The M.Arch is a STEM-designated professional practice program of architecture that leads to licensure in architecture and is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This degree option provides flexibility for students who have an undergraduate degree with a major in architecture as well as those who have a degree in a field other than architecture. The M.Arch. Program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and a maximum of 102 credit hours of study, depending upon the applicant's prior education in architecture and the amount of advanced standing credit granted upon admission to the program.

Normally, a student admitted to the program with maximum advanced standing can expect to complete the program within two academic years of full-time study. A student admitted to the program with no advanced standing can expect the program to require three and one-half academic years of full-time study. Graduates from four-year undergraduate programs in architecture similar to that at Georgia Tech can normally expect to complete the program in two academic years, provided they have pursued architecturally related elective coursework during their undergraduate years. Specific information regarding applications for advanced standing and degree requirements is available from the School of Architecture.

Multidisciplinary studies are strongly encouraged in all of the master's programs in architecture. These studies may be part of a formal dual degree program, including architecture and city and regional planning. Other multidisciplinary studies are possible within the College of Design, the Institute, or at other Atlanta area colleges and universities, such as Emory University and Georgia State University. Coursework outside the School of Architecture frequently includes city and regional planning, public policy, history, philosophy, real estate development, engineering, and studio art.

The deadline for applications is December 31st for all applicants for the following fall semester. Each applicant must have an outstanding undergraduate record and must submit a portfolio of creative work. The TOEFL is the only acceptable language test for admission to Georgia Tech.  A score of 90 is required by Georgia Institute of Technology,  with a minimum section score of 19 in each section of the test, however, the School of Architecture only accepts TOEFL scores near 100 for all foreign applicants. All applicants should be aware that each program in the School of Architecture has specific application requirements; therefore, all applicants should consult the relevant requirements for their chosen degree programs; by visiting the School of Architecture website or contacting an academic advisor.

The maximum requirements for the M.Arch. degree (total of 102 hours), for a student with a previous degree in a discipline other than architecture (3.5-year program), are as follows:

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Summer		Credit Hours
ARCH 6028	Core 1 Studio	5
ARCH Professional Elective		3
	Credit Hours	8
	Total Credit Hours	8

The maximum requirements for the M.Arch. degree (total of 60 hours with Full Advanced Placement), for a student with a previous degree in architecture (2-year program), are as follows: 

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
ARCH 6039	Advanced Architectural Studio 1	6
ARCH 6350	Theory of Architecture I	3
ARCH 6015	Structures 1	3
ARCH 7030	Media + Modeling 3	3
	Credit Hours	15
	Total Credit Hours	15

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Spring		Credit Hours
ARCH 6040	Advanced Architectural Studio 2	6
ARCH 7350	Foundations of Architectural Theory	3
ARCH 8803	Special Topics (Design and Climate Change)	3
ARCH Professional Elective		3
	Credit Hours	15
	Total Credit Hours	15

Plan of Study Grid

Second Year
Fall		Credit Hours
ARCH 6049	Design + Research Studio 1	6
Practice Focused Elective		3
Theory Elective		3
ARCH 6315	Practice of Architecture I	3
	Credit Hours	15
	Total Credit Hours	15

Plan of Study Grid

Second Year
Spring		Credit Hours
ARCH 6050	Design + Research Studio 2	6
ARCH 7103	Integrated Building Systems III	3
ARCH 7151	History of Urban Form	3
ARCH Professional Elective		3
	Credit Hours	15
	Total Credit Hours	15

Students have an option to pursue two degrees by sharing a select number of credit hours. The Master of Architecture has an agreement with the School of City and Regional Planning for an option for students to earn a MCRP and MArch.

Master of City and Regional Planning and Master of Architecture

The curriculum consists of the core requirements for each of the two professional programs and, in addition, a set of dual requirements that focus upon urban design as a common ground linking the theory and practice of the two disciplines. The dual curriculum builds upon five major bodies of material:

• Design studios as a basis for exploring architectural, urban design and development issues utilizing theory, method and professional practice paradigms
• Urban history and design theory as a way of understanding the formal and architectural order of the city
• Economics and development methods as a basis for formulating development projects
• Process and methods as a means of understanding professional practice and of designing policies and strategies that can be implemented in a private market regulated by public bodies
• The performance of design interventions in achieving specified economic, social, and environmental objectives

Click here for more information about the MCRP/MArch Option