Ready to pursue an architecture career? The professionally accredited (NAAB) and STEM-designated Master of Architecture degree expands your technical knowledge and fosters creative thinking and design skills focused on making built environments that meet societal needs. With a strong emphasis on design skills, hands-on learning and real-world experience, our program offers students the opportunity to work with industry professionals and gain practical skills that will set them apart for leadership in the profession. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a licensed architect.

Architecture - M.Arch.
Contact Us
- Sung Ho Kim | skim67@kent.edu |
330-672-2917 - CAEDgradprograms@kent.edu
- Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student
More About the Master's Degree in Architecture
The STEM-designated Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) prepares graduates to be progressive leaders in the field of architecture by developing technical skills, professional knowledge and design creativity through the exploration of project-based learning. The program fosters the refinement of critical design skills and offers opportunities for inquiry in architecture and related disciplines through comprehensive research.
Distinguished faculty, a rigorous curriculum and travel study opportunities—along with an ambitious series of co-curricular lectures, exhibitions, symposia and workshops provide an innovative education that prepares graduates for leadership roles in a rapidly changing world. In addition to recently renovated studio and classroom spaces in Cleveland, Ohio and Florence, Italy, the CAED's Kent-based award-winning, LEED Platinum John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design offers state of the art facilities. Including a Robotics Labs, Computer Labs, Lighting Lab, Gallery, Café, Architecture Library, Fabrication Lab and a full spectrum of digital and analog fabrication tools.
Program Information for Architecture - M.Arch.
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Program Description
Program Description
Full Description
The Master of Architecture degree seeks to prepare graduates to lead in the field of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. This STEM-designated program fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs. Master coursework affords opportunities for inquiry in architecture through the introduction of traditional scholarly research methods as well as approaches to research through design in a studio setting. Professional practice courses are paired with theory seminars and elective classes in areas of digital technology, building sciences and history to provide a comprehensive exposure to professional opportunities and a broad capacity for considering and postulating architecture in innovative ways.
The Architecture major comprises the following concentrations:
- The Accelerated Track concentration is intended for students who have completed the B.S. degree in Architecture at Kent State. Non-Kent State applicants should apply to the Full Path Track or the Prior Standing Track concentration.
- The Full-Path Track concentration is intended for students who are new to the study of design, hold a non-design related degree or whose prior design experience needs augmenting. Normally, full-time students in this concentration complete the degree in three years.
- The Prior-Standing Track concentration is intended for students holding a prior design degree. Required total credit hours depend on specific student backgrounds and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Normally, full-time students in this concentration complete the degree in two or two-and-a-half years depending on the individual plan of study and required coursework.
Students completing the Accelerated Track concentration may also pursue a dual degree program with the Master of Business Administration degree or Master of Urban Design degree.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.
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Admissions
for Architecture - M.Arch.
Admissions
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university1
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Résumé
- Goal statement (include intent and background information)
- Portfolio, with design work clearly indicating role in group projects
- Three letters of recommendation, with one letter from a non-academic source
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
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Applicants with a non-professional bachelor’s degree or a pre-professional degree in architecture from another institution will have their prior education evaluated to determine if they meet student performance criteria as stipulated by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). If evaluated courses are determined to be deficient, the student may be required to complete additional courses to earn the degree. Determinations will be made by the program director and graduate coordinator at the time the student is admitted to the program.
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International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.
Admission to the Prior-Standing Track concentration requires that applicants demonstrate strong completion of the following courses in the following areas:
- Minimum 16 credit hours of studio, including four semesters of foundation design and two semesters with an architecture focus
- Minimum 6 credit hours of history/theory, including a foundation architecture history course - broad/global content and one additional history/theory elective
- 12 credit hours of building technology, of which 9 credit hours must address the following:
- Introduction/foundations in building structures
- Introduction to environmental design and technology
- Introduction to building methods and materials
- 6 credit hours of communication and modeling skills, including one course with learning outcomes related to digital representation (or equivalent skills demonstrated through studio work), one course with learning outcomes related to fabrication (or equivalent demonstrated through studio work) and/or one course with learning outcomes related to coding (or equivalent demonstrated through studio work).
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Application deadline: January 15
- Summer Term
- Application deadline: January 15
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.
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Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to design across the various scales of architecture and integrate multiple factors in design process.
- Demonstrate a holistic ability to address the relationship between built and natural environments, employing ecological design principles, advanced building performance and the use of emerging technologies in the design process and production of architecture.
- Demonstrate the ability to design equitable environments for diverse populations, addressing diverse cultural, social, theoretical and historical contexts.
- Demonstrate the ability to engage with multidisciplinary teams collaboratively and to address professional ethics, business practices and regulatory contexts.
- Engage in architectural research to test, evaluate and apply innovations in the field, promoting continuous learning and advancement in architectural knowledge.
- Participate in an academic environment that fosters positive, respectful learning and that promotes collaboration, optimism and innovation among students, faculty and staff.
