Delivery
On-campus
Architecture, M.S.
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Program Overview
UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Architecture is a 30-credit-hour program that focuses on cutting-edge research essential to the architectural profession. This program offers specialized coursework and in-depth investigation, preparing you for advanced roles in architecture.
Specialize in one of three concentrations:
- Critical Heritage Studies
- Design Computation
- Sustainable Building Technology
Program Contact
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Critical Heritage Studies
This concentration explores how preservation and interpretation of the built environment is interconnected with both social and environmental sustainability and integrated within discourses and practices surrounding other tangible and intangible heritages happening in museums, archeological sites, and elsewhere. The program examines local solutions while engaging in global conversations; emphasizes hands-on engagement with communities and organizations; includes a variety of approaches and practices of engaging with the past; and promotes the stories and sites that foreground the heritage of individuals of all backgrounds.
The recommended path to complete this 30-credit program as a stand-alone degree is one academic year. This non-thesis track is geared for working design or planning professionals seeking to augment their skills or add credentials. An internship is required. Alternatively, students may choose to complete their internship over the summer and finish their degree in August. Multi-year part-time plans are also possible.
Degree Requirements
- Core Courses (13 credit hours)
- ARCH 5600 – Critical Approaches to Heritage (3)
- ARCH 6400 – Architecture Internship (3)
- ARCH 7211 – Research Lab (4)
- HIST 6320 – Historic Preservation (3)
- Elective Courses (15 credit hours)
- As directed by their Academic Advisor, students should take a total of 15 credits of elective courses from the approved list of ARCH, HIST, GEOG, ANTH, and MUDD courses.
- Capstone Course (2 credit hours)
- ARCH 6600 – Heritage Colloquium (2)
Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours
Design Computation
This concentration explores the ways in which computational practices have become inseparable from architectural design. As firms rely more and more on computation, those who know how to think, program and script are changing the way architects design and practice. As computing has matured as a discipline, it has expanded its focus to include the physical and virtual settings in which users interact with the machine. Specialties like human computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, gaming and visualization require an understanding not only of the logic of the machine, but also the logic of the user. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augment Reality (AR) are also already changing architectural practice.
The recommended path to complete this 30-credit program as a stand alone degree is 12 months so that Research Methods, Pre-Thesis, and Thesis may be taken in sequence. Alternatively, students may choose to work or conduct research over the summer and complete their thesis in the second fall semester.
Degree Requirements
Fall (12 credits)
- ARCH 5611 (3) – Computational Research Methods
- Electives (9) – Approved electives (ARCH 5050, 5607, 6050, 6306, 6890 or DBSA 5122, 6156, 6160, 6162, 6165)
Spring (12 credits)
- ARCH 7800 (3) – Pre-Thesis
- ARCH 7212 (4) – Research Lab
- GRAD 6302 (2) – Responsible Conduct of Research
- Elective (3) – Approved elective (ARCH 5050, 5607, 6050, 6306, 6890 or DBSA 5122, 6156, 6160, 6162, 6165)
Summer or Fall (6 credits)
- ARCH 7900 (6) – Thesis
Sustainable Building Technology
This concentration explores structural principles, statics and strength of materials, structural systems, as well as building technology, intelligent structures, innovative structural assemblies, and integrated design. Areas of inquiry included performance-based design, innovative building systems integration, high performance building facades, air filtration systems, bio-inspired design, and new material technologies.
The recommended path to complete this 30-credit program as a stand alone degree is 12 months so that Research Methods, Pre-Thesis, and Thesis may be taken in sequence. Alternatively, students may choose to work or conduct research over the summer and complete their thesis in the second fall semester.
Degree Requirements
Fall (12 credits)
- Electives (9) – As directed by their Advisor (ARCH 5050, 6050, 6306, and 6890).
- ARCH 6050 (3) – Sustainability Research Methods
Spring (12 credits)
- ARCH 7800 (3) – Pre-Thesis
- GRAD 6302 (2) – Responsible Conduct of Research
- ARCH 7212 (4) – Research Lab
- Elective (3) – As directed by their Advisor (ARCH 5050, 6050, 6306, and 6890).
Summer of Fall (6 credits)
- ARCH 7900 (6) – Thesis
Welcome to the David R. Ravin School of Architecture
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.
Admissions & Requirement Details
M.S. in Architecture applicants must specify the concentration of interest and their own research interests as a part of their application in their Statement of Purpose. 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.
Admission Requirements
The minimum admission requirements for the MS in Architecture are:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based), 557 (paper-based), or 83 (Internet-based), or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 required from any applicant whose native language is not English
- An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- An overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale)
Admission Documents
To apply for graduate studies in the School of Architecture, all applicants must submit the following application materials to the UNC Charlotte Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate School Application for Admission (online form)
- Application Fee (payable online)
- Unofficial transcripts from all previous college-level institution(s) attended (submitted online as part of the application process with official transcripts to be sent directly later if admitted)
- Official TOEFL scores (sent directly from testing company).
- A statement of purpose essay indicating research interests and potential faculty advisor (submitted online as part of the application process)
- Three recommendations (submitted online by recommenders)
- A resume (submitted online as part of the application process)
- A Digital Portfolio (20-page PDF document submitted online; this portfolio may include samples of writing, research, computation, anyalsis, and/or design-based projects)
- SoA UNC Charlotte B.Arch or M.Arch degree holders with a 3.5 GPA or above are eligible to be recommended for automatic admission to the School of Architecture and are not required to submit separate application materials such as a portfolio
- Applicants to the Critical Heritage studies concentration may submit a writing sample instead of a portfolio.
Faculty Spotlight
Kyoung Hee Kim, Professor of Architecture and Director of the Integrated Design Research Lab: Kyoung Hee Kim’s expertise lies in net-zero design and regenerative building technology as a way to achieve a sustainable built environment.
Visit the SoA
The SoA invites applicants and prospective applicants to learn more about our program by attending our Open Houses and/or 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.
Discover our primary programs of architectural study
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.
Master of Architecture
Master of Urban Design
Dual Degree Options
Students in the Master of Science in Architecture may wish to combine their 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.
M.Arch. & M.S. in Architecture
M.S. in Architecture & M.S. in Information Technology
M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) & Master of Urban Design
M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) & M.A. in History (Public History)
M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) and M.A. in Anthropology
Top Tips for Completing Your Application
The streamlined application process makes it easy to apply. Looking for some additional guidance to perfect your application? Attend an upcoming information session.
Explore Official University Catalog
Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.