evaluated as “satisfactory” is graded C. Work evaluated as “more than satisfactory” is graded B. Work evaluated as “exceptional” is graded A. Work evaluated as “less than satisfactory” is graded D. Work evaluated as “failing” is graded F. Information on the studio grade appeal procedure is available in the Dean's Office.
If a student receives a grade of D in a design studio in any semester, he or she is placed on notice by the school, regardless of the overall grade-point average. To be removed from this status, the student must perform satisfactory work in the next semester of design. If in any subsequent semester the student receives another grade of D, he or she must repeat that studio before advancing in the sequence. If the student receives a grade of D in 2 consecutive studios, he or she must repeat the entire design year in which the first D was given.
Computer Requirement
All students in the Master of Architecture program must supply a computer for digitally based architectural studios. Students must follow a checklist of minimum hardware- and software- requirements when they purchase a computer. The specifications for architectural studio computing are on the school’s website.
Substitution of Courses
A student who wishes to select certain courses not in the prescribed curriculum may petition through the Chair.
Credit for ROTC Courses
Students may enter the Reserve Officers Training Corps to train for commissions as regular or reserve officers. An allowance of 6 hours of military science, aerospace studies, or naval science may be substituted for free electives in the M.Arch. program. A student who enters one of the ROTC programs but discontinues military training and does not receive a commission may not apply credits for ROTC courses toward a degree in architecture. If a student does not receive a commission because of circumstances beyond his or her control (such as a medical discharge), he or she may use ROTC credits as part of the requirements for the degree as indicated above.
Activity Courses
The School of Architecture and Design does not accept physical education (HSES) activity courses for fulfilling graduation requirements.
Career Opportunities
The M.Arch. is a NAAB accredited professional degree. The following options are open to students after they complete it:
- Graduates may seek to refine and augment their professional capabilities through experience in an office under a licensed architect. Such experience qualifies the graduate for admission to the appropriate examination for licensing and practice as an architect or may precede admission to graduate school. Increasingly, graduates are finding alternative career options, including work in urban design, design-build firms, interior design, historic preservation, and many others.
- Qualified students may pursue graduate study in Ph.D. in architecture programs or in areas related to architecture and environmental design, such as urban planning, law, psychology, social welfare, public administration, or business.
Prescribed Curriculum
Master of Architecture (5-year)
A total of 172 credit hours is required. Substitutions in the prescribed curriculum may be made only by petition to the department.
Students are in Undergraduate Status for enrollment in the first 4 years and begin Graduate Status enrollment in the final year of this program.
Year 1 |
---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | |
ARCH 103 | 3 | ARCH 109 | 6 | |
ARCH 108 | 6 | ARCH 110 | 3 | |
ENGL 101 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 2.1 -1 of 2 required) | 3 | PHSX 114 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 3 Nat. Science) | 4 | |
MATH 115 or 105 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 1.2) | 3 | ENGL 102 or 105 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 2.1 -2 of 2 required) | 3 | |
| KU Core Goal 3 Social Science (GE3S) | 3 | |
| 15 | | 19 | | |
Year 2 |
---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | |
ARCH 208 | 6 | ARCH 209 | 6 | |
ARCH 524 | 3 | ARCH 541 (Fulfills KU Core Goal AE4.2) | 3 | |
ARCH 540 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 3 Arts & Humanities ) | 3 | ARCH 620 | 3 | |
ARCH 605 | 3 | ARCH 624 | 3 | |
KU Core Goal 4.1 Human Diversity (AE4.1) | 3 | ARCH 215 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 2.2) | 3 | |
| 18 | | 18 | | |
Year 3 |
---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
ARCH 508 or 509 (ARCH 509 must be taken together with 510) | 6 | ARCH 509 or 508 | 6 | ARCH 690 (Study Abroad is a required component of the M.Arch Degree. Students can study abroad as soon as the Winter Break after their second year) | 6 |
ARCH 630 or 510 | 3 | ARCH 510 or 630 (Arch 510 must be taken together with Arch 509) | 3 | |
ARCH 530 | 3 | ARCH 531 | 3 | |
ARCH 626 | 3 | ARCH 627 | 3 | |
HUM 204 or 205 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 1.1) | 3 | Architecture Elective | 3 | |
| 18 | | 18 | | 6 |
Year 4 |
---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | |
ARCH 608 | 6 | ARCH 609 (Fulfills KU Core Goal 6.1) | 9 | |
ARCH 552 | 3 | Architecture ElectiveUp to six credits of Graduate Level Architecture electives (600+) can be taken during the Spring semester of 4th year to count towards Graduate Credits. | 3 | |
ARCH 658 | 3 | Architecture ElectiveUp to six credits of Graduate Level Architecture electives (600+) can be taken during the Spring semester of 4th year to count towards Graduate Credits. | 3 | |
Free Professional Elective (ARCH, IA, DESIGN, ARCE, UBPL) | 3 | | |
| 15 | | 15 | | |
Year 5 |
---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | |
ARCH 800-level course: Professional Options part 1 | 6 | ARCH 800-level course: Professional Options part 2 | 6 | |
Architecture Elective (600+) | 3 | Architecture Elective (600+) | 3 | |
Architecture Elective (600+) | 3 | Architecture Elective (600+) | 3 | |
Architecture Elective (600+) | 3 | Architecture Elective (700+)700+ level ARCH elective can be taken in either semester of the 5th year or spring of the 4th year | 3 | |
| 15 | | 15 | | |
Total Hours 172 |
NOTE: Students admitted to the Master of Architecture degree prior to 2023 will follow the curriculum in place at the time of their admission (see the KU Archived Academic Catalogs).
- Limit of 64 transfer credits used from Community Colleges.
- HSES Activity courses do not count for this degree plan.
- Studios are strictly sequenced and should be taken in the listed semester. Only 509 and 510 can be taken at either Fall or Spring of the third year. KU Core Goal courses outside Architecture and Undergraduate level ARCH Elective can be taken out of sequence. Consult an advisor prior to enrollment each semester to ensure proper course sequencing and fulfillment of requirements.
- Study Abroad is a required component of the M.Arch Degree. Students can study abroad as soon as the Winter Break of their second year. Consult your major's check sheet and your advisor if considering internships, study abroad, etc.
- Students should plan to complete all KU Core courses by the summer after 4th-year.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies may be awarded to students who fulfill the requirements of all 136 credits of the first four years' courses as outlined in the degree plan, meet all KU Core course requirement, and apply after completing the Spring semester of Year 4.
- Students will become graduate status after they complete the Year 4 of study. Students are required to take a minimum of 30 Graduate Credits. At least 15 credits out of the 30 Graduate Credits need to be at 700 level and above. Up to six credits of Graduate Level Architecture electives can be taken during the Spring semester of 4th year to count towards Graduate Credits.