Architecture, Master of

The Master of Architecture (M. Arch), a professional program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), provides the credentials and knowledge required to practice as a licensed architect.

Seamless Entry into the Master of Architecture
The seamless architecture program at the University of Idaho is uniquely designed to lead to both the pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture and the M. Arch.

The 45-credit M. Arch builds upon knowledge and experience gained during the B.S. Architecture program, with a total time in school of five-and-a-half to six years.

That means you can potentially earn the credentials and professional degree you need to practice as a licensed architect in less time and with less hassle.

Students generally apply to the professional M. Arch after successful completion of the second year of the B.S. Arch. If accepted in the professional program, you may qualify for graduate status during the fourth year of the B.S. Arch.

Learn more about admission into the seamless M. Arch program.

What You Learn
The architecture professional program is centered on the design studio. You develop concepts, drawings and models in the process of developing solutions to real architectural problems. Design studio projects begin with small buildings and increase in size and complexity as you advance through the program. You’ll collaborate with students and expert faculty from multiple disciplines as well as develop an individual graduate project to complete the experience.

As an M. Arch student, you pursue advanced studies of the built environment in a variety of contexts with the opportunity to explore topics and apply knowledge in:

• Sustainable design
• Urban and community planning
• Integrated design
• Architectural history
• Construction technology
• Structural design
• Environmental control systems
• Urban theory

There are opportunities to study abroad.

Urban Experience
M. Arch students have the option of spending the fifth and/or sixth year of the program studying architecture and urban design at the Idaho Urban Research and Design Center (IURDC), located in downtown Boise. The IURDC offers you outstanding opportunities to collaborate with design professionals, city planners, developers, urban designers and community members on urban design projects that help shape the cultural and metropolitan identity of the Boise Valley.

Career Opportunities
The professional M. Arch prepares you for a career as a licensed architect. Other career paths include:

• Architect
• Construction manager
• Architectural engineer
• Marine architect
• Urban planner
• Community planner
• Architectural designer
• Architectural journalist/critic
• Architectural historian
• Architecture firm manager
• Interior designer
• Draftsperson
• Building researcher
• Design-builder
• Surveyor
• Art director
• Real estate broker
• Building inspector
• Set designer