Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
The Master of Architecture degree is a professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Its rigorous curriculum prepares graduates to become leaders in architectural practice, design research, and academic scholarship.
A carefully structured sequence of design studios forms the core of the program, complemented by coursework in history and theory, technology, professional practice, and visual studies. The final year culminates in advanced elective studios led by distinguished designers, with the additional option to pursue a thesis. A broad range of elective seminars offers opportunities to deepen knowledge in design, history/theory, and technology and address societal questions relevant to architecture.
Third-year travel studios underscore a strong commitment to international study and engagement with contemporary global transformations. The aim is to equip students with the intellectual and technical tools to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world and contribute to the discipline as critical, creative, and independent thinkers.
Program Director
Ferda Kolatan, Associate Professor of Architecture
Students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture typically begin the program in June. To earn the Master of Architecture, students must complete a total of 31 course units (CUs) distributed as follows:
Students with an undergraduate major in architecture are typically admitted to the three-year program, with some exceptions depending on prior preparation. To earn the Master of Architecture, students must complete a total of 29 course units (CUs) distributed as follows:
Applicants with a four-year pre-professional degree in architecture may be granted one year of advanced standing based on portfolio quality, prior coursework, and the overall strength of the application.
To earn the Master of Architecture, students admitted with advanced standing must complete a total of 19.5 course units (CUs) distributed as follows:
Applicants who hold a five-year professional Bachelor of Architecture degree, or its equivalent, are not eligible to apply to the Master of Architecture program. They are encouraged to consider one of Weitzman’s post-professional Master of Science in Design degree programs.
The Master of Architecture program may be combined with certificate programs offered by the Weitzman School of Design. Students may pursue certificates in areas such as urban design, real estate design and development, environmental building design, historic preservation, and more.
|
YEAR 1 |
||
| Summer | ||
| ARCH 5000 | Summer Design Studio (Students without an undergraduate background in Architecture) | 2 |
| ARCH 7910 | Elements Workshop (All Students) | 0 |
| 0 - 2 CUs | ||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 5010 | Design Studio I | 2 |
| ARCH 5110 | History and Theory I | 1 |
| ARCH 5210 | Visual Studies I | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5310 | Construction I | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5350 | Structures I | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5990 | First Year Technology Lab | 0 |
| 4.5 CUs (full-time) | ||
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 5020 | Design Studio II | 2 |
| ARCH 5120 | History and Theory II | 1 |
| ARCH 5220 | Visual Studies II | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5320 | Construction II | 1 |
| ARCH 5360 | Structures II | 0.5 |
| ARCH 5990 | First Year Technology Lab | 0 |
| 5 CUs (full-time) | ||
|
YEAR 2 |
||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 6010 | Design Studio III | 2 |
| ARCH 6110 | History and Theory III | 1 |
| ARCH 6210 | Visual Studies III | 0.5 |
| ARCH 6310 | D3; Details, Data, Delivery | 0.5 |
| ARCH 6330 | Environmental Systems I | 0.5 |
| 4.5 CUs (full-time) | ||
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 6020 | Design Studio IV | 2 |
| ARCH 6340 | Environmental Systems II | 0.5 |
| ARCH 6360 | Material Formations | 1 |
| ARCH 6710 | Professional Practice I | 0.5 |
| ARCH 6990 | 600 Technology Lab | 0 |
| History/Theory Elective | with FMAH Attribute* | 1 |
| 5 CUs (full-time) | ||
|
YEAR 3 |
||
| Fall | ||
| ARCH 7010 | Design Studio V | 2 |
| ARCH 7710 | Professional Practice II | 1 |
| Elective I | in ARCH dept or with FMAR Attribute* | 1 |
| Elective II | in ARCH dept or with FMAR Attribute* | 1 |
| 5 CUs (full-time) | ||
| Spring | ||
| ARCH 7040 | Design Studio VI | 2 |
| Technology Elective | with FMAT Attribute* | 1 |
| Elective III | in ARCH dept or with FMAR Attribute* | 1 |
| Elective IV | in ARCH dept or with FMAR Attribute* | 1 |
| 5 CUs (full-time) | ||
| Total Course Units: | 29 - 31 CUs** | |
*Students may take their History/Theory, Technology, and Architecture Electives in any order.
**29 CUs are required for all students in the 3 Year Master of Architecture Degree. Students without an undergraduate background in Architecture are required to take a 2 CU summer studio which brings their total CUs to 31.
In 2017 the architecture faculty approved a revised curriculum for the Master of Architecture Professional Degree that improved the sequencing and scheduling of courses. The result was a change from 28 total course units to 29 total course units. Students who matriculated in 2016 or earlier completed their program with a total of 28 course units.
In 2025 the architecture faculty approved a curriculum change that added the requirement of a History/Theory elective that replaces one of the five general Architecture electives. Students who matriculated in 2025 and later will take one History/Theory Elective, one Technology Elective, and four (not five) general electives.
