<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-architecture/">Architecture</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Florida, Gainesville Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611	$10,770	88%
#2 University of Washington 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, Washington 98195	$16,278	84%
#3 University of Missouri 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211	$9,478	71%
#4 Chatham University Woodland Road, Office of Institutional Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232	$18,306	70%
#5 University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1400 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588	$6,138	66%
#6 Lawrence Technological University 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48075	$17,318	60%
#7 Rochester Institute of Technology 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, New York 14623	$50,136	67%
#8 Southern Illinois University Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901	$11,268	48%
#9 Academy of Art University 79 New Montgomery, San Francisco, California 94105	$27,288	45%
#10 Boston Architectural College 320 Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115	$25,220	13%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-architecture/">Architecture</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1400 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588	$6,138	66%
#2 Ball State University 2000 University Ave, Muncie, Indiana 47306	$9,328	67%
#3 University of Missouri 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211	$9,478	71%
#4 Southern Illinois University Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901	$11,268	48%
#5 Brenau University 500 Washington Street SE, Gainesville, Georgia 30501	$13,356	46%
#6 University of Massachusetts, Amherst 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003	$14,014	82%
#7 University of Washington 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, Washington 98195	$16,278	84%
#8 Lawrence Technological University 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48075	$17,318	60%
#9 Chatham University Woodland Road, Office of Institutional Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232	$18,306	70%
#10 Boston Architectural College 320 Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115	$25,220	13%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An online Master’s in Architecture is all about educating students with design and technology as applied to the built environment.  The courses are open for students highly interested in designing and constructing beautiful spaces, aesthetic beauties, heritage corners, etc., and not mere buildings.  A professional degree in Architecture can prepare students to become innovators and leaders in the future of the building industry and beyond. Typically, architectural studies include a curriculum and educational context that teaches students how they can be responsive to human needs in creating the built environment. Students are encouraged to be perceptive, skilled, and inventive.

Like many distance education programs, an online Master of Architecture has limited campus based instruction, with most of the courses being taught almost entirely online. Programs are also typically offered to two types of students – one for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, and the other for those from backgrounds unrelated to architecture. In both cases, students can choose from a variety of courses, such as design theory, research methods, sustainable design, contemporary architecture, and more.

Masters in Architecture Degree Types

An Architecture degree in the United States is called the Master of Architecture (M.Arch). Specializations and concentrations can be undertaken independently as Master of Science programs, or in tandem with the main online Master’s in Architecture.

Specializations in a Master of Architecture Program

Specializations are a great way to focus on a key area of Architecture and develop specific skills in that area, to improve job prospects. An Architecture online master program consists of several sub-fields in which students can concentrate on, and specialize. Here are a few concentrations and specializations in the study of Architecture:

• Historical Preservation of Heritage Architecture
• Classical Architecture
• Landscape Architecture (Exterior Design)
• Regional Design and Planning
• Urban Practice
• Regional Planning
• Interior Design
• Interior Architecture
• Technology & Media in Architecture
• Digital Technologies & Visualization
• Sustainable Architecture or Design
• Environmental Design or Ecological Design
• Architecture for Human Health
• Zero Net Energy Designs or Energy Based Designs
• Zero Waste Design
• Real Estate
• Construction Management
• Industrial Design
• Infrastructure Planning

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Online Master of Architecture Programs

A  Master of Architecture (M.Arch) online program consists of a curriculum that aids students to demonstrate extraordinary skills in conceptual design, model-making, drafting, computer-aided design, etc. Further, the program focuses on training in 2D and 3D computer modeling and rendering portfolio designs, besides drawing, sketching, and studio courses. Most colleges offer synchronous courses on a variety of topics for the student to choose from. Some examples include but are not limited to:

• Studio Based Design
• Sustainable Design
• Environmental Controls
• Digital Fabrication
• Architectural History
• 3D Computer Modeling and Rendering
• Design Theory
• Portfolio Design
• Interiors & Furniture
• History of Architecture
• City  & Travel Lab
• Digital Craft Lab
• Urban Works Agency
• Architectural Theory
• Build Lab
• Interior Design and Ceramics
• Sustainable Designs
• Contemporary Architecture
• Model Making
• Building Materials, Codes & Colors
• Structures
• Architectural Studios
• Interior Architecture
• Model Making & Thesis
• Research Methods in Architecture
• Professional Practice

Students graduate ready to acquire a professional license as an Architect or an Interior Designer or a Landscape Architect (depending on the specialization), who can plan or design interiors or exteriors. Graduates of an Architectural degree will also have the potential to even produce landmarks of historic importance. They will, through the process of critical thinking, have the ability to face various urban challenges, such as climate change, and growing urban populations.

