College of Arts and Architecture

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.