University of South Florida

School of Architecture & Community Design

USF College of The Arts

M.Arch. 108 Credit Hour Core Curriculum

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) Degree normally requires 108 credit hours of coursework for students with baccalaureate degrees in non-architectural subjects. In order to complete the major in a timely manner, students must complete 15-17 credit hours per semester. Students with undergraduate degrees in architecture or related fields may receive waivers for some required courses for which a grade of B or better was earned.

Students who do not hold any professional degree need to complete the Pre-Architecture curriculum before beginning the 108 credit hour M.Arch. program.

Example 4-Year Curriculum:

Year 1

Semester 1 (Total 15 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 5361 Core Design I *** 9
ARC 5470 Intro to Technology 3
ARC 5731 Architectural History I 3
Semester 2 (Total 15 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 5262 Core Design II 9
ARC 5467 Materials and Methods of Construction 3
ARC 5732 Architectural History II 3
Summer 1 (Total 3 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC Elective 1 3

 

Year 2

Semester 3 (Total 15 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 5363 Core Design III 6
ARC 5256 Design Theory 3
ARC 5587 Structures I 3
ARC Elective 2 3
Semester 4 (Total 15 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 5364 Advanced Design A *** 6
ARC 5689 Environmental Technology 3
ARC 5588 Structures II 3
ARC Elective 3 3
Summer 2 (Total 6 credit hours)
Course Credits
Study Abroad Studio 6

 

Year 3

Semester 5 (Total 15 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 5365 Advanced Design B 6
ARC 6481 Design Development 3
ARC 6398 Intro to Community and Urban Design 3
ARC Elective 4 3
Semester 6 (Total 11 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 5366 Advanced Design C 6
ARC 6936 Research Methods in Architecture 2
ARC Elective 5 3
Summer 3 (Total 6 credit hours)
Course Credits
Advanced Design Studio 6

 

Year 4

Semester 7 (Total 11 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 6974 Master's Planning Project 2
ARC 6287 Professional Practice I 3
ARC 6367 Advanced Design D 6
Semester 8 (Total 8 credit hours)
Course Credits
ARC 6976 Master's Project II 5
ARC 6288 Professional Practice II 3

 

*** Advising and Portfolio Review is required prior to enrollment to this course

  • Students must complete 15 credit hours of electives.
  • Up to four graduate-level courses may be waived if the student earned an "A" or "B" grade in an equivalent course, Architectural History I or II, Structures I and Design Theory.
  • Course offerings for summer semesters: Electives, Design Development, Research Methods, and Study Abroad Studios for either Advanced Design A or C.
  • Please see Pre-requisite Requirement for course pre-requisites.
  • USF Architecture Student presents her master's thesis project during a midterm review panel.

    Apply for Admission

    Learn about the application process to get accepted in both the University of South Florida and the School of Architecture & Community Design.

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  • USF Architecture alumnus speaks to an Open House audience about his career path after graduation.

    Admission Requirements

    Students preparing to complete the Pre-Architecture program can then apply for admission into the Master of Architecture program. Read this page to get your application materials ready.

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  • University of South Florida's academic seal at the front entrance of the Tampa campus.

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    Students and families can also request more information about the School of Architecture & Community Design’s programs by filling out the USF College of The Arts’ online form.

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