Program Overview
The MArch I program is a NAAB-accredited professional degree designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than architecture (such as Business, Engineering, Political Science, etc.). Students who pursue this academic program range from those who are seeking a career change to those who wanted to pursue a liberal arts undergraduate academic program prior to embarking upon architectural studies.
Admissions and Prerequisites
UNC Charlotte's Graduate School admissions requirements and the SoA's expected entry-level competencies for MArch I Candidates include:
- introductory college-level pre-calculus course
- introductory college-level physics course
- minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 83 or minimum IETLS overall band score of 6.5 (for international applicants)
For detailed information about the admissions requirements and process, please visit the SoA Graduate Admissions web page.
CURRICULUM
Students admitted to the MArch I program complete a full-time, three-plus-year, 96-credit curriculum that begins in the fall semester.
In the first year of the MArch I program, students acquire the fundamentals of visual and spatial design, conceptualization, problem solving, and material and environmental influences. In addition to design studio, students take introductory coursework in architectural history and theory, building technology, and representation.
In the second year, students join incoming MArch II students to complete a curriculum that includes advanced-design studios coupled with courses in contemporary theory, building technology, computational methods, design methodology and architectural electives.
In the third year, students complete a comprehensive architectural design project, a research-driven graduate diploma studio, along with courses in architectural research, professional practice, and additional architectural electives.