Architecture - M.Arch. Download to print

The Master of Architecture, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, prepares graduates to enter the profession by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity, and the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs, as well as by offering a broad exposure to professional issues and knowledge. The program has an emphasis in building design and professional practice and offers students the opportunity of selecting elective courses in specialized areas, such as building technology, building preservation, architectural history and theory, urban studies and design.

The Master of Architecture also offers a dual degree program with the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Urban Design.

Dual Degree with the Master of Business Administration is 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 with the Master of Urban Design is for graduate students interested in advanced preparation in architecture with a specialization in urban design 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, and offers a broad exposure to professional issues and knowledge.

Official transcript(s); GRE (or GMAT for the Dual Degree with MBA concentration); goal statement (include intent and background information); three letters of recommendation (one letter should be from a non-academic source); portfolio (design work should clearly indicate role in group projects; and pre-professional degree in architecture (B.A. or B.Arch.). Applicant must have undergraduate coursework equivalent to Kent State B.S. degree. Conditional admission may be granted with specific additional coursework, such as the Fourth Year Design Studio II (ARCH 40102), currently offered in the fourth year of the B.S. in Architecture. Please refer to the University policy for graduate admissions.

M.Arch.: Minimum 44 total credit hours, 35 from core courses and 9 from elective courses.

M.Arch./M.B.A.: Minimum of 74 credit hours, 35 from the M.Arch. program and 39 from the M.B.A. program.

M.Arch/M.U.D.: Minimum of 67 credit hours, 35 from the M.Arch. program and 32 from the M.U.D program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to international cultures.

2. Understand different cultural perspectives, values, customs, and traditions.

3. Understand the following professional practices: real estate and development, contract and planning law, leadership and ethics, office and finance management.

4. Understand western traditions.

5. 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.

6. Increase level of intellectual discourse about architecture.

7. Understand design principles and theories of urban design.

8. Develop an ability to compare and contrast the perspectives, values, customs, and traditions of student`s own culture from those held by other cultures.

9. Develop and enhance students’ research skills 4.2 Develop and enhance students’ writing skills.

10. Develop management and leadership skills; verbal and graphic communication skills;collaborative learning, research, and work experiences.

11. Understand design and systems integration through a thesis or capstone experience through an array of professional practice and “field” related coursework.

12. Develop and enhance problem solving and reasoning skills; an ability to critically analyze information and fundamental design skills. Understand the complexities of environmental design including both technical and theoretical components.

13. Understand site.

14. Understand the responsibility of the architect to elicit, understand and resolve the needs of the client.

15. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and to gather, record, and apply relevant information.

16. Develop an awareness of diverse cultures, ideals, and beliefs.

17. Demonstrate enhanced verbal, graphic and writing skills.

The Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board, which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a six-year, three-year or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Master's degree programs may consist of a preprofessional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the preprofessional degree is not by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.