Master in Architecture I (MArch I), Professional Degree
The program leading to the Master in Architecture as an accredited professional degree is intended for individuals who have completed the bachelor's degree with a major other than one of the design professions or with a preprofessional undergraduate major in one of the design professions. The course of study is rigorous and comprehensive, preparing graduates for the full range of professional activities in the field of architecture. It provides a solid intellectual base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, the social environment, and professional practice. Particular emphasis is given to developing mastery of design through an intensive series of design studio courses. As part of the process of developing independent thinking and resolving design issues, students are required to prepare a design thesis to serve as a transition from graduate school to professional practice. To attain registration for professional practice after completion of the degree, a candidate must complete an internship in an architectural office and pass a registration examination. Many students partially complete their internships during the summer while in graduate school.
Admission with No Previous Professional Education
Individuals who have completed a four-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in a field other than architecture are eligible for admission to the first term of the professional degree program. Preference for admission is given to individuals who have completed a balanced undergraduate education that includes study in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A minimum of a one-semester, college-level course in calculus or higher-level mathematics and a one-semester, college-level course in physics, preferably in mechanics, is required.
A minimum of two semesters of college-level survey courses in the history of art and/or architecture, preferably covering the ancient to modern periods, is also required. Applicants must achieve a grade of B or better in each of these courses. Please note that while the GSD requires only one semester of each for admission, it is strongly recommended that applicants complete one year of calculus and physics. Preparation in the visual arts is desirable and may include drawing, sculpture, and/or graphics. Courses in the humanities, philosophy, literature, and economics are also recommended but are not required.
Admission with Advanced Standing
Individuals who have completed a preprofessional four-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree with a major in architecture or environmental design may be eligible for admission with advanced standing, subject to the review of the admissions committee. Such applicants will be considered for placement in the third term of the program, thus reducing the required course of study to two-and-one-half years. Applicants who are granted advanced standing must have completed the same preparation in college-level calculus, physics, and history as described in the previous paragraph, as well as undergraduate courses that are roughly analogous to the course of study of the first year of the graduate program, demonstrating high achievement in design.
Early Admission for Students at Harvard College
Qualified undergraduates at Harvard are eligible for early admission into the program and may take all or a portion of the first year of graduate study during their senior year.
Residence
For students entering without advanced standing, a minimum of seven terms of full-time study in residence, including thesis, is required. Individuals admitted with advanced standing normally begin with the third term of the program and must complete a minimum of five terms of full-time study in residence. Under special circumstances, students may receive permission to reduce their course load and extend their studies over a longer period of time.
Accreditation of M.Arch I Degree Program
In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the pre- professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The Harvard University Graduate School of Design's Department of Architecture offers the following NAAB- accredited degree programs:
Master in Architecture (non-pre-professional degree + 140 credit hours)
Master in Architecture (pre-professional degree + 100 credit hours)
Next accreditation visit for the M.Arch program: 2012.
