Master of Architecture
The USF Master of Architecture degree (M. Arch.) is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The school's course of study emphasizes urban architecture and related topics to take advantage of its diverse metropolitan setting in Florida's Tampa Bay region. Its history, theory, technology, and professional practice and an array of elective courses into the design processthrough increasingly complex projects.
For students without a degree:
Please see Undergraduate Study: Pre-Architecture.
For students with an associate's degree in architecture:
Students with an associates's degree in architecture may receive a waiver of no more than 12 credit hours for previous design studio experience, pending a portfolio review, reducing the normal 108 credit-hour M. Arch. degree requirement to 96 credit hours. Further, these students may receive course waivers for the following architecture courses in which a grade of B or higher was earned: Design Theory, History I, History II, and Structures I. Course waivers, if applicable, are determined through review of each applicant's transcript and portfolio during the application process. Waives do not reduce the total number of credit hours required to graduate.
For students with a non-architectural degree:
The Master of Architecture degree requires 108 credit hours of coursework for students with bachelor's degrees with non-architectural majors. Pending review of transcripts and portfolios, students with undergraduate degrees in related fields may receive waivers for some required courses for which a grade of B or better was earned. Waivers do not reduce the total number of credit hours required to graduate. In order to complete the program in a timely manner, students must complete 15 credit hours per semester.
For students with a pre-professional degree in architecture:
Students with a four-year pre-professional degree in architecture may, pending review of their transcripts and portfolios, receive up to 54 credit hours of course waivers toward the 108 credit-hour curriculum, leaving 54 credit hours for completion of the Master of Architecture degree. These credit hour waivers will only be considered for previous completion of certain similar courses in which a grade of B or better was earned. Waivers do not reduce the total number of credit hours required to graduate. Pending a transcript and portfolio review, the school may require the admitted student to take additional required or elective courses beyond the indicated 54 credit-hour minimum.
Please email Architecture Advising if you have with any questions.
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.
Admission Requirements
Read this page to get your application materials ready before the application deadline of February 1.
Request Information
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.