Graduate Program

Degree Programs

Graduate

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)

The University of New Mexico offers two paths of study that lead to the nationally accredited professional degree, Master of Architecture.

The 2-Year Path of Study is composed of two parts: a four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree and a two-year path of study that leads to the professionally accredited Master of Architecture degree. The undergraduate degree contains a balance of liberal arts courses and core courses in architecture, while the graduate degree is oriented to professional preparation through advanced and specialized course work. Students applying to the two-year graduate path must have successfully completed a four-year pre-professional degree program in architecture.

The 3½-Year Path of Study is designed for students with bachelor degrees from any field. These students may apply to the 3½-year path of study leading to the accredited Master of Architecture degree. Of necessity, this path does not allow for many electives but concentrates almost exclusively on professional preparation. It is assumed that students in the 3½-year program of study bring to it a breadth of knowledge based on previous education and experience.

In addition to the above professional degree, the faculty offers a post-professional degree:

Master of Science in Architecture (M.S. Arch.)
This is a post-professional degree and is for students who have already completed an accredited professional degree (B.Arch, M. Arch) and wish to obtain an advanced degree. There are few specific established requirements in this program in that students are encouraged to propose the most professionally and personally useful course of studies with their faculty advisor. Students in this 1½-year program are expected to take advantage of the special opportunities offered by this program and our unique physical/social setting to pursue individualized educational goals. This degree is not accredited by National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB).


Admission Requirements

Graduate

Application materials must be sent to two different locations at the University of New Mexico:
The Office of Admissions, and the School of Architecture and Planning.

The following materials must be sent directly to Office of Admissions:

Online:

  • The online application can be accessed from the OGS Web site at http://ogs.unm.edu.
  • A $50 application fee. Note that the application fee must be paid by credit card in order to submit the online application.

The following materials must be sent directly to the School of Architecture and Planning:

  • Letter of intent. Explain why you are interested in architecture. Related experience, background, course work may be mentioned, as well as professional and educational goals. The letter should not exceed two pages.
  • An official transcript from each academic institution previously attended.
  • Portfolio of creative work. The required portfolio format is an 8½ x 11 inch bound document. The admissions committee will not review slides, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes or websites. The committee will only review bound portfolios in the stated format received by the published deadline. The portfolio should present work in the visual arts and design, or other creative endeavors completed by the applicant. Academic, office related and personal projects are acceptable. The portfolio itself is an example of the applicant’s creative potential. Careful thought should be given to its design. To have your portfolio returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
  • Three letters of academic or professional recommendation. At least two letters should be from faculty members. Forms are available on the OGS Web site.
  • Resume. The resume should include education, employment, professional experience, publications, service and other accomplishments.
  • Course descriptions. Applicants who do not have a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from UNM must submit course descriptions of all architecture classes completed.
  • Email. Brief email to architecture@unm.edu informing program of application submission.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores are not required, but may be submitted with other materials.

Applicants must identify whether they are applying for the 2 year, 1½ year, or 3½ year program of study.

Send the listed materials to:
School of Architecture and Planning
2401 Central Avenue NE
MSC04 2530, ATTN: Graduate Advisor
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001

For express mailings include the Advisor’s telephone number: 505-277-1303.

Graduate Program Application Deadlines
Fall semester: The deadline is February 1, however late applications may be accepted on a space available basis until June 15.

A deposit of $200.00 is required of applicants who accept the School’s offer of admission to the Master of Architecture degree program. The deposit will be applied toward tuition. The deposit is non-refundable for those applicants who accept the School’s offer of admission, but subsequently do not enroll in the program.

Faculty Advisors
Stephen Dent–Architecture, 2 year program of study
Geoffrey Adams–Architecture, 3½ year program of study

Early Admission to 2 year Graduate Program from B.A.A.
Following successful completion of their third year, students enrolled in the UNM B.A.A. may apply by June 15 for early conditional admission to the graduate level of the professional degree program. If accepted under early admission, they must successfully complete the B.A.A. requirements in a timely manner. Accepted students will take ARCH 502 instead of ARCH 402, ARCH 534 instead of ARCH 432, and ARCH 544 instead of ARCH 442. These courses will count only toward completion of the B.A.A.


