Delivery
On-Campus
Architecture, M.S., and Information Technology, M.S., Dual Degree
Program Overview
UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Architecture with a concentration in Design Computation and M.S. in Information Technology with a concentration in Human-Centered Design dual degree uniquely combines design and computational expertise. This curriculum prepares you for careers in human-computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, gaming, and visualization.
Students enroll in both degree programs simultaneously, gaining skills in design thinking and computational logic. The integrated curriculum fosters collaboration on interdisciplinary projects, equipping graduates to lead the integration of computing in architectural research and practice.
Program Contact
Plans of Study
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.
M.S. in Architecture (Design Computation) / M.S. IT (Human-Centered Design) – 42 credits – 2 Year Path
When completed together, a specified 9 credits of the 30-credit M.S. in Architecture (Design Computation) and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit M.S. IT (Human Centered Design) are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 42-credit dual degree.
Fall (12 credits)
- ARCH 5611 – Computational Research Methods (3)
- Approved ARCH or DBSA Elective (3)
- ITIS Courses from list (6)
Spring 1 (12 Credit Hours)
- ARCH 7211 – Research Lab – Design Computation (4)
- GRAD 6302 – Responsible Conduct of Research (2)
- ITIS Course from list (3)
- ARCH 7800 – Thesis Prep (3)
Fall 2 (9 credit hours)
- ITIS Courses from list (9)
Spring 2 (9 credit hours)
- ITIS Course from list (3)
- ARCH 7900 – Thesis (6)
- MSIT Capstone Project (0)
42 Credit Hours
Possible ITIS Course List
- ITIS 5166 – Backend Application Development (3)
- ITIS 5350 – Design Prototyping (3)
- ITIS 5390 – Interaction Design Projects (3)
- ITIS 6120 – Applied Databases (3)
- TIS 6200 – Principles of Information Security and Privacy (3)
- ITIS 6300 – Human-Centered Design (3)
- ITIS 6342 – Information Technology Project Management (3)
M.S. in Architecture (Design Computation) / M.S. IT (Human-Centered Design) – 42 credits – 1.5 Year Accelerated Path
When completed together, a specified 9 credits of the 30-credit M.S. in Architecture (Design Computation) and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit M.S. IT (Human Centered Design) are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 42-credit dual degree.
Fall (15 credits)
- ARCH 5611 – Computational Research Methods (3)
- Approved ARCH or DBSA Elective (3)
- ITIS Courses from list (9)
Spring 1 (15 Credit Hours)
- ARCH 7211 – Research Lab – Design Computation (4)
- GRAD 6302 – Responsible Conduct of Research (2)
- ITIS Courses from list (6)
- ARCH 7800 – Thesis Prep (3)
Fall 2 (12 credit hours)
- ITIS Courses from list (6)
- ARCH 7900 – Thesis (6)
- MSIT Capstone Project (0)
42 Credit Hours
Possible ITIS Course List
- ITIS 5166 – Backend Application Development (3)
- ITIS 5350 – Design Prototyping (3)
- ITIS 5390 – Interaction Design Projects (3)
- ITIS 6120 – Applied Databases (3)
- TIS 6200 – Principles of Information Security and Privacy (3)
- ITIS 6300 – Human-Centered Design (3)
- ITIS 6342 – Information Technology Project Management (3)
M.S. in Architecture (Design Computation)
This M.S. in Architecture with a concentration in Design Computation explores the ways in which computational practices have become inseparable from architectural design. Artifical Ingelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augment Reality (AR) are already changing architectural practice.
M.S. in IT (Human-Centered Design)
The M.S. in IT with a concentration in Human-Centered Design gives you the advanced skills and knowledge you need to plan, design, implement, evaluate, deploy, maintain, and manage technology applications and systems.
Faculty Spotlight
Jefferson Ellinger, associate professor of architecture
Jefferson Ellinger is an architect and the author of Philosophical Difference and Advanced Computation in Architectural Theory: From Less to More. He is a partner in Fresh Air Building Systems, dedicated to designing and producing next-generation air filtering systems for the built environment.
Visit UNC Charlotte
We invite applicants and prospective applicants to learn more about our programs by attending our Open Houses and Facility Tours, both of which may be done in person or virtually. These events are opportunities to meet current faculty, staff, and students, and to ask questions about the program.
Explore Official University Catalog
Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.