Program Overview

M.ARCH DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) is a professional degree program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The program requires a total of 108 credits and can be completed in six semesters.

Course Sequence

The M.Arch program consists of a series of required and elective courses that are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in architecture. The course sequence is as follows:

• Design Studio: 6 sequential studios, starting in the Fall term of the first year, with 9 points each.
  • A4001 Core studio, I
  • A4002 Core studio, II
  • A4003 Core studio, III
  • A4004 Advanced studio, IV
  • A4005 Advanced studio, V
  • A4006 Advanced studio, VI
• Building Tech: 6 sequential courses, with 3 points each.
  • A4111 Building Tech I (Tech I)
  • A4112 Building Tech II (Tech II)
  • A4113 Building Tech III (Tech III)
  • A4114 Building Tech IV (Tech IV)
  • A4115 Building Tech V (Tech V)
  • Building Tech Elective
• History/Theory: 2 sequential courses, with 3 points each, and 4 distribution courses, with 3 points each.
  • A4348 Questions in Architectural History I
  • A4349 Questions in Architectural History II
  • Distribution courses:
    • Pre-1800 (either N/W, S/E, or both)
    • Post-1800; N/W
    • Post-1800; S/E
    • Open History/Theory Elective (Pre- or Post-1800; N/W, S/E, or both)
• Computation and Representation: 3 courses, with 3 points each.
  • A4023 Architectural Drawing & Representation I
  • A4024 Architectural Drawing & Representation II
  • Computation or Representation Elective
• Methods and Practice: 1 course, with 3 points.
  • A4560 Professional Practice
• Electives: 2 courses, with 3 points each.

Requirements by Distribution

The M.Arch program requires students to complete a series of courses in different areas, including:

• Architecture Studio Sequence: 6 sequential studios, with 9 points each.
• History/Theory Sequence: 2 sequential courses, with 3 points each, and 4 distribution courses, with 3 points each.
• Computation and Representation: 3 courses, with 3 points each.
• Methods and Practice: 1 course, with 3 points.
• Building Science and Technology: 6 sequential courses, with 3 points each.

Accreditation

The M.Arch program at GSAPP is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The program meets the academic requirements for licensure in all 50 states. However, states may have additional requirements to sit for the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE).

Next Accreditation Visit

The next accreditation visit for the M.Arch program at GSAPP is scheduled for 2021.

NAAB Documents

The following NAAB documents are available publicly on the NAAB Public Information page:

• 2009 NAAB Conditions for Accreditation and 2012 Procedures
• Visiting Team Report (2013)
• Confirmation Letter from NAAB (2013)
• Annual Reports
• Architecture Program Report (2012-2013)