The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) is a professionally accredited degree that prepares students for professional practice in architecture. Students enter through one of two pathways based on their previous academic preparation.
Program Pathways
| Pathway | Designed For | Credits | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-Year Master of Architecture | Students with a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than architecture | 135 | 3 years / 9 quarters |
| Master of Architecture, Advanced Standing | Students with a pre-professional BS or BA in Architecture or Environmental Design | 90 | 2 years / 6 quarters |
Both pathways lead to the NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture degree. Becoming a licensed architect also requires professional experience and completion of a licensing examination.
The Master of Architecture is a STEM-designated degree program.
Related Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Architecture
Students who already hold an accredited architecture degree, or a degree in an allied design discipline, and want to pursue advanced study in design computing or architectural history and theory should consider the Master of Science (MS) in Architecture.
Concurrent M.Arch + MLA
The Master of Architecture / Master of Landscape Architecture provides a structured pathway for students to study both disciplines and reflects the important role of interdisciplinary education and practice within the College of Built Environments.
NAAB Accreditation
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional architecture program as a prerequisite for licensure.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional architecture degree programs offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation. NAAB recognizes three professional degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Doctor of Architecture.
The University of Washington Department of Architecture offers two pathways to its NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture:
- Master of Architecture — 135 credits, typically completed in three years
- Master of Architecture, Advanced Standing — 90 credits, typically completed in two years
The next accreditation visit is scheduled for 2030.
Accreditation Reports and Related Documents
- 2023 PTC Decision Letter
- 2021 Architecture Program Report
- University of Washington NCARB ARE Pass Rates
Tuition and Estimated Expenses
Graduate Tuition
Tuition is assessed quarterly based on enrollment. The M.Arch curriculum follows a typical study plan of 15 credits per quarter.
For current tuition rates, visit the UW Graduate & Professional Tuition Dashboard and select the appropriate graduate program, residency status, quarter and credit load. Tuition is the same for enrollment between 7 and 18 credits.
Estimated Course Expenses
The estimates below reflect anticipated costs for required materials, supplies and software in M.Arch studios and required Architecture courses. Actual expenses may vary by course and instructor.
Course-related expenses may be considered when adjusting financial aid. See UW Financial Aid’s information about requesting changes to your aid offer.
| Year | Course | Estimated Expense / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARCH 500 Architecture Foundation Studio I |
$3,000–$3,500 for software, tools and supplies used in this and subsequent studios |
| 1 | ARCH 501 Architecture Foundation Studio II |
$250 |
| 1 | ARCH 502 Architecture Integration Studio I |
$150 |
| 1 | ARCH 510 Representation I |
Software, tools and supplies shared with ARCH 500 |
| 1 | ARCH 511 Representation II |
Software, tools and supplies shared with ARCH 501 |
| 1 | ARCH 520 Design Technology I |
$100 |
| 1 | ARCH 521 Design Technology II |
$100 |
| 1 | ARCH 532 Construction Materials & Methods |
$100 |
| 2 | ARCH 503 Architecture Integration Studio II |
$100–$150 |
| 2 | ARCH 504 Architecture Integration Studio III |
$100–$150 |
| 2 | ARCH 505/506/507 Exploration Studios I, II and III |
Varies by studio focus; expenses may include furniture fabrication, design/build projects or international travel |
| 3 | ARCH 508 Research Studio |
$100 |
| 3 | ARCH 700 Master’s Thesis |
Varies depending on model-making materials, software applications and plotting needs |
ARCH 500 Startup Expenses
The ARCH 500 estimate includes several items students may continue using in later studios:
- Laptop: $1,500–$2,500 if a new computer is needed; PC recommended
- Tools: approximately $217
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud for Students, $359.88; Rhino, $195 new or $95 upgrade
- Drawing materials: approximately $105
- Modeling materials: approximately $100
Financing Your Graduate Education
Visit the UW Graduate School’s How Do I Pay for Graduate School? resource for information about funding graduate education.
Resources for International Students
U.S. federal financial aid, including work-study, is not available to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students may find the following resources helpful:
International students may also wish to investigate fellowships available through their home countries or international organizations.
Immediate Financial Assistance
Current UW students who need immediate financial assistance can access UW Emergency Aid and other campus resources.
The Financial Aid Office also offers short-term emergency loans, and UW provides a Child Care Assistance Program for eligible student parents.