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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

Dr. Emily Makas & Katie Watson

Program Directors

soa-admissions@charlotte.edu

M.S. in Architecture / M.S. in Information Technology

Within architecture and its allied fields, this dual program provides a unique opportunity to develop students who will have the knowledge to lead the integration of the computer into architectural research. The curriculum integrates M.S. in Architecture students with M.S. in Information Technology students, working collaboratively on tasks that challenge both fields. A two-semester sequence of studio lab courses focuses on issues and problems that are researched by design teams. Note: The Master of Science in Architecture, because of its research focus, is not a NAAB accredited program that can lead to licensure as a registered architect. The School of Architecture does offer a NAAB accredited Master of Architecture, which is a separate degree program.

Delivery
On-Campus
credit hours
42 Credit Hours
admits
Fall
Application Deadlines
January 15 (Priority)

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

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)
  • ITIS 6300 – Human-Centered Design (3)
  • ITIS 5166 – Network-Based Application Development (3)
  • ITCS 5122 – Visual Analytics (3)

Spring (12 credits)

  • ARCH 7800 – Pre-Thesis (3)
  • ARCH 7212 – Research Lab (4)
  • GRAD 6302 – Responsible Conduct of Research (2)
  • ITIS 5350 – Design Prototyping (3)

Fall (12 credits)

  • ITIS 6200 – Principles of Information Security and Privacy (3)
  • ITIS 6120 – Applied Databases (3)
  • ITIS 5390 – Interaction Design Projects (3)
  • ITIS 6342 – Information Technology Project Management (3)

Spring 2 (6 credits)

  • ARCH 7900 – Thesis (6)
  • IT Project Capstone (0)

42 Credit Hours

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.

Admissions Details

See our Graduate Admissions page for more information about graduate admissions to the School of Architecture, including specifics for international students and answers to frequently asked questions.

Jefferson Ellinger with plant wall

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.