Architecture, MArch
The Master of Architecture Professional Degree is a comprehensive and rigorous program, preparing graduates for the full range of activities in the profession. An intensive sequence in Design Studios constitutes the focus of the program. Thorough training is also provided in history, theory, technology, ecology, society, and professional practice. Studios and courses are supported by a rigorous program in visual studies that develops skills in digital and new media. At the upper levels of the program students establish individual trajectories by selecting from a range of elective studios and courses with leading figures in design, technology and theory. The final year culminates in advanced design studios that include research directed by leading designers as well as the option of an independent thesis. The program aims to develop critical, creative and independent thinking that realizes potentials within an ever-changing world. The Master of Architecture degree is a professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and is a STEM designated program.
Students who hold a five-year professional Bachelor of Architecture degree or its equivalent are not eligible to apply to the Master of Architecture program. They are encouraged to look into one of the post-professional Master of Science in Design degree programs.
The Master of Architecture Program may be combined with certificate programs offered in the Weitzman School of Design.
For more information: https://www.design.upenn.edu/master-architecture-professional-degree
Curriculum
A total of 29 course units are required for graduation.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| ARCH 5010 | Design Studio I 1 | 2 |
| ARCH 5110 | History and Theory I | 1 |
| ARCH 5210 | Visual Studies I | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5310 | Construction I | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5350 | Structures I 2 | 0.5 |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 5020 | Design Studio II 1 | 2 |
| ARCH 5120 | History and Theory II | 1 |
| ARCH 5220 | Visual Studies II | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5320 | Construction II | 1 |
| ARCH 5360 | Structures II 2 | 0.5 |
| Course Units | 5.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 6010 | Design Studio III 1 | 2 |
| ARCH 6110 | History and Theory III | 1 |
| ARCH 6210 | Visual Studies III | 0.5 |
| ARCH 6310 | D3: Details, Data, Delivery | 0.5 |
| ARCH 6330 | Environmental Systems I | .5 |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 6020 | Design Studio IV 1 | 2 |
| ARCH 6710 | Professional Practice I | .5 |
| ARCH 6340 | Environmental Systems II | 0.5 |
| ARCH 6360 | Material Formations | 1 |
| Elective I (with FMAR Attribute) 3 | 1 | |
| Portfolio Submission | ||
| Course Units | 5.00 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 7010 | Design Studio V 1 | 2 |
| ARCH 7710 | Professional Practice II: The Practice | 1 |
| Elective II (with FMAR Attribute) 3 | 1 | |
| Elective III (with FMAR Attribute) 3 | 1 | |
| Course Units | 5.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 7040 | Design Studio VI 1 | 2 |
| Elective IV (with FMAR Attribute) 3 | 1 | |
| Technology Elective 4 | 1 | |
| History/Theory Elective 5 | 1 | |
| Course Units | 5.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 29.00 | |
Other Requirements
- All students are required to submit a portfolio in Spring of the second year
- A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation
3.5 Year Program
Students with an undergraduate degree in a subject other than architecture may be admitted to the program beginning in June to take ARCH 5000, a 2 CU preparatory studio, prior to entering the first year of coursework for the M. Arch. Students in this curriculum must complete a total of 31 course units to earn the Master of Architecture degree.
Course Waivers
In some instances, students with a specialized background in a subject will be given permission to waive a required course. A course waiver waives the course requirement; it does not waive the total course units to complete the degree. If a waiver is granted, the replacement course must be a graduate level ARCH course.
- 1
Studio courses are sequential and successful completion of each studio is required before moving on to the next course in the sequence: A passing grade must be earned in each of the following courses before moving on to the next studio in the sequence: ARCH 5010, ARCH 5020, ARCH 6010, ARCH 6020. Successful completion of ARCH 6020 is the prerequisite for both ARCH 7010 and ARCH 7040.
- 2
Successful completion of ARCH 5350 is a pre-requisite for enrollment in ARCH 5360.
- 3
Requests to take electives in departments outside Weitzman must be approved in advance by the M.Arch program director in order to fulfill a degree requirement.
- 4
A total of 1 CU in the category of Technology Designated Elective is needed to meet the degree requirements. Take one 1CU ARCH 732x course or take two 0.5CU ARCH 736x courses.
- 5
Beginning with the cohort entering in Fall 2025, M.Arch students will take four general electives (with attribute FMAR) and one History & Theory designated elective. The History & Theory elective can be taken in any term when there is space for an elective, starting in Spring of the second year. A list of approved History/Theory electives will be available in academic year 2026-2027.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.