Graduation Requirements

2 year Path

Entry Requirements
Completion of a Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, or Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from a school with an NAAB accredited degree program, or equivalent collegiate program as approved by the faculty.

Required Courses:

First Year   
  
  
ARCH 601 Masters Architectural Design I Fa 6
ARCH 631 Systems Integration I Fa 3
  
2 electives Fa 6
ARCH 602 Masters Architectural Design II Sp 6
  
-or-   
  
ARCH 603 Masters Architectural Design III Sp 6
ARCH 522 Modern and Contemporary Architecture 
Sp 3
ARCH 632 Systems Integration II Sp 3
ARCH 551 Research Methodology Sp 3
  
Total Credits
30
Graduate Review
  
  
  
Second Year  
 
 
ARCH 604* Masters Architectural Design IV Fa 6
 
-and-  
 
ARCH 605 Masters Architectural Design V Sp 6
-OR-  
 
 
ARCH 596* Project/Thesis Preparation Fa 6
 
-and-  
 
ARCH 597 Master's Project Sp 6
-OR-  
 
 
ARCH 596* Project/Thesis Preparation Fa 6
 
-and-  
 
ARCH 599 Master's Thesis Sp 6
ARCH 651 Professional Practice II Fa 3
 
Architectural Electives
9
 
Total Credits
24
 
Grand Total
54

*Project and Thesis options require approval from the Director of the Program after consultation with the faculty.

Exit Requirements

In addition to the required courses above, students must have taken the following courses before graduation. These courses may have been taken as an undergraduate or deficits may be made up while a graduate student, though these courses will not count toward the graduate degree:

  • Studio: Six semesters of design studios, equivalent to ARCH 201/211, 202/211, 301/311, 302/311, 401, 402.
  • Architectural History: Equivalent of ARCH 321 World ArchitectureI, ARCH 322 World Architecture II, and ARCH 221 Architecture and Context
  • Building Systems:Equivalent of ARCH 331 Construction I, ARCH 332 Structures I, ARCH 431 Structures II, ARCH 432 Building Systems, ARCH 441 Sustainability II
  • Context: Equivalent of ARCH 241 Sustainability I, ARCH 442 Politics, Culture and Architecture
  • Practice/Research: Equivalent of ARCH 342 Human Factors and Programming, ARCH 451 Research and Design, and ARCH 452 Practice and Theory.
  • Non-architecture courses and free electives: Equivalent of 37 credits.

Upon acceptance into the program, the program will determine which, if any, of the above requirements have been met in a student’s undergraduate curriculum.


3½ Year Path

Entrance Requirements

One semester of calculus, one semester of physics, and one semester of foreign language are required. At least one semester of an architecture history survey course is highly recommended. Calculus and physics requirements must be completed before beginning the program. A deficit in foreign language coursework may be made up while a graduate student, though this course will not count toward the graduate degree.

