Master of Architecture
Develop a specialty within the built environment through the lens of practice while preparing to become a licensed architect.
About the Progam
The Master of Architecture at Texas A&M University prepares students to become licensed architects. Through this program, you will develop a specialty within the built environment through the lens of practice.
You will also gain the practical skills needed to succeed in the real estate industry. We will prepare you to convert land from one use to another, from selecting the right piece of land to developing the property.
The Master of Architecture is an accredited degree that prepares students to practice architecture on a professional level.
The field of Architecture synthesizes ecological, technological, social, behavioral, and aesthetic contexts and constraints into healthy sustainable human and natural environments. The graduate program provides an opportunity to examine the past, equip for the present, and prepare for future challenges in Architecture.
Our Master of Architecture program lets students explore a range of professional directions related to faculty expertise. Our faculty’s breadth and depth of knowledge allows students to engage with the discipline of architecture at an impactful level.
Faculty members encourage students to develop their own individual course of study, blending architectural design; history, theory, and criticism; design computation; and interior architecture. You will complete your education by creating a final study design project with a strong scholarly basis. Your final study project will exhibit a clear understanding of the integration of both the discipline and practice of architecture.
Areas of Emphasis
- Housing and Urban Development
- Health Systems and Design
- Heritage Conservation and Historic Preservation
- Sustainability and Circular Economy
- Digital Fabrication, Robotics, and Computation
- Leadership and Management in the Design & Construction Industry
Student Work
Emma Johnson: Frog’s Leap Winery – Learning Portfolio
Nov. 8, 2025 • 2 min. readA sustainable winery design in Napa Valley that prioritizes views, walkability, equitable access, native ecology, dry irrigation, solar strategies and long-term adaptability.
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 and fabrication
- Development, real-estate and construction
- Community planning and city planning
- Government and social work
- Teaching, research and scholarly pursuits
Browse over a list of salaries from American Institute of Architects (AIA) via their main website.
Curriculum
The Master of Architecture degree program requires 55 credit hours, typically completed over the course of two years. A total of 25 credit hours of specialization courses, including 12 elective credit hours, allows you to structure a program of study related to your area of emphasis. During your second semester of study, you will develop a degree plan tailored to your career aspirations.
The Master of Architecture curriculum produces conceptual comprehension and technical competency in the design of buildings and environments by weaving together five constituent trajectories:
- Design
- Representation
- History, theory and criticism
- Technology
- Engagement
Integral within these woven trajectories is the:
- Focus on the principles and practice of design synthesis as the confluence of processes and workflows
- Systems of construction
- Relationships to environmental, social, historical, and geographical contexts
- In-depth understanding of topics ranging from aesthetics and symbolism to the complex relationships between human behavior and design
Year 1
30 credit hoursARCH 605 | Architectural Design I | 6 credit hours
ARCH 633 | Applied Architectural Systems | 3 credit hours
ARCH 631 | Applied Architectural Structures | 3 credit hours
ARCH 658 | Materials Processes Assemblies | 3 credit hours
ARCH 606 | Architectural Design II | 6 credit hours
ARCH 644 | Seminar in Art and Architectural History | 3 credit hours
ARCH 645 | Seminar in Architectural Theory | 3 credit hours
Elective | 3 credit hours
ARCH 684 | Internship | 3 credit hours
Year 2
25 credit hoursARCH 607 | Architectural Design III | 6 credit hours
ARCH 657 | Advanced Professional Practice | 3 credit hours
Elective | 3 credit hours
Elective | 3 credit hours
ARCH 608 | Final Study Studio | 6 credit hours
ARCH 685 | Directed Studies | 1 credit hour
Elective | 3 credit hours
Specialization
A total of 25 credit hours for the Master of Architecture program are dedicated to developing a specialization, including 12 elective credit hours.
During your second semester, you will, with advice from the faculty, select an advisory committee and develop a degree plan using one of the patterns of study as a guide.
