Nov 25, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

Architecture MArch


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Faculty 

Professors:
Amir Ameri, PhD, Cornell University
Julee Herdt, MArch, Southern California Institute of Architecture 
Michael K. Jenson, PhD, University of Edinburgh
Laurence K. Loftin III, MArch, University of Virginia
Marc Swackhamer, MArch, Rice University
Ekaterini Vlahos, MArch, University of Colorado Denver
 
Associate Professors:
Osman Attmann, PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology
Robert H. Flanagan, MArch, University of Colorado Denver
Christopher Koziol, PhD, University of Colorado Denver
Taisto H. Mäkelä, PhD, Princeton University

Assistant Professors:
Erik Sommerfeld, MArch, University of Colorado Denver
Kevin Hirth, MArch, Harvard Graduate School of Design
Matthew Shea, MArch, University of Colorado Denver
 
Associate Professor (Clinical Teaching Track):
Barbara Ambach, MArch, Southern California Institute of Architecture
 
Assistant Professors (Clinical Teaching Track):
Amir Alrubaiy, MArch, University of Colorado Denver

Senior Instructor:
Ranko Ruzic, MArch, University of Colorado Denver
 
Instructor:
Jo VandenBurg, MArch, University of Colorado Denver
 

Additional information about faculty in this department is available on the college’s website.

 

Degrees

The College of Architecture and Planning offers a pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSArch) degree and the professional Master of Architecture (MArch) degree which is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

ARCHITECTURE MARCH

The Master of Architecture is offered to students who have completed a pre-professional architecture degree, as well as to students who have completed an unrelated undergraduate or graduate degree. Students holding a pre-professional degree from another institution will be evaluated individually for advanced standing in the MArch program, commensurate with their previous educational experiences.

Our program prepares students for entry into the architecture profession and licensure. Our mission is to lead in the discovery, communication and application of knowledge in the discipline of architecture by integrating theory and practice. In this collaborative educational model, environmental, economic, social, cultural, aesthetic and ethical concerns are fundamental.

The curriculum responds to and aligns with the evolving nature of professional practice including collaborative work environments, critical thinkers, problem-solving team players, builders and leaders with excellent communication skills. Recognizing that the practice of architecture is global, we provide students with international perspectives and experiences giving them a competitive edge when they enter the profession.

Students whose undergraduate degree was not a design related degree will take a minimum of three years to complete the Master of Architecture. Students who have an undergraduate design related degree may receive credit for courses previously taken and can typically complete the program in two years depending on advanced standing given. The program provides the skills and bodies of knowledge nationally specified for graduate study in architecture and is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Prerequisites

Students must complete the prerequisites of college-level trigonometry and physics before enrolling in the MArch program or must complete ARCH 5000 Math and Physics for Architects.  This course is offered during the summer on a pass/fail basis and meets the prerequisite requirements. This class does not count toward the number of credits required for the MArch degree.

The architecture skills workshop is highly recommended for students who do not have a background in architectural drawing, model making or digital graphics work. This class is offered each year before the beginning of the fall semester.

Students are expected to have achieved a basic level of computer literacy and should be familiar with PC or Mac operating systems.

Program Tracks

There are two curriculum tracks leading to the MArch degree.

Four Studio Track - 60 Semester Hours

This course of study allows those students with a pre-professional degree to pursue a professional Master of Architecture degree in a minimum of two years, the total duration of the program will vary. The curriculum follows a prescribed sequence of core courses and four design studios.  Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Art in Architecture or Bachelor of Environmental Design to be considered for this track.

Six Studio Track - 105 Semester Hours

This course of study allows students without a pre-professional degree to pursue a professional Master of Architecture degree in a minimum of three years. The curriculum follows a prescribed course of fundamental core courses and six design studios. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university in any field.  

 

All degrees awarded by universities outside the United States will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the admissions committee will determine the appropriate track. 

 

Four Studio Track


Curriculum Overview

The Four Studio Track curriculum for the Master of Architecture (MArch) program is divided into six major components, totaling a minimum of 60 semester hours in residence at the University of Colorado Denver:

Design Studios and Seminars

27 semester hours

Representational Studies (required elective)

  3 semester hours

Historical/Cultural Studies (required elective)

  3 semester hours

Technological Studies (required elective)

  3 semester hours

Professional Studies

  9 semester hours

Open Electives

15 semester hours

 

A wide array of electives in these areas allows students to tailor their graduate studies to their own interests. Of 15 general elective semester hours, nine must be fulfilled with courses taken in the Architecture Department. Students may choose to take elective courses in the summer session. It is highly suggested that students use the summers to study abroad or participate in a professional internship. 

In order for a student to complete the course of study within the 60 semester hours (two years of study) a student must have completed the following courses with a grade of B or better: 

  • 4 design studios (six credits each)
  • 2-3 course sequence covering the history of architecture
  • 1 course introduction to the theory of architecture 
  • 2 course sequence on sustainable environmental control systems
  • 2 course sequence on structures addressing statics, material mechanics, structural analysis, and design of simple structural elements and systems
  • 2 course sequence on building materials and construction 
  • 1 course on architectural visualization and representation
  • 1 course on Building Information Modeling

Above courses not completed by the time the student enrolls in the program will be added onto the 60 semester hours and will need to be completed at the University of Colorado Denver prior to graduation. An official review of the student’s previous course work will be conducted in the spring following admissions and will be sent to the student upon the receipt of the student’s intent to attend. 

Course Sequence

This schedule shows the recommended sequence of courses. To modify this schedule, students should consult their CAP academic advisor.

First Year


Fall


Total: 15 Hours


Spring


Total: 15 Hours


Summer (optional)


Second Year


Fall


Total: 15 Hours


Spring


Total: 15 Hours


Summer (optional)


Six Studio Track


Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the Master of Architecture (MArch) program is divided into six major areas of study, totaling 105 semester hours:

Design Studios and Seminars

39 semester hours

Representational Studies (required elective)

  6 semester hours

Historical/Cultural Studies (required elective)

12 semester hours

Technological Studies (required elective)

21 semester hours

Professional Studies

12 semester hours

Open Electives

15 semester hours

A wide array of electives in these areas allows students to tailor their graduate studies to their own interests. Of the 15 general elective semester hours, nine must be fulfilled with courses taken in the Architecture Department. Advanced standing in core course work can be given for prior architectural studies. Students may choose to take elective courses in the summer session. It is highly suggested that students use the summers to study abroad or participate in a professional internship. 

Course Sequence

This schedule shows the recommended sequence of courses. To modify this schedule, students should consult their CAP academic advisor.

First Year


Total: 18 Hours


Spring


Total: 18 Hours


Second Year


Fall


Total: 18 Hours


Spring


Total: 18 Hours


Third Year


Fall


Total: 18 Hours


Spring


Total: 15 Hours


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