The Master of Science in Architecture (MS Arch) is a STEM-designated graduate degree devoted to fundamental and applied research in the built environment with a flexible curriculum of approximately three semesters.
CAPLA’s MS Arch is the only graduate architecture program of its kind that allows you to move across and between concentration areas to form your own specialization in architectural research and practice.
Our dynamic program’s first semester includes a common foundation in research methods and a research studio, after which each student establishes an individual research project through a research seminar culminating in an original master’s project or thesis.
You will develop specialized skills in a concentration area while broadening knowledge, critical thinking and understanding about research practices. We offer engaging courses and advising in research areas that align with our faculty members’ expertise, including but not limited to:
• Critical spatial practice
• Design and energy conservation
• Emerging building technologies
• Health and the built environment
• Heritage conservation
• Sustainable market transformation
• Urban design
The School of Architecture in the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona is devoted to professional education, innovative research and community service with a sensibility honed by the conditions of an extreme climate. We combine place-based design in the exquisite landscape of the Sonoran Desert and our world-class facilities with cutting-edge material and environmental research—all delivered through robust hands-on learning and service to our profession and communities.
College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Application Requirements
Prospective students are required to submit application materials directly to the University of Arizona Graduate College. Please pay careful attention to the procedures described in the online application portal. You can access the online application system as many times as necessary to prepare your application up until the time you formally submit your materials. Applications will not be reviewed until all materials have been received.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required to apply.
All applicants must upload the following documents using PDF format:
International students must also provide:
Official transcripts may be mailed to:
CAPLA Graduate Programs Office
University of Arizona
1040 N. Olive
Tucson, AZ 85721
Minimum TOEFL: 79
Minimum IELTS: 7
Required test(s): N/A
Required GRE Subject tests: N/A
Recommended tests: N/A
Recommended GRE Subject tests: N/A
Minimum GRE Verbal: N/A
Minimum GRE Quantitative: N/A
Minumum GRE Written: N/A
Minimum GMAT: N/A
Minimum MAT: N/A
Financial aid is available to qualified students based on the program, by review of portfolio, supplemental application materials, merit, and financial need. Many of our students receive some form of financial aid excluding loans.
Applicants are eligible to apply for federal financial aid through Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please visit the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (https://financialaid.arizona.edu) for more information.
FALL 2021
(ALL M. Arch applicants MUST apply for SUMMER 2021, upon application review the faculty will determine your admission into the M. Arch II or M. Arch II track)
January 10: Priority Admissions Deadline
February 4: Round 2
March 7: Round 3 (Deadline for Graduate Assistantship Consideration and International Students without Visa)
April 4: Round 4
May 15: Final Deadline (Domestic/International with Visa, WRGP-Eligible)
The M. Arch program only admits students for Summer/Fall terms.
International applicants may be considered for conditional admission to this program at the department's discretion.
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Core Coursework/Studios (21 credit hours):
ARC 601 Graduate Research Studio (6 units)
SBE 580 Research Methods Seminar (3 units)
ARC 900 Research Seminar (3 units)
ARC 909|910 Master’s Report or Thesis (9 units)
Upon admission to the program, students may demonstrate competency through coursework in another graduate program and may transfer up to 12 units of course work with approval and course equivalence.
Core Electives (2 required courses = to 6 credit hours)
Core Electives are determined by consultation with faculty advisor to emphasis student’s concentration in:
Graduate Electives (3 required courses = 9 credit hours)
Additional graduate electives are determined by consultation with faculty advisor to assist in skill development or support student’s research studies.
Suggested Core Electives (May be taken to fulfill Graduate Electives):
ARC 561d Computer Energy Analysis (DEC)
ARC 561p Environmental Science Technologies (DEC)
ARC 561i Materials: Properties + Tests (EBT)
ARC 596d Special Topics: Daylighting, Health and Behavior (HBE)
ARC 571f Introduction to the Conservation of Cultural Resources (HC)
ARC 597b Special Topics: Sustainable Urban Design (UD)
LAR 570 Introduction to GIS for Planning & Landscape Architecture (UD)
ARC 540c Design Communications (UD,EBT,HBE,DEC)
ARC 561e Sustainable Design & the LEED Initiative (DEC)
ARC 561q Special Topics in Architectural Research (DEC)
ARC 561l Materials Modeling (EBT)
ARC 597b Special Topics: Health and Wellbeing in the Built Environment (HBE)
ARC 596d Special Topics: Social Behavioral Issues in Built Environments (HBE)
ARC 597j Documentation and Interpretation of the Historic Built Environment (HC)
ARC 561a Water Efficiency in Buildings (DEC)
PLG 508 Planning for Urban Resilience (UD)
PLG 573 Transportation and Society (UD)
PLG 595a Geo Design Linkages (UD)
ARC 531f Biomimetics (UD,EBT,DEC)
ARC 521b Integrated Technologies II (Environmental Parametrics) – (UD,EBT,DEC)
ARC 561k Energy and the Environment (DEC)
ARC 561l Energy Use in Buildings (DEC)
ARC 597c Materials Conservation (HC)
RED 501 Introduction to Real Estate Finance (UD)
SBE 5XX Social Foundations of Sustainability (SMT)
SBE 5XX Innovation, Design & Society (SMT)
Additional Suggested Electives:
ARC 535 Forms of Critical Inquiry and Expression
ARC 571n Arid Region Urbanism: Arizona/Sonora
ARC 593 Internship (1-3 units, up to 6 units may apply towards elective requirements)
ARC 596b (H/T Elective) The Architecture of International Exposition: Envisioning Healthy Designs for Expo 2027
ARC 596b (H/T Elective) Contemporary Urbanity and Public Space
ARC 597a Research Methods (LAR/PLG 597a)
ARC 597b Special Topics: in Architecture Environmental Science Laboratory
ARC 597d Practice Elective: Reading Architecture
ARC 597k The Portfolio: Advanced Graphics, Presentation, Layout and Design
ARC 596b (002) (H/T Elective) Trans Journal
ARC 535 Forms of Critical Inquiry and Expression
ARC 599 Independent Study (1-9 units may be taken as Independent Study, to apply towards elective requirements)
(Courses are subject to title/topic changes each semester)
Electives may be taken in various fields with faculty advisor permission.
Applicants may be required to interview with faculty prior to recommendation for admission.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.