Master of Architecture

Develop essential theoretical and practical skills for a career in architecture with the STEM-designated Master of Architecture at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Graduates of this 60- to 90-credit, professionally accredited architecture degree program are prepared to engage in the practice of architecture. The program meets the educational requirement for professional registration in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions through a rigorous course of study that examines urgent urban, architectural, environmental and sociocultural topics.  

Master of Architecture students will join a welcoming, diverse community of individuals studying allied fields of city and regional planning, landscape architecture and more. Guided by a faculty of practicing designers and innovative researchers, students are pushed to work collaboratively and use the urban context of Philadelphia as a starting point to engage issues ranging from advocacy and technology to sustainability, human health and the global context of architectural design. 

The curriculum is centered on design studios that require the synthesis and application of knowledge from other coursework. Seminars in building history/theory, professional practice, research and technology to 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 their final year of study, students may pursue a self-directed research and design thesis.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers three tracks for the Master of Architecture degree. Students enroll in a one-, two- or three-year program depending on their educational background upon entry to the degree. All applicants apply directly to the program and are placed in the appropriate track based on a thorough review of all application materials. 

• The ARCH 4+1 undergraduate/graduate accelerated track enables eligible students to complete the 60-credit MArch degree within 15 months after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Architecture pre-professional degree from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

• The ARCH 4+2 track is a two-year, 60-credit degree program open to students who have completed a pre-professional degree in architecture, either from the Tyler Architecture BS program or a course-equivalent program.

• The ARCH 4+3 / 4+3 Intensive track is a curriculum of up to 90 credits open to any student who has completed a bachelor’s degree, but does not have a pre-professional degree in architecture. 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.

Classes & Curriculum

As a Master of Architecture student, you’ll hone your building technology, design and theoretical skills while collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds. A few courses you can anticipate taking include the following.  

• Architecture Research Seminars 

• Comprehensive Architectural Design

• Professional Practice 

• Structural Design for Architects 

Learn more about courses in this program.

Related Graduate Degrees

The Graduate Certificate in Health Facilities Planning allows students at Temple University to enhance their major with focused coursework in health facilities planning and public health. Students in the program will understand the relationship between health management and health facilities. The required workshop course gives students the opportunity to work together in a classroom setting on academic projects that are best addressed through interdisciplinary collaborative work. Students will be immersed in the work environment that they’ll experience in a future healthcare management and facilities planning role.