Master of Architecture

Overview

The Master of Architecture degree is a one-year program taken immediately after completing the Bachelor of Science in Architecture. It is often considered the "fifth year" and is dedicated to intensive graduate-level classroom and studio work, culminating in a design thesis project.

Degree Earned

The degree earned is a Master of Architecture (professional), recognized by all state licensing boards and accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Curriculum

The Master of Architecture degree curriculum consists of two components: general studies and professional studies.

General Studies

• University General Education Requirements: 33 credits
  • Communication: 12 credits
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 3 credits
  • Science and Technology: 10 credits (includes 1-credit lab)
  • Humanities and Fine Arts: 6 credits (met with 6 credits from the professional curriculum)
  • Social & Behavioral Science: 6 credits
  • Wellness: 2 credits
• Additional General Education Courses: 6 credits
  • A third social & behavioral science class: 3 credits
  • A philosophy elective class: 3 credits
• University General Education Requirements:
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Global Perspective
  • Computer Usage in all Majors: (ARCH 232: Design Technology)

Professional Studies

• Courses at the undergraduate level: 88 credits
• Courses at the graduate level: 20 credits

Curriculum Details

The curriculum is designed to build knowledge and ability in students incrementally as they move through the program. Expectations for increased knowledge, ability, and self-reliance continue to rise as students approach graduation.

First Year

Fall

• ENVD 101: Intro to Environment Design (3 credits)
• ENVD 102: Drawing Basics for Env. Designers (1 credit)
• ENVD 130: Drawing Skills for Env. Designers (3 credits)
• ARCH 321: History/Theory of Architecture I (3 credits)
• ENGL 110: College Composition (3 credits)
• Science/Tech: Science/Tech Gen. Ed. (3 credits)

Spring

• ENVD 104: Env. Design Fundamentals (1 credit)
• ENVD 172: Env. Design Fund. Studio (3 credits)
• ENGL 120: College Composition II (3 credits)
• COMM 110: Public Speaking (3 credits)
• ARCH 322: History/Theory of Architecture II (3 credits)
• QR: Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits)
• Wellness: Wellness General Ed (2 credits)

Second Year

Fall

• ARCH 271: Architectural Design I (6 credits)
• ARCH 231: Architectural Drawing (3 credits)
• ARCH 233: Math for Designers (1 credit)
• PHYS 120: Intro to Physics (3 credits)
• ARCH 323: History/Theory of Arch. III (3 credits)

Spring

• ARCH 272: Architectural Design II (6 credits)
• ARCH 232: Design Technology (3 credits)
• ARCH 344: Structures 1 (3 credits)
• PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• PHIL: Philosophy elective (3 credits)

Third Year

Fall

• ARCH 371: Architectural Design III (6 credits)
• ARCH 341: Site Design for Architects (3 credits)
• ARCH 351: Materials and Construction (4 credits)
• ARCH 453: ECS I (Passive Principles) (3 credits)
• Science/Tech: Science Laboratory (1 credit)

Spring

• ARCH 372: Architectural Design IV (6 credits)
• ARCH 450: Architectural Detailing (3 credits)
• ARCH 454: ECS II (Active Systems) (3 credits)
• ARCH 461: Urban Design (3 credits)
• ENGL 326: Writing for Design Professions (3 credits)
• or ENGL 357: Visual Language and Culture

Fourth Year

Fall

• ARCH 471: Architectural Design V (6 credits)
• ARCH 443: Advanced Structures (3 credits)
• ANTH 111: Introduction to Anthropology (3 credits)
• Science/Tech: Science/Tech Gen. Ed. (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

Spring

• ARCH 472: Architectural Design VI (6 credits)
• or ARCH 474: International Design Studio
• SOC 110: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

Fifth Year (Graduate)

Fall

• ARCH 771: Adv. Architectural Design (6 credits)
• ARCH 763: Thesis Research (3 credits)
• ARCH 781: Professional Practice (3 credits)
• ARCH 72x/789: Topics (3 credits)
• ARCH 72x/789: Topics (3 credits)

Spring

• ARCH 772: Design Thesis (8 credits)
• ARCH 72x/789: Topics (3 credits)
• or Non-ARCH Graduate Elective
• ARCH 72x/789: Topics (3 credits)

Admission

The program has selective admission criteria. For most students, graduate admission occurs after completing the fourth year.

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admission:

NDSU provides comprehensive admission services, including application assistance, financial aid information, and campus visits.

Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Campus Life:

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with various co-curricular activities, dining services, residence life options, and athletic events.

Student Support:

NDSU offers support services such as career advising, counseling, and wellness resources.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU provides ample research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Online Programs:

NDSU offers a variety of online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. The university also provides a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

NDSU offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Hands-on Learning:

NDSU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.

Strong Faculty:

NDSU has a strong faculty committed to teaching and mentoring students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Agriculture and Biological Systems:

NDSU is a leading institution in agriculture and biological systems, with strong programs in areas such as animal science, plant science, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture:

NDSU offers a variety of engineering and architecture programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

Health Sciences:

NDSU has a strong presence in health sciences, with programs in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NDSU offers a variety of humanities and social sciences programs, including English, history, and political science.

Business and Economics:

NDSU has a strong business and economics program, with programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

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Other:

NDSU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.