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College of Arts and Architecture

Architecture (MARC)

College of Arts and Architecture
Master's
Center City Campus
Main Campus
The Master of Architecture (MArch) program is a fully accredited National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) degree program. It consists of three concentrations or tracks: MArch 1 (3-1/2 year, 96 credits), MArch 2 (2-year, 60 credits), and MArch A.S. (advanced standing 1-1/2 year, 40 credits). A MArch degree allows graduates to enter an internship program with the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) after which they will be qualified to sit for the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE) to practice architecture in North America. The MArch I concentration is a NAAB-accredited professional degree designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Architecture (such as Business, Engineering, Political Science, etc.). In the first year of the program, students acquire the fundamentals of visual and spatial design, conceptualization, problem solving and material and environmental influences. In addition to design studio, students take introductory coursework in architectural history and theory, building technology and representation. In the second year, students join incoming MArch II students to complete a curriculum consisting of advanced-design studios coupled with courses in contemporary theory, building technology, computational methods, design methodology and architectural electives. In the third year, students complete an integrated project studio and conclude with a research-driven graduate diploma studio, along with courses in architectural research, professional practice and additional architectural electives. The MArch II concentration is a NAAB-accredited professional degree designed for students who have already completed a four-year undergraduate BA or BS in Architecture. In the first year of the MArch II program, students complete a curriculum consisting of a comprehensive architectural design project and an advanced-design studio coupled with courses in contemporary theory, building technology, computational methods, design methodology and architectural electives. In the second year, students complete an integrated design project and conclude with a research-driven graduate diploma studio along with courses in architectural research, professional practice and additional architectural electives. The MArch A.S. concentration is an NAAB accredited professional degree designed for UNC Charlotte architecture undergraduates. It consists of three semesters of coursework starting in the summer with a summer abroad or campus-based design studio and documentation course. In the final academic year terms students complete an integrated design project and conclude with a research-driven graduate diploma studio along with courses in architectural research, professional practice and additional architectural electives. All three concentrations of the MArch earn graduates a STEM designated degree from UNC Charlotte.

Architecture (MS)

College of Arts and Architecture
Master's
Main Campus
STEM Designated
The M.Arch III and Master of Science in Computer Science or Master of Science in Information Technology dual degree program has become increasingly important to computer scientists and at the same time computation has become important to designers. This program is a unique curriculum that systematically combines the strength and insights of each discipline. 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. Within architecture, there is a unique opportunity to develop students who will have the knowledge to lead the integration of the computer into architectural practice and research. As firms rely more and more on computation, those who know how to think, program and script will be able to change the way architects design and practice.

Architecture and Urban Design (dual degree) (MARC + MUDD)

College of Arts and Architecture
Master's
Center City Campus
Designed for those who hold a four-year undergraduate degree in Architecture, the Architecture and Urban Design dual degree combines the one-year Master's of Urban Design with the two-year Master's of Architecture II. UNC Charlotte's School of Architecture is recognized for the outstanding quality of their faculty and students, their commitment to outreach and community involvement, and the quality and extent of resources offered through the labs, classrooms, and studios.

Urban Design (MUD)

College of Arts and Architecture
Master's
Center City Campus
The Master of Urban Design aims to engage the complex issues faced by contemporary towns and cities, which are being transformed by shifting demographics, global capital, information technology and environmental sustainability. The MUD program is built on the premise that urban design is a fusion of physical design, policy and implementation strategies. It mediates the professional disciplines of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, development and engineering that together shape our urban environment. Thus it constructs collaborations between these specialists and the citizens affected by urban development and redevelopment.