Contact us
For questions about the program, please contact: Dr. Arash Soleimani (Chair, Graduate Studies).
Master of Architecture
Build the professional competency and design skills needed for architectural practice through the NAAB-accredited and STEM-designated Master of Architecture program at University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Master of Architecture
Program Types
Graduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Woodbury School of ArchitectureSchool / College
College of Architecture, Design and MediaWhat is a Master of Architecture (MArch) degree?
A Master of Architecture (MArch) is a professional graduate degree that prepares you for architectural practice and licensure. Accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the program helps you develop the knowledge, skills, and design process needed to move ideas into material conditions. You'll study architecture through design studios, research, and professional coursework while building the foundation needed for professional practice.
Why earn an MArch at Redlands?
Based in the urban landscape of Los Angeles, the MArch program takes advantage of the many research opportunities in Southern California to prepare inventive designers who can address the architectural, environmental, and urban challenges of the contemporary world. Through innovative coursework, collaborative studios, and fieldwork, you'll explore the connections between architecture, new technologies, and built and natural environments. The program also offers an Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) option, giving participating students a structured pathway to complete licensure requirements while earning their degree.
At University of Redlands, Los Angeles, the MArch program locates the work of architecture at the intersection of disciplinary principles and professional competency. Ideas become impactful when translated into material conditions. This process of translation often results in imperfect but meaningful design proposals that address the challenges of contemporary life. Embracing the compromise between ideal and real underscores the program's commitment to the here and now.
The culture of the Woodbury School of Architecture extends beyond the studio through public programs, exhibitions, reviews, and study away. Students engage with designers, scholars, and practitioners, share their work with broader audiences, and experience architecture and interior design in diverse cultural and urban contexts.
Officially designated as STEM
The Master of Architecture is a STEM-designated degree program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Eligible F-1 international students who complete this program may apply for a 24-month STEM extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), potentially providing up to 36 months of employment authorization in the United States. Students should consult the International Student and Scholar Support (ISS) office for current eligibility and application requirements.
Accreditation
Classes you'll take
The curriculum is organized into four knowledge tracks: Building, Criticism, Professional Practice, and Visualization. While each represents a distinct area of knowledge central to the production of architecture, they do not exist in silos. In our studio courses, you'll learn to synthesize the distinct knowledge tracks in the design of an object, building, or city. To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog for the two-year track or three-year track.
First year
Fall
- WSDA 500 Groundworks (1 credit)
- ARCH 503 Graduate Studio 3 (6 credits)
- ARCH 523 Building 3: Advanced Structures (3 credits)
- WSDA 533 Visualization 3: Advanced Drawing (3 credits)
- WSDA 561 Practice 1: Contemporary Arch Profession (3 credits)
Spring
- ARCH 504 Graduate Studio 4 (6 credits)
- ARCH 524 Building 4 (3 credits)
- WSDA 534 Visualization 4 (3 credits)
- WSDA 543 Criticism 3 (3 credits)
Summer
- 60 Hours of Work Experience
Second year
Fall
- ARCH 505 Graduate Studio 5 (6 credits)
- WSDA 544 Criticism 4 (3 credits)
- Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
- Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
Spring
- WSDA 506 Graduate Thesis Studio (6 credits)
- WSDA 562 Professional Practice 2 (3 credits)
- Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
First year
Fall
- WSDA 500 Groundworks (1 credit)
- WSDA 501 Graduate Studio 1: Spaces Within Spaces (6 credits)
- WSDA 521 Building 1: Matter and Making (3 credits)
- WSDA 531 Visualization 1: Making Technique (3 credits)
- WSDA 541 Criticism 1: Architecture History 1 (3 credits)
Spring
- WSDA 502 Graduate Studio 2 (6 credits)
- WSDA 522 Building 2 (3 credits)
- WSDA 532 Visualization 2 (3 credits)
- WSDA 542 Criticism 2 (3 credits)
Second year
Fall
- ARCH 503 Graduate Studio 3 (6 credits)
- ARCH 523 Building 3: Advanced Structures (3 credits)
- WSDA 533 Visualization 3: Advanced Drawing (3 credits)
- WSDA 561 Practice 1: Contemporary Arch Profession (3 credits)
Spring
- ARCH 504 Graduate Studio 4 (6 credits)
- ARCH 524 Building 4 (3 credits)
- WSDA 534 Visualization 4 (3 credits)
- WSDA 543 Criticism 3 (3 credits)
Summer
- 60 Hours of Work Experience
Third year
Fall
- ARCH 505 Graduate Studio 5 (6 credits)
- WSDA 544 Criticism 4 (3 credits)
- Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
- Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
Spring
- WSDA 506 Graduate Thesis Studio (6 credits)
- WSDA 562 Professional Practice 2 (3 credits)
- Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
Program information
Review the admissions requirements and financial information for this program below. We're here to help prospective and current students navigate this process. Please contact Admissions at graduateadmissions@redlands.edu or 818-252-5221 for assistance.
