Master of Architecture [M.Arch] From Washington University

Fundamental to the graduate curriculum is the architectural design studio sequence. Each semester students select from a range of vertical studio options organized around projects and topics offered by different design instructors.

These studios emphasize the development of strong conceptual abilities, thoughtful integration of technical information, and convincing representations of architectural ideas in two- and three-dimensional form, and through a variety of media.

The ultimate goal is for each student to develop clear design principles, strong technical resources, and an independent, critical position on the making of architecture in the world. The independent character of a student’s abilities is demonstrated and tested in the final semester through the Degree Project.

Informing and enriching the studio experience for students in the Master of Architecture program are courses in architectural history and theory, building technology and structural principles, urban design, professional practice, landscape design and sustainability, and representational and digital media studies.

Great emphasis is placed on a student's ability to integrate and synthesize the information in these courses into appropriate architectural form in the design studio. While these topics have consistently been a part of the graduate curriculum, their specific content, sequence, and method of instruction is under constant review and development.

The Master of Architecture degree can be combined with study in other divisions at Washington University.