TYLER SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Learn more about the Master of Architecture.

About the Program

The Master of Architecture (MArch) program is a STEM classified, first professional degree preparing students for the practice of architecture through a rigorous course of study that engages students with urgent urban, architectural, environmental, and sociocultural issues. The curriculum is centered on design studios that require the synthesis and application of knowledge from other coursework. Seminars in building technology, history/theory, professional practice, and research address questions in tandem with design studios. Elective courses allow students to pursue specializations with focus and intent. Together, the architecture courses satisfy professional accreditation requirements. During the final year of study, students have the opportunity to pursue a self-directed research and design thesis.

The Department of Architecture and Environmental Design offers three tracks for the MArch: 4+1 (1-year), 4+2 (2-year), or 4+3 (3-year) programs depending on a student's educational background upon entry to the degree.

• The ARCH 4+1 track is available only to graduates of Temple's Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSArch) pre-professional degree. The 4+1 track is an accelerated undergraduate-graduate program that enables eligible students to complete the 60-credit MArch degree within 15-months after receiving Temple's Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSArch) pre-professional degree.
• Eligible undergraduate students must apply to the ARCH 4+1 program through the department by the beginning of their third year of architectural study. Students within the 4+1 program will take up to 12 specified graduate credits to fulfill requirements for their undergraduate degree. Upon graduation from their undergraduate program, students move seamlessly into their graduate program. At the end of the contiguous fifth year, students receive a Master of Architecture degree.
  
  To be eligible for the program, students must be declared as an Architecture major; have a minimum of 3.25 cumulative GPA in at least 45 credits of coursework taken at Temple; be able to complete their undergraduate degree in four full-time terms (beginning with their first term taking a graduate course as an undergraduate); and be able to complete the graduate degree in one additional year, including the two summer terms of graduate coursework.
• The ARCH 4+2 track is a 2-year, 60-credit degree program for students who earn Temple University's Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSArch) degree, or for students from other four-year pre-professional architecture degree programs (BSArch) with equivalent course content.
• The ARCH 4+3 / ARCH 4+3 Intensive track is a 3-year, curriculum of up to 90 credits for students without a pre-professional degree in architecture (BSArch). The first year of this program provides a rigorous introduction to architectural design that consists of up to 30 credits of pre-professional studies, including building technology courses, design studios, and history and theory seminars.
  
  Prior to admissions, each student's prior academic record is evaluated to determine program and course placement. The number of credits students need to take varies depending on the amount of pre-professional architectural course content previously satisfied by the candidate.
  
  Incoming students with no prior architecture background are required to take a 6-credit Intensive Studio in the Summer II semester prior to the start of the Fall semester in lieu of two 3-credit electives. Students with little or no architectural content at the undergraduate level are required to take the full 30 credits of pre-professional studies in architecture. Students with degrees in architectural studies may receive advanced standing within the 3-year track.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The curriculum is designed for a full-time load of 15 credits per term. Students are, however, able to complete the degree program on a part-time basis.

Study Abroad: MArch students in the Professional Track may choose to study at the TU Rome or TU Japan campuses in the Fall or Spring terms. Students interested in study abroad must coordinate their academic plan with their academic advisor.

Accreditation: The MArch degree program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which requires publication of the following statement:

In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year term, an eight-year term with conditions, or a two-year term of continuing accreditation, or a three-year term of initial accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established education standards. Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

Temple University's Department of Architecture and Environmental Design offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs:

• MArch (BSArch pre-professional degree + 60 graduate credits)
• MArch (baccalaureate degree + up to 90 graduate credits)

The latest accreditation visit for all programs was in 2022.

For more information on NAAB accreditation and reporting requirements, please visit Tyler's NAAB Professional Program Information page.

Job Prospects: The Master of Architecture is an accredited professional degree program that prepares students for a career as a professional architect. Because this is an urban program located centrally in Philadelphia, engagement with the local professional community is a primary characteristic of the program. During their time in the program, students are provided with many opportunities to engage with members of the profession through design critiques and mentorship initiatives.

Licensure/Certification: Licensure from a U.S. jurisdiction is required to practice Architecture in the United States. Licensure for architects is state regulated and must be obtained through achievement of three necessary components: (a) education, (b) professional practice experience, and (c) examination requirements. All states require the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). In addition, a majority of states require a degree that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), which is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Temple University's Master of Architecture is accredited by NAAB. NAAB-accredited degrees meet the education requirement for registration with all 55 U.S. licensing boards which, along with obtaining the necessary and documented experience of the AXP® and passing the ARE®, qualifies a candidate for licensure.