- Completed application
- To process your graduate application, all sections must be completed, and all required admissions documents must be uploaded through the application portal. There is a $50 application fee; however, applicants who meet with Brett Chin or attend a graduate student event are eligible to receive a fee waiver code. Schedule a meeting with Brett →
- Personal statement
- Discuss your educational and/or professional background, and your reason for pursuing a graduate architectural education at the Woodbury School of Architecture.
- Resume
- Electronically submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae via our online application system. This information should list your academic research, professional experience, and/or published works.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Submit two professional and/or academic letters of recommendation. All letters must be uploaded by the recommender. Applicants will need to provide recommender information through the online application, and the recommenders will then submit letters on the student’s behalf.
- Portfolio
- All graduate design applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work conveying the scope of their design sensibilities. Submit your portfolio through the application portal. Detailed instructions and requirements are available there. For general artwork, we recommend uploading scanned images rather than photos for the best resolution. You may also submit URLs by uploading a PDF or document that includes the link.
- Transcripts
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required, regardless of credit received or courses completed. These records must confirm that a bachelor's degree has been granted from a regionally accredited institution.
- Electronic Submission: Request official transcripts via Parchment, Naviance, and The National Clearinghouse. Electronic transcripts can be sent to: appprocessing@redlands.edu
- Mail Submission: Official transcripts through mail submission must include an original signature of the school official(s) and be sealed in an unopened envelope. Transcripts should be mailed to:
University of Redlands
Graduate & Professional Enrollment
1200 E. Colton Ave.
Redlands, CA 92373
- Completed application
- In order to process your application, all sections must be complete, including submission of required admissions documents uploaded through the page.
- University of Redlands, Los Angeles is a member of The Architecture Centralized Application Service (ArchCAS), a marketplace for prospective architecture students to research participating architecture programs and apply to as many participating Master’s in Architecture programs as they desire with one application portal.
- English Proficiency
- For international students whose primary language is not English, one of the following is required:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test (or 213 on the computer-based test or 80 on the internet-based test)
- An IELTS minimum score of 6.5
- For degrees completed in English, the TOEFL or IELTS exam may be waived
- Please discuss other options for fulfilling this requirement with your admissions counselor
- For international students whose primary language is not English, one of the following is required:
- Personal statement or research proposal
- Master of Science in Architecture applicants only: Submit a 250-500-word research proposal in which you identify your area of concentration and potential thesis topic.
- Master of Architecture, Master of Interior Design, Master of Design in Interdisciplinary Design, and Master of Science in Design of Interdisciplinary Design applicants only: Discuss your educational and/or professional background, and your reason for pursuing a graduate architectural education at the Woodbury School of Architecture.
- Resume
- Electronically submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae via our online application system. This information should list your academic research, professional experience, and/or published works.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Submit two professional and/or academic letters of recommendation. Upload letters of recommendation directly through the online application.
- Portfolio
- All graduate design applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work conveying the scope of their design sensibilities. Submit your portfolio through the application portal. Detailed instructions and requirements are available there. For general artwork, we recommend uploading scanned images rather than photos for the best resolution. You may also submit URLs by uploading a PDF or document that includes the link.
