Master of Architecture — Career Change
Learn to think like an architect during this fast-paced, foundational program for students with non-architecture-related degrees.
About the Progam
The Master of Architecture career change program at Texas A&M University teaches you to think like an architect. During this fast-paced program, you’ll leverage your unique background as you dive into the architectural discipline.
After completing this program, you will enter the professional NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program that will prepare you to become a licensed architect.
The career change program is designed for students with non-architecture related degrees who wish to pursue architecture. Our intensive introductory curriculum teaches foundational architectural knowledge over the course of four semesters (two summer semesters and two long semesters).
Students who successfully complete the program will begin the Master of Architecture curriculum.
What You’ll Study
- Architectural Design
- Visual Communication
- Building Materials & Construction
- Structural & Building Systems
- Environmental Control Systems
- Architectural History & Theory
“Trying to approximate four years of undergrad education in one-and-a-half years of Career Change was a wild, completely exhausting test of mind and body.”
Curriculum
The Master of Architecture Career Change program is designed for students with non-architecture related degrees who wish to pursue architecture as a career. Our intensive introductory curriculum teaches foundational architectural knowledge. The career change program requires 42 hours of class credit. It’s completed over the course of a 5-week summer introduction course, and a fall, spring, and summer semester.
Students who successfully complete the Career Change program will then begin the Master of Architecture 2-year curriculum.
Courses
Summer Semester (Introduction to Architecture)
| Course No. | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 600 | Introduction to Architecture and Urban Design | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Fall Semester 15 credit hours
Spring Semester 15 credit hours
Admissions
Admission to our career change program is offered to students with a bachelor’s degree wishing to enter the architecture field. Note: Admission deferrals will not be approved and applicants will be encouraged to reapply.
“A harp player who’s sensitivity influenced her building designs, a mathematician who designed amazing structures by calculating weight and balance to a very advanced level, and a psychology major who created the most beautiful equine center project he’s ever seen because she understood of how it should “feel” when people walked through it.”
FAQ About the Admission Process
What do you look for in an applicant?
We look for applicants with a bachelor’s degree who show a capacity and passion for work in the architecture field.
How can I prepare for the program?
A prerequisite of math and physics is required.
Is a portfolio required to apply?
A portfolio displaying creative abilities and/or interest in architecture is required and may include:
- Reproductions of the applicant’s drawings, artwork, or other examples of ability for graphic expression;
- Articles, essays, or papers prepared by the applicant on design or environmental topics; and
- Illustrations from the applicant’s work experience in architecture or related fields.
How does the admission process work?
Submit your application at Texas A&M GradCas along with a non-refundable application fee.
Your application should include the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended
- 3 letters of recommendation (academic references preferred)
- Comprehensive Goals statement
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
- Academic/professional portfolio
Read more about the Master of Architecture Career Change application requirements.
What’s the next step after I complete the program?
Students enter the professional Master of Architecture program following the Career Change program. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a portfolio of your work to be considered for admission. In some cases, the Department of Architecture may require students to complete additional prerequisite courses before entering the professional program.
What are the admissions deadlines?
In general, the university application deadlines should be observed. Students wishing to be considered for financial assistance should submit all application materials to the university and department by December 3 for fall admissions.
What kinds of financial aid does the program offer?
We offer competitive recruiting scholarships upon admission.
Who can I go to for questions?
All curricular inquiries regarding the Master of Architecture program should be directed to Monica Garner.
Careers
The Master of Architecture program provides graduates with the required educational background to enter the professional practice of architecture. Students who wish to become a licensed architect must gain professional experience and pass a licensing examination.
Other career directions include:
- Design & Fabrication
- Research & Development
- Real-estate & Construction
- Community and City Planning
- Government and Social Work
- Teaching, Research, and Scholarly Pursuits
FAQ About the Career Change Program
How can I prepare academically for the career change program?
Applicants wishing to improve their chances for admission or to avoid the need for taking prerequisite courses should be proficient in math and physics.
What are the prerequisites for applying to the career change program?
Students must possess a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Math and Physics are prerequisites for admittance into the Career Change program.
You may be assigned additional prerequisites depending on your proficiency level in the required coursework.
Do you offer the program online?
No, our master’s programs are offered face-to-face only.
How long will this program take to complete?
This program will be completed over the course of the 5-week (Summer II) introduction, and a fall, spring and 10-week (Summer) semester.
The Career Change program is a pre-Master of Architecture curriculum that prepares students for the NAAB-Accredited Master of Architecture Degree program. If a student does not complete the Career Change Curriculum they will not receive any credentials or certificate.
Contact
Christopher S. Hunter
Associate Professor of the Practice, Director of Professional Programs Department of Architecture