Architecture (Three-Year Program) at Northeastern University

The three-year Master of Architecture program is open to candidates who do not have a BS in Architecture or equivalent. Applicants from all disciplines are welcome. Those who have some architecture coursework may be eligible for advanced placement. The program requires three years to complete and students have the option to enroll in summer co-ops. After completing an accelerated introductory curriculum, graduate students in the three-year MArch program will merge into the existing curriculum for the MArch program.

The physical and cultural context of Boston serves as a laboratory for the program’s design studios and the program is design-focused, but with a different approach than many schools. We find opportunities for innovation within the real estate and construction industries and current policy debates—rather than outside of them. This is how we intend to move architects to the center of the discussion about the future of our cities.

Students take courses in urban housing, practice integrated design, and do original research on market-driven building types. The final degree project in the design studio offers an opportunity to leverage this research with real innovations in hybrid types, strategic alterations to existing ones, and to take on the challenge of finding prototypical solutions for systemic problems.

In addition to studio courses, graduate students take seminars in architectural theory and design strategy; and electives are available in real estate development, sustainable building techniques, urban landscape, and other topics. There is also a unique course that looks at case studies of architecture firms in practice, problem solving, and innovation. Students will leave our program with a unique balance of technical, theoretical, and strategic tools to make a real difference in the profession.