Through our customizable curriculum, students can structure their program of study to include:
- Studying within an established departmental emphasis area
- International opportunities
- Pursuing a graduate certificate
- Exploring a unique topic with faculty support
- Taking complementary courses throughout the college in construction science, landscape architecture, land development, or urban and regional planning
- Taking courses from any other discipline at the university and relating to that knowledge through the lens of architecture and design
- Participating in research supported by college research centers
- Engaging in interdisciplinary experiences in engineering, business, management, and leadership
FAQ About the M.Arch Program
The Master of Architecture is an accredited degree that fulfills the educational component of professional licensure as an architect. The M.S. degree enhances your design and research skills and can lead to pursuing a Ph.D.
This program should take two years to complete.
This committee is composed of a chair and at least two additional graduate faculty members. The chair and one of the members must be faculty. The third member must be from outside the architecture department faculty. Committee chairs assist in finding graduate faculty members to join the committee.
No, this is an in-person program.
Admissions
Admission to our Master of Architecture program is offered to students with a pre-professional bachelor’s degree in architecture.
Note: Admission deferrals will not be approved and applicants will be encouraged to reapply.
FAQ About the Admission Process
Curiosity, Rigor and Initiative
Successful applicants demonstrate a profound desire to understand the “why” behind the built environment. We seek students who do not wait for instruction but instead take the initiative to explore complex problems through a lens of intellectual curiosity. The academic rigor of our programs requires a disciplined work ethic and the ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
Robust Academic Preparation
A strong foundation in core disciplines is essential for success in our design and construction programs. The committee looks for excellence in mathematics, the sciences and the humanities, as these subjects provide the technical and social context necessary for advanced architectural study. We prioritize students who have challenged themselves with honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate coursework.
Creative and Engaging Design Portfolio
For programs requiring a portfolio, we look for a compelling visual narrative that showcases your unique perspective. Your portfolio should not merely be a collection of finished works; it should demonstrate your creative process, spatial thinking and ability to communicate ideas through various media. We value craftsmanship, attention to detail and a willingness to experiment with form and function.
Intriguing Outside Classroom Experiences
Architecture is a human-centric discipline, and we value applicants with diverse life experiences. Whether through community service, leadership in student organizations, travel or professional internships, we look for evidence that you are engaged with the world around you. These experiences suggest a well-rounded character and the ability to collaborate effectively with others in a professional setting.
Yes, an academic / professional portfolio is required to apply and should showcase recent, high-quality work.
Read more about the Master of Architecture application requirements
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)
- Statement of intent essay
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
- Academic/professional portfolio
Read more about the Master of Architecture application requirements
International students should follow the university application process for international students, including passing an English proficiency test.
We no longer require the GRE/GMAT Scores but students can still submit them and we will use them to approve their ELP Scores.
Because of the many international students applying for admission, competition is strong and we cannot admit all who apply.
Helpful link from the Office of Admissions for international students: https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/international/international-graduate
Applications must be submitted in full by January 2. Students seeking financial assistance should submit all application materials to the university and department by January 2 for fall admission.
We offer competitive recruiting scholarships upon admission.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements to be eligible for a graduate teaching position.
For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance, please visit the Texas A&M University cost and tuition rates webpage. This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated cost of attendance information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.
All inquiries about the Master of Architecture program should be directed to [email protected].
Support from the Start
You’ll be assigned an academic advisor upon admission to the program. The advisor will help choose your first-year courses. With guidance from the program coordinator, you will be responsible for locating a faculty member to chair your advisory committee who has expertise in your chosen focus area. Once your committee is in place, they will guide and assist with graduate degree planning, research methods, and final project work.
Our Commitment to Our Students
We are committed to delivering a 21st-century, student-centered education to all of our students. We weave design and critical thinking throughout all of our courses. We view design, both as a process and a product, as the unifying force within our program.
Public Information
Texas A&M University & Architecture Program Accreditations: SACSCOC & NAAB. Learn about our accredited Master of Architecture program & reaffirmation details.
NAAB Accreditation InformationContact
Ph.D Christopher S. Hunter
Associate Professor of the Practice, Director of Professional Programs Department of Architecture