MArch II

Program Overview

The MArch II program is a NAAB-accredited professional degree designed for students who have already completed a four-year undergraduate BA or BS in Architecture.

ADMISSIONS AND PREREQUISITES

For detailed information about the admissions requirements and process, please visit the SoA Graduate Admissions web page.

UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School admissions requirements for all students include:

  • 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)

Students applying to the MII track are expected to have already acquired the fundamentals of visual and spatial design, problem solving, conceptualization and introductory coursework in architectural history and theory, building technology, and visual skills. Expected Entry-Level Competencies for MArch.II Candidates include:

  • A minimum of six semesters of architectural design studios
  • A minimum of two semesters of architectural history and/or theory courses
  • A minimum of four semesters of building technology courses equivalent to the following School of Architecture courses (ARCH 5301: Material and Assembly Principles, ARCH 5302: Environmental Systems Principles, ARCH 5303: Structural Principles, and ARCH 5304: Structural Systems). Overviews of these courses can be found on the SoA Graduate Courses web page

If applicants accepted to the MArch II program are found deficient in entry-level competencies, they will be required to enroll in additional course work beyond the required 60 credit hours to complete their degree. To ensure that incoming students are evaluated appropriately, the School of Architecture requires that applicants to the MArch II program provide course descriptions and syllabi of architecture courses passed and completed that satisfy the entry-level competencies.

Curriculum

Students admitted to the MArch II program complete a two-year 60-credit curriculum that begins in the fall semester. The duration of graduate study for MArch II students may vary according to prior preparation and course work in architecture, including the fundamentals of visual and spatial design, conceptualization and problem solving, as well as introductory coursework in architectural history and theory, building technology, computation and representation.

In the first year of the MArch II program, students complete a curriculum consisting of advanced-design studios coupled with courses in contemporary theory, building technology, computational methods, design methodology, and architectural electives.

In the second year, students complete a comprehensive architectural design project, a research-driven graduate diploma design studio, along with courses in architectural research, professional practice, and additional architectural electives.

More information on the Master of Architecture programs and the MArch II can be found in the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.

Dual Degree Options

In addition to the SoA dual degrees listed below, students applying to the MArch II may choose to pursue a dual degree in another discipline within the university. The most frequent examples include dual master’s degrees in Architecture / Geography (Community Planning) or in Architecture / Business (Real Estate Development). Dual master degrees can be obtained under the guidelines of the Graduate School and by special arrangement between the School of Architecture and another university unit.

All students interested in dual degrees, either within the SoA or beyond, should apply separately to both programs of interest and be accepted into both programs. Students must be admitted to both programs by the published census date of the third semester (including Summer) of their studies.  No admission requirements established by the Graduate School or by either individual program may be waived. Students should see the individual admissions requirements of each program in the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog. Once admitted, the student will work with their Graduate Program directors to update their plan of study to reflect both options.

MArch / MUD

Any of the three Master of Architecture concentrations can be combined with the Master of Urban Design; however this dual degree works best for students in the MArch I or II concentrations. This combination links a professional design degree with a specialized degree focused on urban scale interventions to create meaningful public space for communities, neighborhoods, and cities.

For more information see the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.

The Graduate Program Directors for both the MArch, Dr. Mona Azarbayjani, and MUD, Dr. Ming-Chun Lee, will guide dual degree students to keep them on track for both programs; however, typical plans of study could look like the following for each MArch track:

PLAN OF STUDY: MArch II / MUD – 78 credits

When completed together, a specified 9 credits of the 60-credit MArch II and specified 3 credits of the 36-credit Master of Urban Design are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 78-credit dual degree.

Fall 1 (15 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5203 – Architectural History III (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4203 should take MUDD 6601 – Modern City
  • ARCH 5604 – Computational Methods (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4604 should take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • MUDD 6606 – GIS and Urban Mapping (3)
  • ARCH 7101  – Topical Design Studio (6)

Spring 1 (12 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5204 – Architectural History Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5605 – Computational Practice (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4605 should take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • MUDD 5601 –  Community Planning Workshop (3)

Fall 2 (6 credit hours)

  • MUDD 6101 – Urban Design Studio I (6)

Spring 2 (6 credit hours)

  • MUDD 6102 – Urban Design Studio II (6)

Summer 2 (12 credit hours)

  • MUDD 7120 – International Study (6)
  • MUDD 7102 – Urban Design Studio III (6)

Fall 3 (12-15 credit hours)

  • MUDD 6601 – Modern City (3) 
  • ARCH 5305 – Building Systems Integration (3)
  • ARCH 7201 – Research and Design Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7103 – Integrated Studio (6)

Spring 3 (12 credit hours)

  • ARCH 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5206 – Professional Practice (3)
  • ARCH 7104 – Diploma Studio (6)

78 Total Credit hours

MArch / MS Critical Heritage Studies

Any of the three Master of Architecture concentrations can be combined with the Master of Science in Architecture with a concentration in Critical Heritage Studies; however this dual degree works best for students in the MArch I or II concentrations . This combination links a professional design degree with a specialized degree focused on exploring connections between the historic built environment, communities, and contemporary practice.