- Transcripts
- Please submit official transcripts along with certified English translations for all non-English documents. A course-by-course foreign credential evaluation from a NACES-approved organization must also be completed and submitted by the applicant. NACES-approved members can be found here: naces.org
- Electronic Submission: Upload unofficial transcripts to the online application, or submit official transcripts via Parchment, Naviance, and The National Clearinghouse. Electronic transcripts can be sent to: appprocessing@redlands.edu
- Mail Submission: Official transcripts through mail submission must include an original signature of the school official(s) and be sealed in an unopened envelope. Transcripts should be mailed to:
University of Redlands
Graduate & Professional Enrollment
1200 E. Colton Ave.
Redlands, CA 92373
The Master of Architecture (MArch) degree program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and prepares students for Architectural Licensure in California.
In addition, the MArch degree program meets the educational requirements for Architectural licensure in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions under the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). However, students who wish to practice Architecture in a location outside of California may have additional non-educational requirements, such as exams and internship hours, that individual state licensing boards may require.
The California Architects Board (CAB) oversees architectural licensure in California. To become licensed, candidates must satisfy educational requirements and complete both the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the Architecture Professional Licensure webpage to see a full list of the U.S states and jurisdictions in which our programs meet the educational requirements.
Contact information and licensure requirements for the licensing authorities in other jurisdictions can also be found through the NCARB Licensing Requirements Tool.
Graduate Tuition (Excluding MBA)
$1,574 per credit
$35 - Technology Fee (per credit)
Fees (University of Redlands, Los Angeles campus)
$500 - Admissions Deposit (non-refundable)
$200 - Campus Life (per semester)
$600 - Early Arrival Fee
$100 - Graduate Architecture Association Student Fee (per semester)
$160 - Parking (All students; Los Angeles Campus) (per semester)
$120 - WUSO Woodbury University Student Orientation - Graduate
*Applicable Fee varies depending on the program.
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15
Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
Program highlights
Modality
In-person at Los Angeles campus
Credits
58-88
Courses per semester
3-5
Program length
24-36 months
Find us on campus
The Los Angeles campus in Burbank.
Why choose Woodbury School of Architecture?
The Master of Architecture program offers an Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) option recognized by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). IPAL provides participating students with a structured pathway to complete the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) and take the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) while earning their degree, potentially reducing the time required to become a licensed architect. Learn more →
Woodbury School of Architecture’s Making Complex gives you access to advanced fabrication tools, technologies, and collaborative making spaces. You’ll also have access to the Design Center, virtual reality facilities, gallery and exhibition spaces, digital fabrication labs, top-of-the-line computer labs, and additional making and creating facilities that support hands-on experimentation, fabrication, and design.
Woodbury School of Architecture supports students in building a strong foundation for professional practice while investigating the nature of practice itself. These experiences help you make informed choices about diverse career options in architecture and related fields. Learn more →
Our faculty are architects, designers, academics, and policy makers practicing throughout California. This internationally recognized and award-winning group works closely with students to teach the skills required to push the limits of practice.
Why choose Woodbury School of Architecture?
Upcoming Information Sessions
We’re so glad you’re interested in learning more about graduate programs at University of Redlands. Our graduate admissions team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Connect with us
Student work
Explore how MArch students translate ideas into meaningful design proposals through studio work, research, and making.
Alumni Spotlight
Bailey Bestul, MArch Class of 2023
Bailey came to Woodbury School of Architecture for its IPAL program, which allowed him to receive his architecture license shortly after graduating at the top of his class. His thesis project, Wasted Space, was published in DAMN Magazine and inspired his new book, Reuse of Architectural Components, which is based on his research as a Fulbright Scholar in the Netherlands.
Today, Bailey practices at a firm in New York City and conducts his own project work, including two recent standard plans for Los Angeles County wildfire survivors, through his firm, post-Architecture.
Making at Woodbury
Woodbury School of Architecture's Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) option brings together professional education, experience, and exam preparation. Hear how MArch students use this structured path to work toward licensure while earning their degree.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Explore the advanced fabrication tools, technologies, and collaborative spaces available to Woodbury School of Architecture students, including the Design Center, virtual reality facilities, galleries, digital fabrication labs, computer labs, and other creative spaces designed for hands-on experimentation and making.
Woodbury School of Architecture
Woodbury School of Architecture believes that instilling in students the joy of creative problem-solving, a curiosity about the world around us, and the value of professionalism will prepare them for a lifelong career that is financially, intellectually, and creatively rewarding. Learn about our programs, accreditations, faculty, and more.
Request for Information
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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