Required Courses

First Year      
ARCH 503 Graduate Architectural Design I Fa 5
ARCH 515 Graduate Architectural Communications I Fa 2
ARCH 521 Architectural Analysis Fa 3
ARCH 531 Graduate Construction I
Fa 3
ARCH 541 Sustainability II Fa 3
ARCH 542 Human Factors and Programming Sp 3
ARCH 504 Graduate Architectural Design II Sp 5
ARCH 516 Grad. Architectural Communications II Sp 2
ARCH 522 Modern and Contemporary Architecture Sp 3
ARCH 532 Structures I Sp 3
   Total   32
Graduate Review 1       
Second Year      
ARCH 505 Graduate Studio III Fa 5
ARCH 517 Graduate Architectural Communications III Fa 2
ARCH 523 World Architecture I Fa 3
ARCH 524 World Architecture II Fa 3
ARCH 533 Structures II Fa 3
LA 556 Site/Environment Fa 3
ARCH 602 Masters Architectural Design II Sp 6
ARCH 534 Building Systems Sp 3
ARCH 551 Research Methodology Sp 3
  Total 31
Summer      
ARCH 603 Masters Architectural Design III Su 6
  Architectural Seminar Su 3
  Total   9
Graduate Review 2      
Third Year      
ARCH 604* Masters Architectural Design IV Fa 6
  -and-   
ARCH 605 Masters Architectural Design V Sp 6
-OR-      
ARCH 596* Project/Thesis Preparation Fa 3
  -and-    
ARCH 597 Master's Project Sp 6
-OR-      
ARCH 596* Project/Thesis Preparation Fa 6
  -and-    
ARCH 599 Master's Thesis Sp 6
ARCH 631 Systems Integration I Fa 3
ARCH 632 Systems Integration II Sp 3
ARCH 651 Professional Practice II Fa 3
  Architectural Electives   9
  Total   30
  Grand Total   102



Master of Science in Architecture (Post-Professional Program)

The following graduate courses are requirements for the post professional degree (1½ year program).

Two semesters of graduate studios/seminars (601, 602 or 603) 12
ARCH 596 Project/Thesis Prep Seminar 3
ARCH 597 Masters Project 6
-or-  
ARCH 599 Master's Thesis  
Approved graduate electives 16

A minimum of 38 graduate credit hours is required for graduation.

Curriculum Design and Advisement

The faculty advisor will assist the student in planning a program of studies, which will be recorded in the student’s file. Each student is responsible for the adequacy of his or her own curriculum and is free to alter it in process with the consent of their faculty advisor. The Program of Study must be confirmed by the graduate advisor. Successful completion of a Program of Studies is the basis for attaining a degree.

Master’s Examination

The Master’s examination is divided into two parts. The first part is the Graduate Review. The second part of the Master’s Examination occurs with approval by faculty of the Master’s Project, or Master’s Studio, or Master’s Thesis. Graduate Review Guidelines available in the Architecture Office.


Courses

ARCH 109 . Design Fundamentals. (3)



ARCH 111 . Introduction to Architectural Graphics . (3)



ARCH 121. Introduction to Architecture. (3)



ARCH 201. Architectural Design I . (4)



ARCH 202. Architectural Design II . (4)



ARCH 211. Architectural Communications I . (2 to a maximum of 4 Δ)



ARCH 221. Architecture and Context. (3)



ARCH 241. Sustainability I. (3)



ARCH 301. Design Studio III. (4)



ARCH 302. Design Studio IV. (4)



ARCH 311. Architectural Communication II . (2 to a maximum of 4 Δ)



ARCH 321 / 523. World Architecture I: History of the Built Environment From Prehistory to 1400 CE. (3)



ARCH 322 / 524. World Architecture II: History of the Built Environment From 1400 CE to the Present. (3)



ARCH *329 . Pre-Columbian Architecture. (3)



ARCH 331. Construction I. (3)



ARCH 332 / 532. Structures I. (3)



ARCH 342 / 542. Human Factors and Programming. (3)



ARCH 385. Environmental Controls I. (3)



ARCH 401. Design Studio V. (6)



ARCH 402 / 502. Design Studio VI. (6)



ARCH 409 / 509. Vertical Architecture Studio. (6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)



ARCH 422 / 522 . Modern and Contemporary Architecture. (3)



ARCH 425 / 525 . Contemporary Architecture. (3)



ARCH 428 / 528 . Memory and Architecture. (3)



ARCH 429 / 529 . Frank Lloyd Wright and American Architecture. (3)



ARCH 430 / 530. Foundations of Physical Planning. (3)



ARCH 431 / 533. Structures II. (3)



ARCH 432 / 534 . Building Systems. (3)



ARCH 441 / 541. Sustainability II. (3)



ARCH 442 / 544. Politics, Culture, and Architecture. (3)



ARCH 449 . Synthesis of Sustainability Perspectives and Innovations. (3)



ARCH 451. Research and Design . (3)



ARCH 452 / 552. Practice and Theory. (3)



ARCH 461 / 661 . Problems. (1-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)



ARCH 462 / 662 . Seminar. (1-3, no limit Δ)



ARCH 463 / 563. Architecture and Design for Children. (3)



ARCH 464 / 564 . Lighting. (3)



ARCH 465 / 565 . Acoustics. (2)



ARCH 466 / 566 . Construction Documents. (3)



ARCH 471 / 571 . Real Estate Development. (3)



ARCH 475. Reflective Travel. (1-2 to a maximum of 3 Δ)



ARCH 481 / 581 . Southwest Architecture and Cultural Landscapes. (3)



ARCH 493 / 593. Civic Places. (3)



ARCH 502 / 402. Design Studio VI. (6)



ARCH 503 . Graduate Architectural Design I. (6)



ARCH 504. Graduate Architectural Design II . (6)



ARCH 505 . Graduate Architectural Design III . (5)



ARCH 508 . Design and Planning Assistance Center. (3-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)



ARCH 509 / 409 . Vertical Architecture Studio. (6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)



ARCH 515 . Graduate Architectural Communications I . (2)



ARCH 516 . Graduate Architectural Communications II . (2)



ARCH 517. Graduate Architectural Communications III. (2)



ARCH 521 . Architectural Analysis. (3)



ARCH 522 / 422 . Modern and Contemporary Architecture. (3)



ARCH 523 / 321 . World Architecture I: History of the Built Environment From Prehistory to 1400 CE. (3)



ARCH 524 / 322. World Architecture II: History of the Built Environment From 1400 CE to the Present. (3)



ARCH 525 / 425. Contemporary Architecture. (3)



ARCH 526. Contemporary Architecture and Urban Design. (3)



ARCH 528 / 428 . Memory and Architecture. (3)



ARCH 529 / 429 . Frank Lloyd Wright and American Architecture. (3)



ARCH 530 / 430. Foundations of Physical Planning. (3)



ARCH 531. Graduate Construction I. (3)



ARCH 532 / 332 . Structures I. (3)



ARCH 533 / 431. Structures II. (3)



ARCH 534 / 432 . Building Systems. (3)



ARCH 541 / 441 . Sustainability II. (3)



ARCH 542 / 342 . Human Factors and Programming . (3)



ARCH 544 / 442. Politics, Culture, and Architecture. (3)



ARCH 551 . Research Methodology. (3)



ARCH 552 / 452. Practice and Theory. (3)



ARCH 563 / 463 . Architecture and Design for Children. (3)



ARCH 564 / 464. Lighting. (3)



ARCH 565 / 465 . Acoustics. (2)



ARCH 566 / 466 . Construction Documents. (3)



ARCH 571 / 471 . Real Estate Development. (3)



ARCH 573. Architectural Programming. (3)



ARCH 579. Introduction to Preservation and Regionalism. (3)



ARCH 581 / 481 . Southwest Architecture and Cultural Landscapes. (3)



ARCH 590. Historic Research Methods. (3)



ARCH 592. Public Works. (3)



ARCH 593 / 493. Civic Places. (3)



ARCH 596. Project/Thesis Preparation. (3-6, no limit Δ)



ARCH 597. Master’s Project. (6)



ARCH 599. Master’s Thesis. (6, no limit Δ)



ARCH 601. Masters Architectural Design I . (6)



ARCH 602. Masters Architectural Design II . (6)



ARCH 603 . Masters Architectural Design III. (6)



ARCH 604. Masters Architectural Design IV . (6)



ARCH 605. Masters Architectural Design V. (6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)



ARCH 631 . Systems Integration I . (3)



ARCH 632 . Systems Integration II . (3)



ARCH 651 . Professional Practice II . (3)



ARCH 661 / 461 . Problems. (1-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)



ARCH 662 / 462 . Seminar. (1-3, no limit Δ)



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Office of the Registrar

MSC 11 6325
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: (505) 277-8900
Fax: (505) 277-6809