Joint Master's Degree in Architecture and Planning

The Joint Program in Architecture and Planning is intended for students who, having completed an undergraduate program in architecture, wish to develop an in depth professional capability to practice as architects, urban designers, and planners. The dual master’s degree in architecture and planning also offers students the opportunity to develop research skills and a broad base of theoretical knowledge, and is, therefore, a logical transition from undergraduate work in architecture toward an academic research degree.

Admission

Candidates for this program must apply separately to, and meet the admissions requirements of, the departments of both architecture and city and regional planning. An undergraduate professional degree in architecture is usually a prerequisite for admission to the graduate program in architecture.

It is recommended that candidates identify their interest in the joint degree program before beginning graduate study and request admission to the joint program on their applications. However, in some cases, students may decide to apply for the joint program after beginning the course of study in either field. 

Degrees

Two separate degrees are awarded upon completion of all requirements: Master of Regional Planning (M.R.P.) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch.).

Advisors and Curriculum

Each student selects two advisors, one from each department. The two advisers constitute a committee, which assists the student in all aspects of the program and approves the selection of his or her courses. Students are expected to complete all courses required by each program to fulfill the degree requirements. The student selects electives, with the guidance of his or her advisers and according to a clearly defined direction of study. A thesis is required to satisfy requirements for each degree. In unusual cases, the student may prepare a joint thesis with the prior approval of his or her advisers. There are no language requirements. 

Credit Hour Requirements

Students in the joint program fulfill credit hour requirements for both the M.Arch. and the M.R.P. degrees. A total of 96 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level are required. In general, course credits allowed by each department toward its respective degree are allowed to count toward the joint degree. At least 30 of the required credit hours for the joint degree are to be earned in the city and regional planning department; at least 36 credit hours in the architecture department; and 30 hours in related elective coursework. 

Students enrolled in the joint degree program are required to earn at least two registration units from each department. It is preferred, however, that the student earns at least six residence units in the joint program.

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)