The Graduate Program Directors for both the MArch, Dr. Mona Azarbayjani, and the MS in Architecture, Dr. Emily Makas, will guide dual degree students to keep them on track for both programs; however, typical plans of study could look like the following for each MArch track:

PLAN of STUDY: MArch II / MS Architecture Critical Heritage Studies – 66 credits

When completed together, a specified 15 credits of the 60-credit MArch II and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit MS in Architecture are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 66-credit dual degree.

Fall 1 (15 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5203 – Architectural History III (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4203 may take ARCH 5204 – History Topics instead
  • ARCH 5604 – Computational Methods (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4604 may take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 5600 – Critical Approaches to Heritage (3)
  • ARCH 7101 – Topical Design Studio (6)

Spring 1 (16 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5204 – Architectural History Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5605 – Computational Practice (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4605 may take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • ARCH 7211 – Research Lab (4)
  • Directed heritage elective from approved list (3)

Summer 1 (3-6 credits)

  • ARCH 6400 – Heritage Internship (3-6)
  • Study Abroad (3-6)

Fall 2 (15 credit hours)

  • HIST 6320 – Historic Preservation (3)
  • ARCH 5305 – Building Systems Integration (3)
  • ARCH 7201 – Research and Design Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7103 – Integrated Studio (6)

Spring 2 (14-17 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5206 – Professional Practice (3)
  • ARCH 7104 – Diploma Studio (6)
  • ARCH 6600 – Heritage Colloquium (3)
  • Directed heritage elective from approved list (3-6)

66 Total Credit Hours

MArch / MS Design Computation

Any of the three Master of Architecture concentrations can be combined with the Master of Science in Architecture with a concentration in Design Computation; however this dual degree works best for students in the MArch I or II concentrations . This combination links a professional design degree with a specialized degree focused on exploring connections between contemporary architectural practice and computational strategies such as AI, VR, AR, human computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, gaming and visualization.

The Graduate Program Directors for both the MArch, Dr. Mona Azarbayjani, and the MS in Architecture, Dr. Emily Makas, will guide dual degree students to keep them on track for both programs; however, typical plans of study could look like the following for each MArch track:

PLAN of STUDY: MArch II / MS Architecture Design Computation – 66 credits

When completed together, a specified 15 credits of the 96-credit MArch II and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit MS in Architecture are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 66-credit dual degree.

Fall 1 (15 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5203 – Architectural History III (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4203 may take ARCH 5204 – History Topics instead
  • ARCH 5604 – Computational Methods (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4604 may take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 5611 – Computational Research Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7101 – Topical Design Studio (6)

Spring 1 (16 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5204 – Architectural History Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5605 – Computational Practice (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4605 may take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • ARCH 7211 – Research Lab (4)
  • GRAD 6302 – Responsible Conduct of Research (3)

Fall 2 (15 credit hours)

  • HIST 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5305 – Building Systems Integration (3)
  • ARCH 7201 – Research and Design Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7103 – Integrated Studio (6)

Spring 2 (15 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5206 – Professional Practice (3)
  • ARCH 7104 – Diploma Studio (6)
  • Approved ARCH or DBSA Elective (3)
  • ARCH 7800 – Thesis Prep (3)

Summer or Fall 2 (6 credits)

  • ARCH 7900 – Thesis (6)

66 Total Credit hours

MArch / MS Sustainable Building Technology

Any of the three Master of Architecture concentrations can be combined with the Master of Science in Architecture with a concentration in Sustainable Building Technology; however this dual degree works best for students in the MArch I or II concentrations . This combination links a professional design degree with a specialized degree focused on exploring connections between contemporary architectural practice and sustainable strategies and technologies including performance-based design, innovative building systems integration, high performance building facades, air filtration systems, bio-inspired design, and new material technologies.

The Graduate Program Directors for both the MArch, Dr. Mona Azarbayjani, and the MS in Architecture, Dr. Emily Makas, will guide dual degree students to keep them on track for both programs; however, typical plans of study could look like the following for each MArch track:

PLAN of STUDY: MArch II / MS Architecture Sustainable Building Technology – 66 credits

When completed together, a specified 15 credits of the 60-credit MArch II and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit MS in Architecture are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 66-credit dual degree.