Although required in 38 jurisdictions, graduating from a NAAB-accredited program is not required in all states. States that allow an alternative educational path for licensure typically require a longer period of professional experience and/or a preliminary examination prior to taking the ARE®. Candidates who have obtained a NAAB-accredited professional degree typically complete their licensure requirements in a shorter time frame and constitute, by far, the majority of successful candidates in the United States. The following jurisdictions require a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited program: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut (some conditions apply), Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, as well as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C.

Temple University's Master of Architecture program also prepares students for the AXP®, which students can begin while enrolled in Temple University's undergraduate and graduate architecture programs. The process connects students with NCARB representatives and is overseen by a faculty mentor. Successful completion of both the NAAB degree and the AXP® is required to qualify for the licensing exam in most states and territories. Additional hours or years of experience may be required beyond the AXP®.

Additional requirements (such as exams, questionnaires, or specialized training) may be required depending on the state in which one intends to become licensed. For more information, visit https://www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/licensing-requirements-tool.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students must contact the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design for information. A maximum of 9 graduate credits can be taken at Temple University prior to applying to the program.

Financing Opportunities: The Department of Architecture and Environmental Design has a limited number of scholarships for graduate students. Students should also check the Tyler School of Art and Architecture and Student Financial Services websites for financial aid opportunities. Domestic students should complete a FAFSA application to determine eligibility for student financial aid and work study employment.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall:

Priority Deadline: January 6. Applications may be considered on a rolling basis thereafter.
International Deadline: November 1

Spring: November 1

The review of graduate applications begins following each semester's application deadline. All applicant materials are reviewed and placed using the same rubric by the admissions committee. Applications received after the submission deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis.

To be considered for financial assistance, applicants must complete their applications by the January 6 priority deadline. If completed after January 6, applications may be considered for financial assistance on a rolling basis. Applicants who are selected to receive a financial award must declare program attendance by April 15th or forfeit their financial award.

Students are typically admitted in the Fall term. In the instance when students are admitted in the Spring, they may have limited course offerings in the first term as typical course sequencing begins in the Fall. See the Tyler School of Art and Architecture website for the most up-to-date application information.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members and/or professionals in the field who are familiar with the applicant's academic and professional competence. The letters should be submitted with the application at https://apply.temple.edu/Tyler/, along with the statement of goals and resume.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: The MArch program has three tracks:

• ARCH 4+1: one-year accelerated track (Temple BSArch students only)
• ARCH 4+2: two-year 60-credit track
• ARCH 4+3 / 4+3 Intensive: three-year track, up to 90 credits.

Note: The ARCH 4+1 accelerated track is only open to qualified students in the Temple BSArch program.

Admission into the ARCH 4+2 track is open only to students who have completed a pre-professional degree in Architecture (BSArch), i.e., either the Temple BS in Architecture program or a program with course content equivalent to the current Temple University BS in Architecture.

Admission into the three-year track is open to any student who has completed a bachelor's degree.

All applicants apply directly to the MArch program, not to a specific curricular track. Admitted students are placed in the appropriate track based on a thorough review of all application materials.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A pre-professional baccalaureate degree in Architecture (or equivalent) is required for the two-year Professional Track. A baccalaureate degree in any discipline is required for the three-year Intensive Design Track. Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended, whether or not a degree was awarded, must be sent to Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Graduate Admissions Office, 2001 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6016.

Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, share your reason for pursuing a degree in Architecture, your interest in Temple's program in particular, and your aspirations and future career goals.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: The Tyler School of Art and Architecture is waiving submission of GRE scores for applicants to the MArch in Architecture degree program. Applicants may still voluntarily submit GRE test scores, but scores will only be used as a supplement to required application materials. All other admission requirements, including submission of scores for a standardized test of English, if applicable, still need to be met. In some circumstances, the Graduate Admissions Committee may request additional supplemental application materials or an interview as part of the admissions process.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master's degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 53
• Duolingo: 110

Applicants who completed an undergraduate degree in the United States or other English-speaking countries are waived of the English-language testing requirements. Please contact Tyler Admissions to learn more.

Portfolio: All applicants must submit a portfolio of their most important and representative design, creative and written work. Portfolios from students with prior academic experience in Architecture should include architectural design work done in academic settings. Portfolios may also include work in the visual arts or in visual communication. In addition, work completed in practice may be included but should clearly articulate the applicant’s role in the project. Papers, research or other materials (preferably dealing with the built environment) are invited as evidence of scholarly, academic or creative work. Work chosen for inclusion in a portfolio should best represent the applicant's knowledge, aptitudes, interests, creative ability and experience relative to the discipline of Architecture. The portfolio should include approximately 20 images or other items.

