Architecture, MArch
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 will 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 can typically 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
Students must complete the prerequisites of college-level trigonometry and physics before enrolling in the MArch program.
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.
Students are expected to have achieved a basic level of computer literacy and should be familiar with PC or Mac operating systems.
Program Tracks
There are two curriculum tracks leading to the MArch degree.
Four Studio Track - minimum 63 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 63 semester hours in residence at the University of Colorado Denver:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DESIGN STUDIOS & SEMINARS | 27 | |
| Design Studio III (Fall) | ||
| Design Studio IV (Spring) | ||
| Design Studio V (Fall) | ||
| Design Studio VI (Spring) | ||
| Integration Seminar (Spring) | ||
| REPRESENTATIONAL STUDIES 1 | 3 | |
| HISTORICAL/CULTURAL STUDIES 1 | 3 | |
| TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES 1 | 3 | |
| PROFESSIONAL STUDIES | 12 | |
| Professional Practice (Fall) | ||
| BIM: Principles & Practices (Fall or Spring) | ||
| Social Context of Design (Fall) | ||
| Sustainable Design Practices (Spring) | ||
| ELECTIVES | 15 | |
| 9 Hours of ARCH Electives | ||
| 6 Hours of Open Electives | ||
| Total Hours | 63 | |
- 1
Required 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
- 1 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:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Design Studios and Seminars | 39 | |
| Design Studio I (Fall) | ||
| Design Studio II (Spring) | ||
| Design Studio III (Fall) | ||
| Design Studio IV (Spring) | ||
| Design Studio V (Fall) | ||
| Design Studio VI (Spring) | ||
| Integration Seminar (Spring) | ||
| Representational Studies 1 | 6 | |
| Architectural Graphics (Fall) | ||
| Historical/Cultural Studies 1 | 12 | |
| Introduction to Architecture (Fall) | ||
| History and Theory Architecture I (Spring) | ||
| History and Theory Architecture II (Fall) | ||
| Technological Studies 1 | 21 | |
| Building Construction I (Fall) | ||
| Building Construction II (Spring) | ||
| Sustainable Systems I (Spring) | ||
| Sustainable Systems II (Fall) | ||
| Structures I (Fall) | ||
| Structures II (Spring) | ||
| Professional Studies | 12 | |
| Professional Practice (Fall) | ||
| BIM: Principles & Practices (Fall or Spring) | ||
| Social Context of Design (Fall) | ||
| Sustainable Design Practices (Spring) | ||
| Architecture Electives | 9 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 105 | |
- 1
Required Electives
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.
| 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 | |
| Professional Studies or Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| 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 | 63 | |
- 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.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ARCH 5110 | Design Studio I | 6 |
| ARCH 5210 | Introduction to Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 5350 | Structures I | 3 |
| ARCH 5510 | Architectural Graphics | 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 |
| Professional Studies or Elective Requirement | 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 | 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 | 3 |
| ARCH 5330 | Sustainable Systems I | 3 |
| Professional Studies or Elective Requirement | 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 | |