Architecture - M.Arch

Program Overview

Master of Architecture

The Architecture program teaches students to utilize design as a tool for creating sustainable urban environments. Through research-based collaboration with partners across various fields such as environmental studies and agriculture, students within the program are constantly exploring new solutions for sustainability in urban settings. As the program is housed within the only urban land-grant institution in the nation, a major focus of the program is the relationship between architecture and urban agriculture.

• Graduate Curriculum
• Course Descriptions
• Activities and Accomplishments
• Faculty
• Graduate Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines
• Master of Architecture Thesis Guideline Handbook

Mission

The Urban Architecture program seeks to educate the next generation of architects with an emphasis on developing sustainable infrastructure and urban sustainability initiatives in the District of Columbia and urban areas around the world.

Degree Requirements

The M.Arch. (Track I) program is for students with a pre-professional degree in architecture. The program has a duration of three years and requires 49 credit hours (see Track I curriculum).

The M.Arch. (Track II) is for students with a non-architecture undergraduate degree. This is an accelerated program of study that requires 85 credit hours to complete (seeTrack II curriculum).

Career Options

• Architect (upon completion of licensure process)
• Designer
• Building plans examiner/code official
• Planner (upon completion of the certification process)
• Facility Manager

Cost and Financial Aid

The initial estimate for the duration of the NAAB-accredited program is based on the UDC 2025 Tuition and Fee Schedule. All tuition, fees, books, general supplies, and specialized materials are required for the NAAB-accredited degree program.

Master of Architecture (Track I – 4 semesters, full-time student):

• Tuition and fees: $20,188 (graduate resident), $22,630 (graduate metro), $37,216 (graduate non-resident);
• Books and/or digital books are available at no cost and may be purchased or rented.
• General supplies and specialized materials are included in the fees. 

Master of Architecture (Track II – 7 semesters, full-time student):

• Tuition and fees - $35,329 (graduate resident), $39,550 (graduate metro), $65,128 (graduate non-resident);
• Books and/or digital books are available at no cost and may be purchased or rented.
• General supplies and specialized materials are covered in the fees.  

Master of Architecture (Track I and Track II): 

Part-time students are required to take a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester; the tuition and fee estimate for 6 credit hours per semester is $3,508, $3,910, and $6,346 for graduate resident, graduate metro, and graduate non-resident.

Visit the financial aid office

The Cost of Attendance (COA) estimates tuition, fees, housing, food, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. It assumes 9 credits for graduate students and may be reduced for students who live with their parents. Students may opt out of the university-sponsored health insurance. For more information, visit the student health insurance plan page.

Learn About Tuition and Fees

How to Apply

Apply to UDC as a Graduate Degree Applicant if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are seeking a graduate degree.
• You have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution.

Apply Now for Fall 2026

Visit our Application Center for detailed instructions and resources.

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Admissions Requirements 

Application Deadlines

All Applicants:

1. Complete the online application - Apply Now for Fall 2026

• Application fee ($50) is currently waived for all students

2. Submit official transcripts - All college transcripts reflecting coursework, grades, and graduation date

• International applicants: Academic work completed outside of the U.S. at the secondary or university levels must be National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) course by course evaluated and the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from the United States. 

3. Personal statement (500 words) - Describe your:

• Academic and professional goals
• Research interests
• Relevant prior experience
• Motivation for graduate study in your proposed program
• Any other information supporting your application for graduate admission

4. Attach to the personal statement, a portfolio of five representative samples of creative works and/or writing samples for both the Master of Architecture Track I and Track II programs. 

5. Submit two letters of recommendation.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants:

• TOEFL: Use code B886
• IELTS: Submit scores to GradCAS E-Delivery account
• Duolingo: Submit to UDC Office of Admissions (Building 39, 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008) or email to udctranscores@udc.edu

7. Submit financial verification (for those holding a F-1 visa). 

8. Submit Immigration documentation:

• Copy of passport photo/data page
• I-94
• I-20 eligibility form

Once the application is complete, the program director reviews student applications based on eligibility requirements and makes admissions recommendations to the Chair of the Department of Architecture and Urban Sustainability. Admissions recommendations are processed by the UDC Admissions Office and coordinated with the Office of International Students Services, as applicable. After acceptance into the program, all students are assigned to an Architecture Faculty Advisor who ensures class placement and registration per curriculum requirements. Architecture Faculty Advisors guide remediation and advanced standing needs, as applicable.

For information regarding graduate admissions, please contact Dr. Timothy Harrison at tharrison@udc.edu. 

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