Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program is a first professional degree preparing students for the practice of architecture through a rigorous course of study that engages students with urgent urban, architectural, environmental, and socio-cultural issues. The curriculum is centered on design studios that require the synthesis and application of knowledge from other coursework. Seminars in building technology, history/theory, professional practice, and research address questions in tandem with design studios. Elective courses allow students to pursue specializations with focus and intent. Together, the architecture courses satisfy professional accreditation requirements. During the final year of study, students have the opportunity to pursue a self-directed research and design thesis. The Department of Architecture and Environmental Design offers three tracks for the M.Arch.: a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year program depending on a student's educational background upon entry to the degree.

The 2-year track is a 60-credit degree program for students who earn Temple University's Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.Arch.) degree and for students from other four-year pre-professional degree programs with equivalent course content. The 3-year track provides a curriculum of up to 90 credits for students without a pre-professional degree in architecture. The first year of this program provides a rigorous introduction to architectural design that consists of up to 30 credits of pre-professional studies, including building technology courses, design studios, and history and theory seminars. Each student's prior academic record is evaluated to determine program and course placement. The number of credits students need to take varies depending on the amount of pre-professional architectural course content previously satisfied by the candidate. Students who have little or no architectural content at the undergraduate level will be required to take the full 30 credits of pre-professional studies in architecture. Students who have degrees in architectural studies may receive advanced standing within the 3-year track.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A pre-professional baccalaureate degree in Architecture (or equivalent) is required for the two-year Professional Track. A baccalaureate degree in any discipline is required for the three-year Intensive Design Track. Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended, whether or not a degree was awarded, must be sent to Tyler School of Art and Architecture,
Statement of Goals: Approximately 500 to 1,000 words include your reason for pursuing a degree in Architecture, your interest in Temple's program in particular, and your aspirations and future career goals.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Due to testing limitations related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Tyler School of Art and Architecture is temporarily waiving submission of GRE scores for applicants to the M.Arch. in Architecture degree program for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 admissions. Applicants may still voluntarily submit GRE test scores, but scores will only be used as a supplement to required application materials. All other admission requirements, including submission of scores for a standardized test of English, if applicable, still need to be met. In some circumstances, the Graduate Admissions Committee may request additional supplemental application materials or an interview as part of the admissions process.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master's degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

TOEFL iBT: 79
IELTS Academic: 6.5
550 on the paper-based (PBT)
Resume: Current resume required.

Portfolio: All applicants must submit a portfolio of their most important and representative design, creative, and written work. Portfolios from students with prior academic experience in Architecture should include architectural design work done in academic settings. Portfolios may also include work in the visual arts or in visual communication. In addition, work completed in practice may be included but should clearly articulate the applicant's role in the project. Papers, research, or other materials (preferably dealing with the built environment) are invited as evidence of scholarly, academic, or creative work. Work chosen for inclusion in a portfolio should best represent the applicant's knowledge, aptitudes, interests, creative ability, and experience relative to the discipline of Architecture. The portfolio should include approximately 20 images or other items.

The minimum admissions standard for all graduate students is ordinarily an undergraduate grade point average of B or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the functional equivalent for students who have attended universities outside of the United States.