Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture degree program is provides graduates with the requisite educational background to enter the professional practice of architecture and its numerous variants. The Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), qualifying its recipients to take a state professional licensing examination after a required internship period.

Recipients of a four-year pre-professional architectural degree may apply for admission directly into this program.

Admissions
All applicants for admission into the Master of Architecture program must at least hold a four-year pre-professional architectural degree and, in addition to fulfilling the entrance requirements of the university, must submit 3 letters of recommendation and a portfolio to the Department of Architecture for review by the admissions committee. In general, Texas A&M University application deadlines should be observed, however students wishing to be considered for financial assistance should submit all application materials to the university and department by December 15 for admission the following fall.

The portfolio should include:

* A comprehensive goals statement;
* A one or two-page resume; listing background information such as education, honors and awards, work experience, and relevant interests; and
* Documentation of a minimum of six projects from the design studio sequence, at least four having a strong building design content. In addition to photos of final project drawings and models, the documentation of each project must include a process description including the course title, program statement, and design goals and objectives. Photos of preliminary sketches and models are encouraged. If the project was done by a team, be sure to identify your individual role and work.

Faculty evaluation of each applicant's portfolio is a major element in the admission process. The portfolio must be concise in style, and bound as a single unit (8 1/2" X 11" preferred). If appropriate, additional supporting materials utilizing electronic media may be submitted. The portfolio will be reviewed by the Master of Architecture Admissions Committee.

High quality reproductions should be used for drawings. The portfolio should demonstrate abilities and skills in the following:

* Architectural theory and design
* Analytical and programmatic methods
* Proficiency in the use of design media (hand drawing and CAD)
* Clear use of the English language

Example of portfolio:

Ms. Jill Raupe
Academic Advisor to the Master of Architecture Program
Department of Architecture
College of Architecture
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-3137
(979) 845-7050

Curriculum
The program is built on the undergraduate foundation of a pre-professional degree in architecture, such as the Bachelor of Environmental Design with Option in Architectural Studies. It requires 52 credit hours typically spread over two years.

The architecture program at Texas A&M University adopted the "4+2" pattern in 1969, with the first professional degree given at the graduate level.

Student Work
Studies culminate in a final project that includes the planning and design of a building of the student’s choice.

M.Arch. Final Study Projects Spring 2008

Accreditation
The Master of Architecture is a professional, National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) accredited program that satisfies educational requirements of the architectural licensing process of most states. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the only agency recognized by registration boards in the United States to accredit professional degree programs in architecture. Because most registration boards require an applicant for licensure to hold an NAAB-accredited degree, obtaining such a degree is an essential part of gaining access to the licensed practice of architecture.

The curriculum of an NAAB-accredited degree program includes professional studies, general studies, and electives. To gain and retain accreditation of its degree program, each institution must both develop a program specific to its mission and also educate students to be knowledgeable and capable of producing work that can be measured by, and satisfy, specific performance criteria.

The 2004 Conditions for Accreditations for Professional Programs in Architecture provides a list of Student Performance Criteria in Section 3.13, by which courses and learning outcomes are evaluated. These criteria can be found here.

The 2007-2008 Architecture Program Report from Texas A&M Department of Architecture.