Delivery
On-campus
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) at UNC Charlotte is a NAAB-accredited professional degree that prepares students to become licensed architects and leaders in the built environment. The program offers three distinct tracks to accommodate students from different academic backgrounds:
Graduates are well-positioned to complete the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and pursue licensure by taking the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
Discover what UNC Charlotte's M.Arch. program has to offer! Request more information or attend an upcoming session to learn about the curriculum, admissions process, and career opportunities.
Your future is calling. The SoA embraces the mission of an urban research university that bridges academic excellence and access. Embrace this opportunity and start your application today.
The M.Arch. I track (96 credit hours) is designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than architecture (such as Business, Engineering, Political Science, etc.). Students who pursue this academic program range from those who are seeking a career change to those who wanted to pursue a liberal arts undergraduate academic program prior to embarking upon architectural studies.
Students admitted to the M.Arch. I program complete a full-time, three-plus-year, 96-credit curriculum that begins in the fall semester. The M.Arch. I curriculum involves three primary components:
More information on the Master of Architecture programs and the M.Arch. I can be found in the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.
UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School admissions requirements and the SoA’s expected entry-level competencies for M.Arch. I Candidates include:
For detailed information about the admissions requirements and process, please visit the SoA Graduate Admissions web page.
The M.Arch. II track (60 credit hours) is for students with a four-year undergraduate B.A. or B.S. in Architecture.
Students admitted to the M.Arch. II program complete a two-year 60-credit curriculum that begins in the fall semester. The duration of graduate study for M.Arch. II students may vary according to prior preparation and course work in architecture, including the fundamentals of visual and spatial design, conceptualization and problem solving, as well as introductory coursework in architectural history and theory, building technology, computation and representation.
More information on the Master of Architecture programs and the M.Arch. II can be found in the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.
UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School admissions requirements for all students include:
Students applying to the M.Arch. II track are expected to have acquired the fundamentals of visual and spatial design, problem solving, conceptualization and introductory coursework in architectural history and theory, building technology, and visual skills. Expected Entry-Level Competencies for M.Arch. II Candidates include:
If applicants accepted to the M.Arch. II program are found deficient in entry-level competencies, they will be required to enroll in additional course work beyond the required 60 credit hours to complete their degree. To ensure that incoming students are evaluated appropriately, the School of Architecture requires that applicants to the M.Arch. II program provide course descriptions and syllabi of architecture courses passed and completed that satisfy the entry-level competencies.
The M.Arch. A.S. track (40 credit hours) is designed for UNC Charlotte architecture undergraduates who have established a strong record of academic achievement in their four years of study. Students who meet Graduate School admissions criteria and who qualify for recommended automatic admission to the Master of Architecture may receive Advanced Standing in the program.
Candidates for the M.Arch. A.S. track pursue a 12-month (summer, fall, spring) professional curriculum that leads to the accredited architectural degree. This 40-credit hour curriculum includes options for summer study abroad or campus-based design investigations, and a fall and spring term in which students complete a comprehensive architectural design project, a research-driven graduate diploma studio along with courses in architectural research, professional practice, and additional architectural electives.
More information on the Master of Architecture II Advanced Standing program can be found in the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.
UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School admissions requirements for all students include:
Students applying to the M.Arch. AS track are expected to have already acquired the fundamentals of visual and spatial design, problem solving, conceptualization and introductory coursework in architectural history and theory, building technology, and visual skills. Expected entry-level competencies for M.Arch. AS candidates must include the following UNC-Charlotte School of Architecture coursework:
To ensure that incoming students are evaluated appropriately, the School of Architecture requires that applicants to the M.Arch. AS track provide the required application materials. If applicants accepted to the M.Arch. AS track are found deficient in entry-level competencies, they may be able to apply and enroll in M.Arch. II track to complete their professional degree.
One of two accredited architecture programs in North Carolina, the David R. Ravin School of Architecture capitalizes on its location in one of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in the United States.
Joel Fudge
M.Arch. student
The School of Architecture invites you to explore our program by attending an upcoming open house or facility tour—offered both in person and virtually. Our facilities include Storrs Hall on UNC Charlotte’s main campus, home to design studios, classrooms, computer labs, digital fabrication labs, and an exhibition gallery, as well as our uptown location at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. These events offer a great opportunity to connect with our faculty, staff, and current students, and to ask any questions you may have about the program.
In addition to the Master of Urban Design, the David R. Ravin School of Architecture has two other primary graduate degree programs. All three degrees may be pursued individually or may be combined with other programs for dual degrees that offer more efficient pathways to earning two graduate degrees.
Students in the Master of Architecture may wish to combine their professional architecture studies with graduate work in other programs. Dual Degree options allow you to earn degrees across two academic disciplines. Students must apply to each program separately and be admitted to both programs. Dual degree students must satisfy all individual degree requirements with the added benefit of sharing a limited number of credits between the two programs.
The streamlined application process makes it easy to apply. Looking for some additional guidance to perfect your application? Attend an upcoming information session.
Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.