Portfolios are to be uploaded at https://temple.slideroom.com, as instructed on the website. SlideRoom requires an additional fee for this service. Original work, slides, CD-ROMs, catalogs, photographs, books and/or binders are not acceptable substitutes for the SlideRoom portfolio and will not be reviewed or returned.

Resume: Current resume required.

Transfer Credit: The Architecture Admissions Committee recommends the awarding of graduate transfer credits on a case-by-case basis as applications are reviewed. The maximum number of graduate transfer credits a student may receive is 9.

Tyler BSArch students who pursue the 4+1 BS+MArch program sequence can find a suggested Academic Plan at the Accelerated Programs page under the "More" dropdown menu.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 60 credits for the 4+2 Pathway; up to 90 credits for the 4+3 Pathway

Required Courses:

ARCH 4+2 Pathway^1,2

¹

ROME, TOKYO, and STUDY ABROAD OPTION: MArch students in the 4+2 Pathway may elect to study abroad in the Spring term at the Temple Rome or Temple Japan campus. Some study abroad exchange programs allow students to study in the Fall semester.

²

Studio course credits count toward ARCH 8012. Architecture seminar course credits count toward Architecture elective requirements. Other coursework counts toward free elective credits in the program. Consult with your faculty and academic advisor.

³

ARCH 8132 and ARCH 8133 are typically offered during the Fall and Spring terms. Consult with your faculty and academic advisor.

⁴

Required if taking ARCH 9996 Architectural Design Thesis

⁵

Required if not taking ARCH 9996

⁶

Students must complete both ARCH 5252 and ARCH 5253, although the order in which they are completed does not matter.

⁷

Three 1-credit ARCH electives equals one 3-credit ARCH elective.

ARCH 4+3 Pathway

Up to 30 credits are taken in Year 1, with the actual number varying according to the amount of architecture pre-professional course content previously satisfied by the student. Students are required to keep a portfolio of coursework taken in Year 1. Upon successful completion of Year 1, students undergo a portfolio review prior to continuing in the program.

NOTE: ARCH 5122 is required for students in the 4+3 Track who do not have architectural design experience. Typically students who took fewer than 8 credits of foundation or architectural design studios as undergraduates are required to take this course. ARCH 5122 is required in the Summer II semester prior to their first Fall semester. This course replaces 3 credits of ARCH Electives and a 3-credit Free Elective. 

¹

ARCH 8132 and ARCH 8133 are typically offered during the Fall and Spring terms. Consult with your faculty and academic advisor.

²

Required if taking ARCH 9996 Architectural Design Thesis

³

Required if not taking ARCH 9996

⁴

Three 1-credit ARCH electives equals one 3-credit ARCH elective.

Culminating Events:
Design Studio Project:
In the Intensive Design Track, students are required to take up to 18 credits of design studio and 6 credits of representation courses. Placement is assessed at the time of application and is based on the student’s portfolio and transcript.

In the Professional Track, students are required to complete four design studios or three design studios and a thesis.

Design Thesis:
Students can undertake an independent design thesis. This option is a two-term, two-course sequence: ARCH 9991 in the Fall, and ARCH 9996 in the Spring. The result is a pre-design position paper and design project analysis, culminating in a design thesis project presentation and written/graphic documentation of the work.

Accelerated Programs

Undergraduate students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.

The accelerated pathway for the Architecture MArch is available to students pursuing the Architecture BSArch.

Cohort Code: XMARCHPT

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.25

Graduate Courses Approved to Count for Both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

Suggested Academic Plan

Note: All students must check with their academic advisors to schedule graduate classes during the third and fourth years of their undergraduate degree.

Admissions Criteria

Candidates for the +1 program must:

• be a declared Architecture major.
• have a minimum 3.25 undergraduate cumulative GPA in at least 45 credits of coursework taken at Temple.
• be able to complete their undergraduate degree in four full-time semesters (beginning with their first semester taking a graduate course as an undergraduate).
• be able to complete the graduate degree in one additional year, including two summer sessions of graduate coursework.

Contact and Application Information

Anh Nguyen, Professional Programs Administrator
anh.nguyen0010@temple.edu

Learn more about the accelerated program in Architecture.

Contacts

Department Contacts: