Graduate

The Department of Architecture at Penn State offers graduate studies in architecture with three distinct options: Architectural Theory and Design, Community and Urban Design, and Digital Design.

The program responds to a consistent demand from individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree in architecture (BArch) and wish to renew their professional and theoretical knowledge in architectural theory and/or design. This Master of Architecture (MArch) program allows opportunities for graduate students to assist in undergraduate courses and work with the two endowed centers: the Hamer Center for Community Design Assistance and the Stuckeman Center for Design Computing. In addition, selected students can also participate in the department’s Rome Program.

Click here to download Graduate Student Guide

General minimum acceptance requirements and policies:

• Graduate school requirements (see Graduate School Bulletin)
• 3.0 Grade Point Average on 4.0 point scale or equivalent
• Educational background appropriate to area of concentration
• English language competency
• Area of concentration and research interests consistent with the departmental faculty expertise and program mission
• TOEFL score, minimum 580 (paper) or 250 (computer) is required for international students
• GRE Scores

Minimum Requirements for MArch degree
(30 credit minimum)**

Required Core

• Arch 511 Theoretical Perspectives in Architecture (3 credits)**
• Arch 536 Design Inquiry (studio) (6 credits)**
• Arch 550 Ethics in Architecture (3 credits)**
• Arch 591Architectural Research (3 credits)**
• Topics (Arch 541, 542, or 543) (3 credits)**
• Directed Electives (6 credits)**
• Arch 600 Thesis Research (6 credits)**

+ In cases where the candidate lacks architectural course background necessary to complete the candidate’s thesis or defined concentration, additional course requirements may be specified.

* 18 of 30 credits must be at the 500 level.

** Unless special provisions have been made, all students are required to fulfill the studio and theory requirements in their first semester in the program, in the fall semester of their first year.

Graduate Courses

AE 421 Architectural Structural Systems I (3)
AE 422 Architectural Structural Systems II (3)
AE 424 Environmental Control Systems I (3)
Arch 451 Architectural Professional Practice (3)
Arch 480 Technical Systems Integration(3)
Arch 481 Digital Design Media(3)
Arch 482 Microcad (3)
Arch 496 Independent Studies (1-18)
Arch 497 Special Topics (1-9)
Arch 511 Theoretical Perspectives in Architecture
Arch 514 Applying E-B Theory to Architectural Design (3)
Arch 520 Methods of Inquiry in Architecture and Urban Design
Arch 522 Computational Methods in Architectural Design
Arch 536 Design Inquiry Studio (1-12)
Arch 541 Topics in Theory (3)
Arch 542 Topics in Community & Urban Design(3)
Arch 543 Topics Digital Design (3)
Arch 590 Colloquium (2)
Arch 591 Architectural Research (2-12)
Arch 596 Individual Studies (1-12)
Arch 597 Special Topics (1-9)
Arch 600 Thesis Research (1-6)