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Dual Degree
Dual Degree
Dual Degree with M.B.A. in Business Administration
Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the Master of Architecture degree and the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.
The dual degree combining the M.Arch. and the M.B.A. is designed for architects or undergraduate architectural students who aspire to middle or executive management positions in architectural practices, or who are interested in starting their own business along with the preparation to enter the profession of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. It fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs, also by offering a broad exposure to professional issues and knowledge.
Dual Degree Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Major Requirements ACCT 63037 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING 2 ACCT 63038 MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING 2 ARCH 60101 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO I 6 ARCH 60102 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO II 5 ARCH 60150 PROJECT PROGRAMMING 3 ARCH 60199 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO III 8 ARCH 60301 THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE 3 ARCH 60922 METHODS OF INQUIRY IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES 2 ARCH 65001 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT 2 ARCH 65002 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: CONTRACT AND PLANNING LAW 2 ARCH 65003 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT 3 ARCH 66995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 1 1 BA 64005 ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING 2 BA 64026 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 2 CIS 64042 GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY 2 ECON 62021 MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS 2 ECON 62022 MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS 2 FIN 66060 MANAGERIAL FINANCE 2 HRM 64271 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2 MGMT 64158 LEADERSHIP 2 MGMT 68051 BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I 1 MKTG 65051 MARKETING MANAGEMENT 2 Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship Graduate Electives (50000 level or higher) 3 Culminating Requirement MGMT 64399 BUSINESS STRATEGY 3 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 64 - 1
Topics in professional practice.
- Actual offerings and schedules vary from year to year and the college will jointly provide a pre-approved recommended course of study. Students who wish to take a different course of study need to obtain separate approvals from both college graduate coordinators. Contact the College of Architecture and Environmental Design graduate secretary for details on coursework registration.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum of 64 credit hours: 35 credit hours from the M.Arch. degree and 29 credit hours from the M.B.A. degree.
Dual Degree with M.U.D. in Urban Design
Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.U.D. degree in Urban Design and the M.Arch. degree in Architecture. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page. Students in the M.Arch. degree must be declared in the Accelerated Track concentration to be admitted to the dual degree.
This dual degree program prepares students to enter the profession of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. It fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs and offers a broad exposure to professional issues and knowledge related to urban design.
Dual Degree Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Major Requirements ARCH 60101 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO I 6 ARCH 60102 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO II 5 ARCH 60150 PROJECT PROGRAMMING 3 ARCH 60301 THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE 3 ARCH 60922 METHODS OF INQUIRY IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES 2 ARCH 65001 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT 2 ARCH 65002 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: CONTRACT AND PLANNING LAW 2 ARCH 65003 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT 2-3 ARCH 66995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 1 1 UD 55705 FORCES THAT SHAPE CITIES 3 UD 60701 URBAN DESIGN STUDIO I 6 UD 60703 URBAN DESIGN STUDIO III 5 UD 65101 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS 1 UD 65102 URBAN SYSTEMS 3 UD 65632 URBAN ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS 3 UD 66896 URBAN DESIGN PRACTICUM PROJECT 2 UD 66995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN URBAN DESIGN 2 1 UD 66995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN URBAN DESIGN 1 Architecture (ARCH) Electives (50000 or 60000 level) 6 Approved Electives, choose from the following: 3 8 ARCH 60301THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE GEOG 51066GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GEOG 52052HEALTH GEOGRAPHY GEOG 54010GEOGRAPHIES OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT GEOG 55085URBAN TRANSPORTATION GEOG 56070URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING GEOG 59070GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE GEOG 59076SPATIAL PROGRAMMING GEOG 59080ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE GEOG 59162CARTOGRAPHY GEOG 59230REMOTE SENSING GEOG 60191SEMINAR IN TOPICAL GEOGRAPHY GEOG 60800SEMINAR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT LARC 50095SPECIAL TOPICS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE LARC 50100DESIGN VISUALIZATION LARC 60111LANDSCAPE HISTORY AND THEORY UD 66995SPECIAL TOPICS IN URBAN DESIGN Other course as approvedMinimum Total Credit Hours: 65 - 1
Special topics course in professional practice.
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Special topics related to studio.
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With approval, students may apply other courses in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; or from another Kent State college, school or department; or from at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.
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Coursework
On This Page
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Major Requirements ARCH 60101 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO I 6 ARCH 60102 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO II 5 ARCH 60150 PROJECT PROGRAMMING 3 ARCH 60301 THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE 3 ARCH 60922 METHODS OF INQUIRY IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES 2 ARCH 65001 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT 2 ARCH 65002 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: CONTRACT AND PLANNING LAW 2 ARCH 65003 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: LEADERSHIP, ETHICS AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT 3 ARCH 66995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 1 Architecture (ARCH) Graduate Electives (50000 or 60000 level) 1 6 Concentrations Choose from the following: 11-68 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 44-101 - 1
Elective credits may be taken from offerings in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; other Kent State colleges, schools or departments; or the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.
