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Master of Science in Architecture

Develop your architectural research and design practice through the STEM-designated Master of Science in Architecture program at University of Redlands.

Degrees Offered

Master of Science

Program Types

Graduate

Mode of Study

On Campus

What is a Master of Science in Architecture (MSArch) degree?

A Master of Science in Architecture (MSArch) is a one-year graduate degree for architects and non-architects who want to explore architecture as an interdisciplinary practice shaped by aesthetic, social, and technical systems. You'll choose an area of concentration that helps you build expertise in a specific system of thought and technique. You'll develop a focused research agenda that connects your interests, academic goals, and future career plans to contemporary problems and practices in architecture. The degree can prepare you to pursue professional specialization, career advancement, research, entrepreneurship, or doctoral study.

The program welcomes a wide range of applicants, including:

  • Recent graduates of architecture programs who want to sharpen their focus prior to a professional career
  • Graduates of non-architecture programs who want to develop the architectural aspects of their work
  • Graduates who want to develop a research project with the goal of pursuing a doctoral program thereafter
  • Early- to mid-career professionals who want to develop a specific area of expertise

Why earn an MSArch at Redlands?

At University of Redlands, the MSArch program gives you the opportunity to develop a focused research project with close faculty support. During the application process, you'll identify an area of concentration and a primary advisor. Once enrolled, you'll work closely with your advisor to define your project, conduct research, and complete elective courses that support your work. In your final semester, you'll produce a thesis project, which may take the form of a publishable article, exhibition, or prototype. By the end of the program, you'll have developed a personal project that can sustain and energize your future career, whether as a designer, artist, filmmaker, game developer, entrepreneur, or scholar.

You'll also have access to resources across our design, media, and business programs, including virtual reality facilities, gallery and exhibition spaces, and digital fabrication labs. Beyond campus, you'll be encouraged to use Southern California as an extended network and laboratory, connecting your work to local archives, technical expertise, nearby industries, and the unique conditions that shape the region.

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 Science in 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.

Concentration options

The Master of Science in Architecture program gives you the flexibility to pursue an area of concentration that aligns with your interests, academic goals, and the expertise available within Woodbury School of Architecture. Examples of potential areas of concentration include:

The Construction Management concentration prepares students for leadership roles in the construction industry. This concentration includes coursework in project management, construction methods, cost estimation, scheduling, and building codes, equipping students with the skills to manage construction projects from conception to completion.

The Master of Science in Architecture program gives you the flexibility to pursue an area of concentration that aligns with your interests, academic goals, and the expertise available within Woodbury School of Architecture. Examples of potential areas of concentration include:

The Sustainability concentration emphasizes the principles and practices of sustainable architecture. Students will study energy-efficient design, renewable resources, green building certifications, and sustainable urban planning to develop environmentally responsible and resilient architectural solutions

The Master of Science in Architecture program gives you the flexibility to pursue an area of concentration that aligns with your interests, academic goals, and the expertise available within Woodbury School of Architecture. Examples of potential areas of concentration include:

The Interior Design concentration centers on the design and enhancement of interior spaces. This concentration covers topics such as spatial planning, material selection, lighting design, and the psychological and cultural aspects of interior environments to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Accreditation

WASC Senior College and University Commission
WSCUC: Western College and University Commission (formerly WASC)

 

 

Classes you'll take

To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.

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)
  • Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
  • Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits)
  • Unrestricted Graduate Elective (3 credits) 

Summer

  • ARCH 681 Graduate Thesis Studio 2 (6 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.

  1. 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 →
  2. Research proposal
    • Submit a 250-500-word research proposal in which you identify your area of concentration and potential thesis topic.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Interview with Department Chair
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Two (2) letters of recommendation
    • Submit two professional and/or academic letters of recommendation. Upload letters of recommendation directly through the online application.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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.

  • All MSArch applicants are eligible for merit-based scholarships, with awards ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 annually.
  • Graduate students are eligible to receive teaching or research assistantships, based on their GPA at the time of application, with stipends ranging from $3,000 to $6,000.
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.
How to apply
Program highlights
Modality

In-person at Los Angeles campus

Credits

36

Courses per semester

1-5

Program length

12 months

Apply now

Why choose Woodbury School of Architecture?

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?

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Making at Woodbury

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Woodbury School of Architecture’s Making Complex is a platform for experimentation and advanced fabrication. Discover how Woodbury is exploring new technologies to rethink the future of architecture and push the boundaries of design.

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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.

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