Architecture Master's and PhD Degrees at a Glance
In order to practice as an architect, you need to complete a professional program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and obtain licensure. Along with a completed internship, a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) qualifies you to take the licensure examination; however, 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) programs can meet this same base-level requirement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), architect jobs are projected to grow by 24% from 2010-2020.
Master of Science (M.S.) and PhD in Architecture programs are options if you're interested in research and want to dig deep into a specialty. PhD holders qualify for postsecondary teaching positions, which are projected to see an average increase of 17% from 2010-2020.
| Master's | PhD | |
|---|---|---|
| Who Is This Degree For? | - Bachelor's holders interested in becoming a licensed architect - Bachelor's holders looking to advance into a specialty field | Those interested primarily in academic pursuits |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | - Architect ($73,000)* - Urban and regional planner ($64,000)* | - Postsecondary architecture instructor ($73,000)* - Architectural consultant ($73,000)** |
| Time to Completion | 1-3.5 years, full-time | 4-6 years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Thesis or final project - Final examination (for M.S.) | - Demonstrated comptetency in one or two foreign languages - Qualifying examination - Dissertation |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree in architecture or another field - Portfolio of architecture or other creative work - GRE | - Master's degree in architecture or an approved related field from an accredited program - GRE |
| Online Availability | Yes | Very rare |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **Salary.com (June 2012 figures).
Master's Degree in Architecture
M.Arch. programs are intended for those interested in professional practice and typically offer training options dependent on your completed undergraduate studies. If you've completed pre-professional undergraduate studies in architecture, your program could take from 2-2.5 years to complete. If you enter with a bachelor's degree in another field, your program can take 3-3.5 years since it also includes basic architectural courses and design studios.
M.S. in Architecture programs usually last a year or longer and are research-oriented and post-professional - you're generally required to hold a professional architecture degree to enroll - allowing you to specialize in a niche topic in the field. You may choose to concentrate in areas such as health and design, environment behavior, digital design or sustainable design, for instance. M.S. programs in architecture can prepare you for PhD studies.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average job increase for architects from 2010-2020*
- M.Arch. programs can fulfills the degree requirement for an architect's license
- M.S. in Architecture programs expand your research qualifications for academic pursuits
Cons
- Completion of a first professional M.Arch. program unnecessary if you invest in a B.Arch. program
- In addition to completing an M.Arch. program, you need to complete about three years of internship work before achieving licensure
- Increasing number of professional architecture graduates means competition for jobs is strong*
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Courses and Requirements
Course requirements for M.Arch. programs include a mix of increasingly advanced architecture design studios and more conceptual classes. The idea is to advance your knowledge of both architectural theory and its practical applications. You may also be required to complete a project or thesis. Examples of courses you might take in an M.Arch. program include:
- Design Technology
- Architectural Theory and History
- Urban Design
- Professional Practice
In an M.S. in Architecture program, you'll complete directed studies instead of design studios. You'll likely take a class in research methods, and other courses will be determined by your chosen focus area. In addition to coursework, schools often require completion of a final exam and thesis.
Online Degree Options
Online NAAB-accredited M.Arch. programs aren't very common, but they are available; however, you may be required to complete practical studio experiences at the school. Options are available for both students who've completed pre-professional architecture studies and those who haven't. M.S. programs in architecture aren't generally available online.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
According to the BLS, architects knowledgeable in sustainable design should be in demand. You could tailor your studies in this direction to make yourself more marketable.
An internship - usually lasting about three years and taking place in an architectural firm - is required in order to qualify for an architect's license; in most states, this internship is administered by the Intern Development Program (IDP) run by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). If you complete some of your intern work experience concurrently with earning a Master of Architecture, you'll be able to sit for your licensure exam sooner and gain an edge over the competition, says BLS.
PhD in Architecture
PhD in Architecture programs are research-based and focus on the field's theory and history. You'll participate in seminars and choose a major area of study that may be defined - for instance, in areas like environmental design or building technology - or individually developed. You might also be required to select a related minor or two. Much of your time is devoted to the dissertation, which is a research project that must be presented in front of a committee.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Significant job security with a tenured college or university position*
- Architecture professors help shape the next generation of architects and the direction of design
- Allows you to concentrate your research in a specialized area of interest
Cons
- Competition for tenured positions is high*
- Employment growth in the academic field may be damped by local and state budget constraints*
- PhD may not lead to increased wages (median salary of $73,000 for architects vs. $73,000 for architecture professors)*
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Courses and Requirements
The coursework in a PhD program is focused on in-depth exploration of architectural principles and design concepts through a combination of academic research and advanced study. You might examine concepts in building science, design practice, modern architecture and urbanism, as well as be encouraged or required to incorporate related studies from outside fields. You'll also explore how past techniques have affected current practices. Universities often also require that you demonstrate competence in a foreign language or two, which might be gauged either by examination or foreign language course grade. Once you complete coursework, you'll take a qualifying exam prior to delving into your dissertation research.
Online Degree Options
PhD programs in architecture are generally only offered on campus, but there are rare exceptions. Online programs cover the same material as on-campus programs.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
For a PhD student looking to get a foothold in academia, it's crucial to strategize in a competitive job market. You may choose to apply for instructorships to teach while earning your PhD. Coming out of grad school with teaching experience may be beneficial when applying to university-level academic jobs; BLS notes that those who already have teaching experience are often considered more desirable by some institutions.
