University of South Florida

School of Architecture & Community Design

USF College of Design, Art & Performance

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 Design, Art & Performance’ online form.

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