Architecture Graduate Programs

Architecture Graduate Programs
At the David R. Ravin School of Architecture (SoA), graduate students shape the future of design through innovation, research, and community impact.
The faculty in the SoA are leaders in the discipline, and the school’s excellent resources integrate studio spaces, fabrication labs, classrooms, exhibition spaces, and flex spaces. Together, its people and places allow members of the SoA community to work and interact with each other in substantive ways, and to host events (big and small) that further its missions.
The SoA has stand-alone distinct programs, all of which may be pursued individually or may be combined with each other for dual degrees that offer more efficient pathways to earning two graduate degrees:
- The Master of Architecture Program is a NAAB-accredited professional Degree that prepares students for professional practice and other career paths in architecture.
- The Master of Urban Design Program is a post-professional degree that prepares students to become civic professionals in charge of engaging the complexities facing towns and cities across America today.
- The Master of Science in Architecture is a post-professional degree that immerses students in emerging research within a range of concentrations critical to the future of the architectural profession: Critical Heritage, Computation, and Sustainable Building Technologies.
Explore below to learn more about each of our graduate degree options!
primary programs of architectural study
The David R. Ravin School of Architecture offers three primary graduate degree programs. All three degrees may be pursued individually or may be combined with other programs for dual degrees that offer more efficient pathways to earning two graduate degrees.

Architecture, M.Arch.
The Master of Architecture is a NAAB-accredited professional degree that prepares students to become licensed architects and leaders in the built environment.

Architecture, M.S.
The M.S. in Architecture immerses students in emerging research within a range of concentrations: Critical Heritage, Computation, and Sustainable Building Technologies.

Urban Design, M.U.D.
The Master of Urban Design program is designed for aspiring leaders seeking to explore applied research and transformative policies and implementation strategies in building sustainable cities and livable neighborhoods.
Dual Degree Programs
Students may wish to combine their studies with graduate work in other programs. Dual Degree options allow you to earn degrees across two academic disciplines. Students must apply to each program separately and be admitted to both programs. Dual degree students must satisfy all individual degree requirements with the added benefit of sharing a limited number of credits between the two programs.

M.Arch. & Master of Urban Design
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) and Master of Urban Design (M.U.D.) dual degree integrates professional architectural training with urban-scale design expertise to shape meaningful public spaces at the neighborhood and city levels.

M.Arch. & M.S. in Architecture
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) and M.S. in Architecture dual degree links a professional design degree with a specialized degree in one of three concentrations: Critical Heritage Studies, Design Computation, or Sustainable Building Technology.

M.Arch. & M.S. in INformation Technology
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) and M.S. in Information Technology (Human-Centered Design) dual degree offers a cutting-edge interdisciplinary education, integrating design thinking with computational logic, and meets all requirements for architectural licensure.

M.S. in Architecture & M.S. in Information Technology
The M.S. in Architecture (Design Computation) and M.S. in Information Technology (Human-Centered Design) dual degree combines design and computational expertise to prepare you for careers in human-computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, gaming, and visualization.

M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) & M.A. in History (Public History)
The M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) and M.A. in History (Public History) dual degree explores local solutions while engaging in global conversations; emphasizes hands-on engagement with communities and organizations; challenges authorized heritage discourses; diversifies practices of engaging with the past; and promotes the stories and sites that foreground the heritage of underrepresented communities.

M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) and M.A. in Anthropology
The M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) and M.A. in Anthropology expands the field of archeology and anthropology as well as the sites researched and interpreted by providing training that situates cultural resource managment in a critical and transdisciplinary context, engages the global and local, diversifies approaches and practices, and promotes community engagement, and social and environmental sustainability.

M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) & Master of Urban Design
The M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) & Master of Urban Design program combines the Urban Design exploration of Charlotte’s social, economic, environmental, and ethical design challenges with discourse on Critical Heritage approaches and practices of engaging with the past.
More Information
Learn more about our graduate programs by using the webpage navigation menu, or by following these links:
- Course Descriptions
- Research Opportunities
- Graduate Costs and Funding Sources
- CriticalMASS
- Graduate Admissions
Prospective students interested in our graduate programs are invited to attend one of our two Open Houses:
- Graduate Open House #1: Friday, October 18, 2024; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (Hybrid: In-person and virtual).
- Graduate Open House #2: Friday, November 15, 2024; 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (Virtual only).
Please register for these events using this form. For more information, please contact the program director of the relevant program (see below) or soa-admission@charlotte.edu