Fall 1 (15 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5203 – Architectural History III (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4203 may take ARCH 5204 – History Topics instead
  • ARCH 5604 – Computational Methods (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4604 may take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 6050 – Sustainability Research Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7101 – Topical Design Studio (6)

Spring 1 (16 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5204 – Architectural History Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5605 – Computational Practice (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4605 may take ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • ARCH 7211 – Research Lab (4)
  • GRAD 6302 – Responsible Conduct of Research (3)

Fall 2 (15 credit hours)

  • HIST 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5305 – Building Systems Integration (3)
  • ARCH 7201 – Research and Design Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7103 – Integrated Studio (6)

Spring 2 (15 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5206 – Professional Practice (3)
  • ARCH 7104 – Diploma Studio (6)
  • Approved ARCH or DBSA Elective (3)
  • ARCH 7800 – Thesis Prep (3)

Summer or Fall 2 (6 credits)

  • ARCH 7900 – Thesis (6)

66 Total Credit hours

MArch / MSIT Human-Centered Design

Any of the three Master of Architecture concentrations can be combined with the Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Human-Centered Design ; offered by the Department of Software Information Systems in the College of Computing and Informatics. This combination links a professional design degree with a computer science degree for students with a programming background that are interested in a deeper exploration of software systems design, databases, and design prototyping.

More information can be found in the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.

The Graduate Program Directors for the MArch, Dr. Mona Azarbayjani, and the Graduate Program Coordinator for the MS in Information Technology, Katie Watson, will guide dual degree students to keep them on track for both programs; however, typical plans of study could look like the following for each MArch track:

PLAN of STUDY: MArch – Advanced Standing / MSIT Human-Centered Design – 52 credits

When completed together, a specified 9 credits of the 40-credit MArch Advanced Standing and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit MSIT Human Centered Design are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 52-credit dual degree.

Summer 1 (10 Credit hours)

  • ARCH 6500 – Follow Up (4)
  • ARCH 7101 – Design Build Studio (6)

Fall 2 (15 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5305 – Building Systems Integration (3)
  • ARCH 7201 – Research and Design Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7103 – Integrated Studio (6)
  • ITIS 6300 – Human-Centered Design (3)

Spring 2 (15 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5206 – Professional Practice (3)
  • ARCH 7104 – Diploma Studio (6)
  • ITIS 6120 – Applied Databases (3)
  • ITCS 5122 – Visual Analytics (3)

Fall 3 (15 credit hours)

  • ITIS 5166 – Network-Based Application Development (3)
  • ITIS 5350 – Design Prototyping (3)
  • ITIS 5390 – Interaction Design Projects (3)
  • ITIS 6200 – Principles of Information Security and Privacy (3)
  • ITIS 6342 – Information Technology Project Management (3)
  • IT Project Capstone (0)

52 Total Credit hours

PLAN of STUDY: MArch II / MSIT Human-Centered Design – 66 credits

When completed together, a specified 15 credits of the 60-credit MArch II and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit MSIT Human Centered Design are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 66-credit dual degree.

Fall 1 (15 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5203 – Architectural History III (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4203 should substitute ARCH 5204 – History Topics instead
  • ARCH 5604 – Computational Methods (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4604 should substitute ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics instead
  • ARCH 7101 – Topical Design Studio (6)
  • ITIS 6300 – Human-Centered Design (3)

Spring 1 (15 Credit Hours)

  • ARCH 5204 – Architectural History Topic (3)
  • ARCH 6306 – Technology Topic (3)
  • ARCH 5605 – Computational Practice (3)
    • students with a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte that have taken ARCH 4605 should substitute ARCH 6306 – Tech Topics
  • ITCS 5122 – Visual Analytics (3)
  • ITIS 6200 – Principles of Information Security and Privacy (3)

Fall 2 (12 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5305 – Building Systems Integration (3)
  • ARCH 7201 – Research and Design Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7103 – Integrated Studio (6)

Spring 2 (12 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5206 – Professional Practice (3)
  • ARCH 7104 – Diploma Studio (6)
  • ITIS 6120 – Applied Databases (3)

Fall 3 (12 credit hours)

  • ITIS 5166 – Network-Based Application Development (3)
  • ITIS 5350 – Design Prototyping (3)
  • ITIS 5390 – Interaction Design Projects (3)
  • ITIS 6342 – Information Technology Project Management (3)
  • IT Project Capstone (0)

66 Total Credit hours