Introduction

The Master of Architecture is offered to students who have completed a pre-professional architecture degree, as well as to students who have completed an unrelated undergraduate or graduate degree. Students holding a pre-professional degree may be evaluated individually for advanced standing in the MArch program, commensurate with their previous educational experiences.

Our program prepares students for entry into the architecture profession and licensure. Our mission is to lead in the discovery, communication and application of knowledge in the discipline of architecture by integrating theory and practice. In this collaborative educational model, environmental, economic, social, cultural, aesthetic and ethical concerns are fundamental.

The curriculum responds to and aligns with the evolving nature of professional practice including collaborative work environments, critical thinkers, problem-solving team players, builders and leaders with excellent communication skills. Recognizing that the practice of architecture is global, we provide students with international perspectives and experiences giving them a competitive edge when they enter the profession.

Students whose undergraduate degree was not a design related degree will take a minimum of three years to complete the Master of Architecture. Students who have an undergraduate design related degree may receive credit for courses previously taken and may be able to complete the program in two years depending on advanced standing given. The program provides the skills and bodies of knowledge nationally specified for graduate study in architecture and is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Prerequisites

It is recommended that students have a high school level understanding of physics and trigonometry before enrolling in the M.Arch program.

Students are expected to have achieved a basic level of computer literacy and should be familiar with PC or Mac operating systems.

The architecture skills workshop is highly recommended for students who do not have a background in architectural drawing, model making or digital graphics work. This class is offered each year before the beginning of the fall semester.

Program Tracks

There are two curriculum tracks leading to the MArch degree.

Four Studio Track - minimum 60 Semester Hours

This course of study allows those students with a pre-professional degree to pursue a professional Master of Architecture degree in a minimum of two years (the total duration of the program will vary). The curriculum follows a prescribed sequence of four design studios combined with core courses and electives. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Art in Architecture or Bachelor of Environmental Design to be considered for this track.

Six Studio Track - 105 Semester Hours

This course of study allows students without a pre-professional degree to pursue a professional Master of Architecture degree in a minimum of three years (the total duration of the program will vary). The curriculum follows a prescribed course of six design studios, fundamental core courses and electives. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university in any field.  

All degrees awarded by universities outside the United States will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the admissions committee will determine the appropriate track.

Four Studio Track

Curriculum Overview

The Four Studio Track curriculum for the Master of Architecture (MArch) program is divided into six major components, totaling a minimum of 60 semester hours in residence at the University of Colorado Denver:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
DESIGN STUDIOS & SEMINARS		27
ARCH 5130	Design Studio III (Fall)
ARCH 5140	Design Studio IV (Spring)
ARCH 6150	Design Studio V (Fall)
ARCH 6170	Design Studio VI (Spring)
ARCH 6171	Integration Seminar (Spring)
REPRESENTATIONAL STUDIES 1		3
HISTORICAL/CULTURAL STUDIES 1		3
TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES 1		3
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES		9
ARCH 5410	Professional Practice (Fall)
ARCH 5430	Social Context of Design (Fall)
ARCH 5450	Sustainable Design Practices (Spring)
ELECTIVES		15
9 Hours of ARCH Electives
6 Hours of Open Electives
Total Hours		60

¹

Required Categorical Elective.

Electives

A wide array of electives in these areas allows students to tailor their graduate studies to their own interests. Students may choose to take elective courses in the summer session. It is highly suggested that students use the summers to study abroad or participate in a professional internship. 

In order for a student to complete the course of study within the 60 semester hours (two years of study) a student must have completed the following courses with a grade of B or better: 

• 4 design studios (six credits each)
• 2-3 course sequence covering the history of architecture
• 1 course introduction to the theory of architecture 
• 2 course sequence on sustainable environmental control systems
• 2 course sequence on structures addressing statics, material mechanics, structural analysis, and design of simple structural elements and systems
• 2 course sequence on building materials and construction 
• 2 course on architectural visualization and representation

Above courses not completed by the time the student enrolls in the program will be added onto the 60 semester hours and will need to be completed at the University of Colorado Denver prior to graduation. An official review of the student’s previous course work will be conducted in the spring following admissions and will be sent to the student upon the receipt of the student’s intent to attend.

