Master of Architecture 3 (M.Arch.3)
Based at Blacksburg Campus + Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC)
A Comprehensive Professional Studies option (M.Arch.3) is provided for graduate applicants with degrees in fields other than architecture, including other design fields.
In addition to the 54 (min.) graduate credit hours required for the degree, students in the M.Arch.3 option complete 30 credit hours of qualifying year academic work, engaging in studies to provide a foundation of environmental design experiences and to promote a basic understanding of the discipline. Upon successful completion of the qualifying year, students advance through a sequence of studies providing for development of building design skills and knowledge of building systems and the technical processes of construction. During the final year of the curriculum, students pursue individual study interests and prepare a thesis. This program usually requires at least three-and-one-half years (three academic years, plus one required summer) of study.
Students in the M.Arch.3 program may spend a semester participating in the Europe Study Abroad Program in residence at the Steger Center for International Scholarship in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. Students in the M.Arch.3 program may elect to enroll at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (National Capital Region – NCR) for the final, thesis year.
View a detailed description and typical program of study for the M.Arch.3 program option