Interdisciplinary Degrees in Masters in Architecture

The core curriculum of an Architecture degree derives its foundations from many interdisciplinary areas like art, material science, construction & design sciences, building materials, anthropology, environmental & energy sciences, ecology, computer & communication technologies,etc.

Many universities offer the choice of pursuing an interdisciplinary Masters in Architecture by choosing a concentration such as sustainability, zero net energy design, or construction. One can choose a minor or acquire a graduate certificate in areas such as interior design, landscape, real estate, urban planning, technology & media, visual communication, heritage conservation, building science, etc., or even acquire a joint degree such as Masters in Design or Fine Arts, or Zero Net Energy, or Sustainability. It is also not uncommon for students to couple their Masters in Architecture with a Business Management degree.

Accreditation for an Online Master of Architecture Program

For the professional practice of Architecture, students are required to have graduated from an accredited Architecture program. Accreditation is a seal of quality and standards met, that is important in the job market. In the United States, the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) (sometimes referred to as the National Architecture Accrediting Board) is the sole agency authorized to accredit a professional Architecture program. Alongside this accreditation, it is recommended for students to look for regionally accredited colleges. The Accreditation Guide better explains why accreditation is crucial for a master’s program.

Timeline for graduation from an Online Master of Architecture Program

Most Architecture masters can be obtained via two paths – one that requires a bachelor’s in architecture and can be finished in 2 to 2.5 years at most, and the other that is open for students with any undergraduate degree, that can be finished in 3 to 3.5 years. All things considered, the timeline for an online Master’s in Architecture largely depends on the program format, and on how limited campus based instruction is.

Online Master of Architecture Programs Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for an Architecture degree are largely similar to those of other online master’s degree programs. Below is a summary of basic requisites:

• An Application with Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• A Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
• A Curriculum Vitae (highlighting any pre professional degree, studio activities, etc.)
• A Portfolio (preferred)
• A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0
• At least 3 Letters of Recommendation
• An Undergraduate Degree (preferably in Architecture/Architecture-related field)
• Proof for English Proficiency, if English is not a Native Language

While some colleges may also require students to submit a GRE score, this requirement has been waived for the year 2023-2022.

Most of the online degree programs in Architecture do not require a GRE or GMAT  score to be submitted at the time of admission. Those that do ask for one are known to have waived it for the year 2023-2022. It is worth noting, however, that submitting a GRE score can support a low GPA. Here are a few universities offering an online Master in Architecture that does not require a GRE or GMAT score:

Typically, online students of an Architecture degree will require at least 2 to 3 years to graduate. While there are no programs that allow students to finish in 1 year, Graduate Certificate Courses are a good choice for those who want to study Architecture but do not necessarily require a graduate degree. Another option students have is to sign up for an accelerated degree program that combines a 4-year bachelor’s program with a 1-year master’s program.

Some schools, such as Duke University, MIT, IE University offer architecture courses free of charge. Although these online courses do not lead to any professional degree, they can improve knowledge and fulfill personal learning needs.  Other universities, such as the Yale University, offer some online program sessions for free. These not-for-credit courses also do not lead to any degree, but they do teach introductory skills and provide prospective students with an idea of what an architecture course might look like.  Other websites which host free architecture course content from famous universities in the USA are:

1. Classcentral
2. Coursera
3. Arch20

Be it students of an Architecture degree program, or students of a pre professional degree, or busy Architects, it is always important for both students and professionals to network and explore the world of Architecture, that goes beyond books. A Degree program coupled with tapping into a wealth of resources, and sharing ideas with fellow students and colleagues, will go a long way in landing jobs, getting higher salaries, and advancing careers.  Here are a few such resources to get started:

1. American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
   AIAS hosts firm and building tours, as well as portfolio charrettes with professionals.
2. Puente
   Puente is a Hispanic architecture student club, with regular service projects in the community.
3. U.S. Green Building Council Student Chapter (USGBC)
   USGBC tours construction sites and completed buildings, so students see and learn advanced sustainable strategies in person.
4. Women in Architecture Society (WIAS)
   WIAS is committed to advancing the voice and opportunities of women in practice, hosts exhibits, and holds seminars with leading women practitioners.
5. National Architectural Accrediting Board
   The only accrediting agency for programs in Architecture, the National Architectural Accrediting Board offers the latest information in Architecture and offers some free courses as well.