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Students in the Prior-Standing Track concentration who are deemed eligible to have course requirements waived may graduate with fewer than 90 credit hours, but no fewer than 67 total credit hours.
Accelerated Track Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements ARCH 60199 GRADUATE DESIGN STUDIO III 8 Architecture (ARCH) Graduate Elective (50000 or 60000 level) 3 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 11 Full-Path Track Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements ARCH 50301 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS I 3 ARCH 50302 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS II 3 ARCH 50401 METHODS AND MATERIALS I 3 ARCH 50402 METHODS AND MATERIALS II 3 ARCH 50501 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY I 3 ARCH 50502 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY II 3 ARCH 56995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 3 ARCH 60111 GRADUATE DESIGN FOUNDATIONS STUDIO 5 ARCH 60112 GRADUATE DESIGN ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 5 ARCH 60113 GRADUATE DESIGN CONTEXT STUDIO 5 ARCH 60114 GRADUATE DESIGN SYSTEMS STUDIO 5 ARCH 60211 GRADUATE GLOBAL HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE I 3 ARCH 60212 GRADUATE GLOBAL HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II 3 ARCH 60601 TOOLS OF REPRESENTATION 3 ARCH 60602 TOOLS OF FABRICATION 3 ARCH 60603 TOOLS OF SIMULATION 3 ARCH 60604 TOOLS OF CODING 3 Architecture (ARCH) Graduate Electives (50000 or 60000 level) 6 Advisor-Approved Architectural History Elective 3 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 68 Prior-Standing Track Concentration Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours Concentration Requirements ARCH 50301 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS I 3 ARCH 50302 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS II 3 ARCH 50402 METHODS AND MATERIALS II 3 ARCH 50502 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY II 3 ARCH 56995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 3 ARCH 60113 GRADUATE DESIGN CONTEXT STUDIO 5 ARCH 60114 GRADUATE DESIGN SYSTEMS STUDIO 5 ARCH 60212 GRADUATE GLOBAL HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II 3 ARCH 60603 TOOLS OF SIMULATION 3 ARCH 60604 TOOLS OF CODING 3 Prior-Standing Foundation Requirements 1 ARCH 50401 METHODS AND MATERIALS I 3 ARCH 50501 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY I 3 ARCH 56991 SEMINAR: VARIABLE TOPIC 1-3 ARCH 56995 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURE 1-3 ARCH 60111 GRADUATE DESIGN FOUNDATIONS STUDIO 3-6 ARCH 60112 GRADUATE DESIGN ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 3-6 ARCH 60211 GRADUATE GLOBAL HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE I 3 ARCH 60601 TOOLS OF REPRESENTATION 3 ARCH 60602 TOOLS OF FABRICATION 3 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 57 - 1
Some or all of these courses may be waived upon review of the student's prior qualifications. See admission requirements for specific criteria.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA - 3.000 - No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
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Program Delivery
Program Delivery
- Delivery:
- In person
- Location:
- Kent Campus
- Delivery:
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Accreditation
for Architecture - M.Arch.
Accreditation
The M.Arch degree in Architecture is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
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Evaluation Process
Evaluation of preparatory / pre-professional education is executed by the Architecture Program Director.
For eligible applicants, following a positive admission decision by the Graduate Committee, courses and work from the candidate’s prior degree program are reviewed for conformance to or consistency with the pre-professional program at Kent State as it relates to the completion of NAAB Student Performance Criteria (SPC). Syllabi and student work are solicited for additional information on SPC at the undergraduate level. When appropriate, the Program Director will request the input of faculty on the performance of student work or the content of a syllabus in a particular course. When deficient SPC or courses are recognized, the course is added to the student’s Graduation Requirements Sheet (GRS). This sheet is included in the materials sent to admits for their signature in accepting our offer of admission. A student’s GRS is used to clear for graduation to ensure the requirements and SPC have been met.
A variety of graduate assistantships, scholarships, research and work opportunities are available to both new and returning graduate students.
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Architecture - M.Arch.
Graduates of Kent State University’s Master of Architecture program can pursue careers as licensed architects, project managers, urban designers, and sustainability consultants. They may work in architectural firms, government agencies, or as independent architects. The degree opens opportunities for leadership roles in design and construction, allowing graduates to design buildings, plan urban spaces, and contribute to sustainable development projects.
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Architects, except landscape and naval
0.8%
little or no change
129,900
number of jobs
$82,320
potential earnings
-
Architectural and engineering managers
2.6%
slower than the average
198,100
number of jobs
$149,530
potential earnings
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Architecture teachers, postsecondary
5.1%
faster than the average
8,500
number of jobs
$90,880
potential earnings
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Designers, all other
-1.9%
decline
13,600
number of jobs
$63,750
potential earnings
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Historians
2.6%
slower than the average
3,500
number of jobs
$63,100
potential earnings
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Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.