Master of Architecture in Advanced Standing (Path A)

The Master of Architecture (M. ARCH) degree is the NAAB-accredited professional degree. The accredited professional degree is the first step for individuals interested in pursuing a path toward licensure as a practicing architect in North America. If you studied architecture at the undergraduate level and received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, you may qualify for the four-semester Path A Advanced Standing Track. If you studied in another discipline at the undergraduate level the seven-semester Path B track is the right course of study for you. If you studied architecture at the undergraduate level, but did not receive a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, we will work to evaluate your prior education and to determine limited advanced standing based on your transcripts and verified coursework.

PATH A - Master of Architecture - The Path A program is an advanced standing track designed for individuals who possess an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree. This program links seamlessly with the University of Maryland's B.S. in Architecture degree and similar degrees offered at other institutions. This is a four-semester degree program leading to the NAAB-accredited M. ARCH degree.

PATH B - Master of Architecture - This program is designed specifically for individuals who have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than architecture. This seven-semester program provides an introduction to the fundamentals of architectural design and representation, technologies, history, and theory, as well as professional practice. The program provides an efficient track toward the NAAB-accredited M. ARCH degree.

Admission is competitive and application requirements differ by degree program. We encourage applications from students with solid academic backgrounds who have earned or will earn at least a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of this degree in another country. As a minimum admission standard, the University of Maryland expects candidates to have a B average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in a program of study resulting in a bachelor's degree.
Applications with these academic qualifications will be considered by the admissions committee:

Candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree should apply to Path A - Advanced Standing program.

Candidates with a four-year baccalaureate in (B.A. degree in architecture, B.S. degree in environmental design, or other related degree type) should apply to Path A - Advanced Standing program.

Candidates with a four-year baccalaureate (B.A., B.S., B.F.A., etc.) degree in a major other than architecture from an accredited college or university who successfully complete specified prerequisites (see Path B Prerequisites below) should apply to the Path B program.

Candidates with a NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture, who desire to engage in a post-professional degree should apply to the Master of Science in Architecture program.

The admissions committee reserves the right to evaluate all applicants for placement based upon prior coursework, transcript, and portfolio review.

Master of Architecture, Path A - Advanced Standing
The Path A Advanced Standing degree track is designed for students who have completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (or equivalent major) degree and meet coursework requirements listed below:

4 - Architectural Design Studios (6 Credits Each)
1 - Building Materials and Assemblies Course (3-4 Credits)
2 - Structural Systems Courses (3-4 Credits Each)
1 - Environmental Systems Courses (3-4 Credits Each)
2 - History of World Architecture Courses (3 Credits Each)

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