We offer two Master of Architecture degree options — a two-year Master of Architecture, for those with a four-year-pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture, and a three-year Master of Architecture, for those who hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline. These two programs provide an educational experience rooted in the poetics of materials and the communication of cultural meaning, speculations on the pleasures and dilemmas of contemporary city dwelling, and the potential of architecture to promote social transformation for the common good.
The M.Arch incorporates a series of design studios taken alongside courses in advanced technology, theory, and the profession, followed by a year-long individual design thesis project. The M.Arch is a two-year professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
The 74-credit curriculum takes two years to complete; the 134-credit curriculum takes three years to complete.
Located in Portland's busy city center, the School of Architecture is housed in Shattuck Hall, an elegant 1915 elementary school building transformed into a dynamic contemporary learning environment. here, our students are immersed in a sequence of thematic design projects, exploring ideas through diverse media, making drawings and models, and fabricating full-size artifacts. Our full-time faculty and adjunct professors are drawn from the vibrant Portland design community. All faculty are involved in design, research, creative work, and/or practice. Our close connections to the Pacific Northwest architecture and design community give our students many chances to interact with professionals in the field, often leading to work opportunities in local firms.
Over 80% of our M.Arch alumni are employed in the field of architecture or design.
Students graduating with a Master of Architecture typically become licensed architects, through the licensing process described by NCARB.
Other career paths include urban planning, urban design, project management, architectural design, retail design, exhibition design, graphic design, public interest design, and more.