Master of Architecture candidates holding a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a field other than architecture are eligible for admission to the three+year professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree program. Applicants to this program should have some experience with the visual or design arts, math through college algebra, and computer literacy. Summer courses are available to strengthen the candidate's background before matriculation and may be recommended or required by the Admissions Committee. Candidates with extraordinary qualifications or experience can request that appropriate preparatory courses be waived.

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) 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). Most state registration boards in the United States require that any applicant for licensure hold a degree 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.)

• 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 a 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 potential for study in architecture. For the three-year program this can include a wide range of design and artistic work, such as drawing (freehand and technical), computer graphics, painting, sculpture, furniture, 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 Three+Year Program includes 145 required course credits, including thesis. Generally, this degree can be fulfilled in 10 quarters. The first year of the three-year program (the Preparatory Year) offers theoretical and technical preparation equivalent to that of a pre-professional degree in architecture. Coursework in this year is sequential and interrelated, requiring full-time commitment from the students. Including this preparatory year, the program requires a minimum of nine quarters of course work to complete the accredited degree requirements.

Students completing the preparatory year join the two-year M.Arch. program in Year 1. The program requirements for Years 1, 2, and 2+ outlined below are identical for students in both the three+year and two+year M.Arch. programs.

*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