Six Studio Track

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the Master of Architecture (MArch) program is divided into six major areas of study, totaling 105 semester hours:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Design Studios and Seminars		39
ARCH 5110	Design Studio I (Fall)
ARCH 5120	Design Studio II (Spring)
ARCH 5130	Design Studio III (Fall)
ARCH 5140	Design Studio IV (Spring)
ARCH 6150	Design Studio V (Fall)
ARCH 6170	Design Studio VI (Spring)
ARCH 6171	Integration Seminar (Spring)
Representational Studies		9
ARCH 5510	Architectural Visualization I (Fall)
ARCH 5520	Architectural Visualization II (Spring)
Architecture Representational Studies Required Elective
Historical/Cultural Studies		15
ARCH 5210	Introduction to Architecture (Fall)
ARCH 5220	History and Theory Architecture I (Spring)
ARCH 5230	History and Theory Architecture II (Fall)
ARCH 5240	History and Theory Architecture III (Spring)
Architecture Historical/Cultural Studies Required Elective
Technological Studies		21
ARCH 5310	Building Construction I (Fall)
ARCH 5320	Building Construction II (Spring)
ARCH 5330	Sustainable Systems I (Spring)
ARCH 5340	Sustainable Systems II (Fall)
ARCH 5350	Structures I (Fall)
ARCH 5360	Structures II (Spring)
Architecture Technological Studies Required Elective
Professional Studies		9
ARCH 5410	Professional Practice (Fall)
ARCH 5430	Social Context of Design (Fall)
ARCH 5450	Sustainable Design Practices (Spring)
Architecture Electives		6
Open Electives		6
Total Hours		105

Electives

A wide array of electives in these areas allows students to tailor their graduate studies to their own interests. Advanced standing in core course work can be given for prior architectural studies. Students may choose to take elective courses in the summer session. It is highly suggested that students use the summers to study abroad or participate in a professional internship. 

Four-Studio Course Sequence

This schedule shows the recommended sequence of courses. To modify this schedule, students should consult their CAP academic advisor.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
ARCH 5130	Design Studio III	6
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
	Hours	15
Spring
ARCH 5140	Design Studio IV	6
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
	Hours	15
Second Year
Fall
ARCH 6150	Design Studio V	6
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
	Hours	15
Spring
ARCH 6170	Design Studio VI	6
ARCH 6171	Integration Seminar	3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
Professional Studies or Elective 1		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	60

¹

Students may choose from course offerings. Individual plans will vary depending on transfer credit awarded. For additional information, please see your academic advisor.

²

Summer courses are optional in the Four Studio Track.

Six-Studio Course Sequence

This schedule shows the recommended sequence of courses. To modify this schedule, students should consult their CAP academic advisor.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
ARCH 5110	Design Studio I	6
ARCH 5210	Introduction to Architecture	3
ARCH 5350	Structures I 1	3
ARCH 5510	Architectural Visualization I	3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
	Hours	18
Spring
ARCH 5120	Design Studio II	6
ARCH 5220	History and Theory Architecture I	3
ARCH 5360	Structures II 1	3
ARCH 5520	Architectural Visualization II	3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
	Hours	18
Second Year
Fall
ARCH 5130	Design Studio III	6
ARCH 5230	History and Theory Architecture II	3
ARCH 5310	Building Construction I 2	3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
	Hours	18
Spring
ARCH 5140	Design Studio IV	6
ARCH 5320	Building Construction II 2	3
ARCH 5330	Sustainable Systems I	3
ARCH 5240	History and Theory Architecture III	3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
	Hours	18
Third Year
Fall
ARCH 6150	Design Studio V	6
ARCH 5340	Sustainable Systems II	3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
	Hours	18
Spring
ARCH 6170	Design Studio VI	6
ARCH 6171	Integration Seminar	3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
Professional Studies or Elective Requirement		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	105

¹

Students are expected to complete ARCH 5350 Structures I prior to taking ARCH 5360 Structures II.

²

Students are expected to complete ARCH 5310 Building Construction I prior to taking ARCH 5320 Building Construction II