M.Arch in Architecture & M.S in Net Zero Design (Dual Degree)

Program Overview

The Catholic University of America offers a distinctive dual degree program: the Master of Architecture (M.Arch, 2-Year program) combined with a Master of Science in Net Zero Design (M.S.N.Z.D.). This integrated program is specifically designed for students who already hold a four-year pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture. It aims to prepare architects and designers to lead the crucial effort towards sustainable and high-performance building design, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of stewardship of the built and natural environments. The program combines a professional architectural education with specialized expertise in energy efficiency and sustainable practices, preparing graduates for a future where environmental impact and resource conservation are paramount.

STEM Designated: Yes, the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at The Catholic University of America is STEM-designated. This designation is significant for international students, as it may allow them to apply for an extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, providing additional work authorization after graduation. The Master of Science in Net Zero Design, as a specialized degree focused on building performance analytics and sustainable design principles, also falls under the STEM umbrella due to its technical and scientific nature.

Curriculum: The dual M.Arch (2-Year) and M.S.N.Z.D. program is a comprehensive 78-credit-hour program. The M.Arch (2-Year) component typically requires 60 credit hours and is designed for students with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. This curriculum includes core architectural studios, technology courses, history and theory, and professional practice. Students also pursue a concentration within the M.Arch, which can include areas like Sacred Space/Cultural Studies, Technology and Media in Architecture and Interiors, Urban Practice, or Classical Architecture and Urbanism. The M.S.N.Z.D. portion adds an additional 18 credit hours of specialized coursework. This includes a wide range of sustainable design principles such as greenhouse gas emissions and zero energy design, embodied energy and life cycle analysis, national and international green rating systems, ethical design, sustainable operations and maintenance, water conservation and management, and design for WELL standards. The dual degree allows for some overlapping credits between the two programs, enabling students to achieve both degrees at an accelerated rate, typically adding one additional semester to the M.Arch program duration.

Research Focus: The School of Architecture and Planning emphasizes a philosophy of "stewardship," focusing on how architecture can serve the common good and ensure a symbiotic relationship between human dignity, the environment, and society. The research focus within the M.Arch and M.S.N.Z.D. programs is heavily oriented towards building performance analytics and design innovation for sustainability. This includes exploring strategies for achieving net-zero energy buildings, reducing embodied carbon, and optimizing building performance through passive design, renewable energy integration, and advanced technologies. Students are encouraged to engage in critical inquiry from the scale of a building detail to the urban and regional scale, merging design with the realities of the built environment. Thesis projects often explore intergenerational living, accessibility, comfort, and friendship through placemaking, alongside energy efficiency. The program was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) in recognition of its commitment to teaching zero energy design best practices.

Industry Engagement: The School of Architecture and Planning at Catholic University actively fosters industry engagement. The program's mission to prepare architects for a future of sustainable design aligns directly with growing industry demands for environmentally conscious professionals. The curriculum is informed by current industry trends and best practices in sustainable design, including green rating systems and decarbonization strategies. The university's location in Washington, D.C., serves as an unparalleled laboratory for design, with access to numerous professional firms, government agencies, and organizations focused on sustainable development and urban planning. Students benefit from interactions with expert faculty who have extensive experience in both practice and teaching, and guest critics from relevant professional fields. This strong connection to the profession helps ensure graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the built environment.

Global Perspective: The dual M.Arch and M.S.N.Z.D. program inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing universal challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and sustainable development. The curriculum covers national and international green rating systems, acknowledging the global effort to mitigate climate change through design. The program's commitment to ethical design and stewardship resonates with global sustainability goals. While primarily rooted in the American context, the principles of net-zero design, decarbonization, and resilience are applicable worldwide, preparing graduates to contribute to sustainable practices in diverse international contexts. The emphasis on ethical design and preserving creation fosters a mindset that transcends geographical boundaries, aiming for global prosperity and environmental well-being.