Architecture – M.Arch. at University of California Los Angeles

Master of Architecture: Accepts applications from students with a broad diversity of backgrounds. Although no formal training in architecture is required, first-year classes assume some familiarity with the history and culture of architecture, possession of basic graphics skills, and understanding of fundamental concepts of mathematics and physics. Applicants are also strongly advised to become familiar with basic works in the history and theory of architecture before entering the program. Therefore, applicants must have taken at least one college-level course in each of the following areas: Newtonian physics; mathematics (covering algebra plus geometry or trigonometry); a university survey of the history of architecture (minimum one semester or two quarters) encompassing examples from antiquity to the present; and drawing or basic design. Applicants should contact the graduate adviser for further information on these prerequisites.

The Admissions Committee considers applications from those who do not have these prerequisites at the time of application. Such applicants must specify how they plan to complete the prerequisites before entry into the program. The graduate adviser can provide guidance on how to do so. Admission is only offered on the condition that the applicant produce satisfactory evidence of having completed prerequisites before commencing classes. Instructors may test background in these areas before admitting students to certain courses. If applicants lack this necessary proficiency, they may need to spend an additional year fulfilling curricular requirements.

The M.Arch. program is a full-time program and does not accept part-time students.

Architecture M.Arch. /Urban Planning, M.U.R.P.

The Department of Architecture and Urban Design in the School of the Arts and Architecture and the Department of Urban Planning in the School of Public Policy and Social Research offer a concurrent plan of study providing an integrated curriculum for architects interested in specializing in social, economic, and environmental policy issues and for urban planners interested in integrating architecture and urban design into policy and planning practice. Education in planning offers an overview of theories and methods that permit identification and treatment of urban problems; education in architecture stresses physical, aesthetic and technical issues in the design of buildings and building complexes. In the program, a student pursues studies in both schools/departments and receives both the Master of Architecture Degree (M.Arch.) and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning Degree in Urban Planning (M.U.R.P.) at the end of four years.