Master of Architecture candidates holding a pre-professional Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in architecture or environmental design from an NAAB-accredited institution are eligible for admission to the two+year professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree program. Students admitted to the program enter at Year 1.

The Master of Architecture is a professional degree program that educates students already grounded in the liberal arts to become registered, licensed architects who assume enlightened, responsible, and imaginative roles in society. The curriculum emphasizes integrated architectural design and its relationship to urban issues and tectonics, as well as the technical knowledge necessary for the professional practice of architecture. Courses in architectural history and theory, building science, graphics, materials and assemblies, design/build, and international studies provide further professional training and opportunities to develop areas of specialization.

The two+ and three+year M.Arch. programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Since most state registration boards in the United States require any applicant for licensure to have graduated from a NAAB-accredited program, obtaining such a degree is an essential aspect of preparing for the professional practice of architecture in the United States. (The one-year M.Arch. is not an accredited degree.)

Prerequisites for entering the two-year M.Arch. program:

• Architectural design studio (in addition to "basic design" courses) - 36 quarter credits or 24 semester credits.
• Structural design principles (statics, strength of materials, gravity and lateral load tracing, design in timber and steel) - 9 quarter credits or 6 semester credits.
• Building materials and assembly (light construction) - 3 quarter credits or 2 semester credits.
  
• Environmental forces (heat, light, sound, human comfort) - 3 quarter credits or 2 semester credits.
  
• Architectural graphics (both technical and freehand) - 9 quarter credits or 6 semester credits.
• Architectural history (ancient through modern) - 9 quarter credits or 6 semester credits.
• Architectural theory - 3 quarter credits or 2 semester credits.
  
• Design computing - 3 quarter credits or 2 semester credits.

• The Master of Architecture application form. This form must clearly indicate the degree program for which the applicant wishes to be considered. (Application form)
• All applicants to the Master of Architecture program must also apply online to the Graduate School of the University of Washington. For more information and instructions please go to the Graduate School application website.
• The applicant's statement of purpose. This statement should clearly articulate the candidate's goals and the extent to which the M.Arch. program can be expected to prepare him or her for them. Although this statement should be primarily forward-looking, some information about the candidate's background may be helpful.
• Official transcripts from all instituions of higher education attended.
• Official GRE test scores (and minimum TOEFL score of 580 if required). The institutional code for the Department of Architecture is 4401.
• A portfolio of work in graphics and design (or similar work appropriate to the program). The portfolio should be no more than 20 pages in a format no larger than 1.5 x 10.5 x 11.5 inches. It must show evidence of the applicant's preparation for study in architecture. For the two-year program this should include models and freehand, technical, and digital drawings of architectural projects. If possible it should also include other examples of design and artistic work, such as furniture, painting, and/or photography. (Advice on preparing the portfolio)
• Written recommendations from three people who can evaluate the applicant's past record and future promise of success in the M.Arch. program. (Letter of recommendation form)

The application form and all supporting materials must be sent to the following address on or before January 15:

University of Washington
Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Architecture
Box 355720
208 Gould Hall
Seattle, WA 98195-5720

Decisions will be mailed to applicants no later than April 15.

Applicant files will be retained for one year. Reapplication for the following year requires the submission of a new application to the Graduate School, along with the application fee. When reapplying, candidates should also consider updating the portfolio as well as transcripts or other application materials to reflect current activity or coursework.

The Two+Year Program includes 91 required course credits, including thesis. Generally, this degree can be fulfilled in 7 quarters.

*Download a description of the Master of Architecture Thesis.

M.ARCH. ADMISSION FORM
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORM
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GRADUATE SEMINAR SELECTIVES
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE SELECTIVES
M.ARCH. THESIS