M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.Arch in Architecture
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The two-year M.Arch program is a 60-credit-hour professional degree that provides an advanced standing track for students with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S. Arch.) or similar pre-professional undergraduate degree. It aims to develop highly skilled and ethically minded architects capable of designing and shaping the built environment. The program emphasizes a "stewardship" philosophy, focusing on how architects can responsibly contribute to the welfare of the world through design. Students can pursue specialized concentrations, including Sacred Space/Cultural Studies, Technology and Media in Architecture and Interiors, Urban Practice, and Classical Architecture and Urbanism.
STEM Designated: Yes, the two-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at The Catholic University of America is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows them to apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after graduation, providing more opportunities for work experience in the U.S.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to integrate design excellence with theoretical and technical knowledge. It includes core studios focusing on areas like integrated building design and culminates in a capstone studio or independent thesis project. Core courses cover topics such as design process and methods, advanced structures, and professional practice. Students also select electives to complement their chosen concentration, deepening their expertise in areas like sacred space design, digital fabrication, or urban planning. The program fosters a balance of theoretical understanding and hands-on craft, preparing students for the complexities of architectural practice.
Research Focus: As an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity, CUA encourages a culture of critical inquiry across its disciplines, including architecture. While the M.Arch program is a professional degree, its research focus is integrated into the design studios and theoretical coursework. The School of Architecture and Planning emphasizes "Building Stewardship" as its core mission, which involves researching how design can contribute to human flourishing and responsible environmental practices. Students are encouraged to explore complex architectural problems and develop innovative solutions, often through their thesis projects within their chosen concentrations. This can involve researching historical precedents, exploring new technologies, or analyzing urban challenges.
Industry Engagement: The School of Architecture and Planning actively engages with the architectural profession. Faculty members often bring extensive practical experience to the classroom. The program leverages its location in Washington, D.C., which serves as an unparalleled laboratory for design, offering access to numerous architectural firms, governmental agencies, and cultural institutions. Opportunities for industry engagement may include guest lecturers, visiting critics from prominent practices, collaborations on studio projects with community organizations, and potential internship opportunities. The "Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure (IPAL)" option, while more commonly associated with the three-year M.Arch, demonstrates the school's commitment to facilitating professional development and licensure for its graduates.
Global Perspective: The Catholic University of America's M.Arch program inherently embraces a global perspective through its diverse student body and faculty, as well as its concentrations like "Sacred Space/Cultural Studies" which often involve cross-cultural contexts. Washington, D.C. itself is a global city, providing exposure to international architectural styles, policies, and practices. While specific study abroad programs are not always directly tied to the two-year M.Arch curriculum's intensive nature, the curriculum's broad approach to architectural history, theory, and urbanism prepares students to work in an increasingly interconnected global professional landscape. The program encourages a critical understanding of how architecture responds to varied cultural, social, and environmental contexts worldwide.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 49500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates emerge with advanced design skills, a strong understanding of building technologies, and a nuanced perspective on the cultural and ethical dimensions of architecture. Their capstone studio or thesis projects, often rooted in CUA's specialized concentrations like Sacred Space/Cultural Studies or Urban Practice, showcase their ability to tackle complex design challenges. This comprehensive preparation, combined with the professional networks fostered through faculty and D.C.'s vibrant architectural scene, positions them for success.
Licensed Architect: The primary career path, working in architectural firms to design and oversee the construction of a diverse range of buildings, from residential and commercial to institutional and public structures, after completing licensure requirements (experience and exams).
Architectural Designer: Specializing in the conceptualization and development of architectural designs, often collaborating with senior architects, engineers, and clients to translate visions into detailed plans and visualizations.
Project Architect: Takes a leading role in managing architectural projects from conception to completion, coordinating teams, ensuring adherence to design intent, budget, and schedule, and liaising with contractors and stakeholders.
Urban Designer/Planner: Focuses on the larger scale of cities and communities, developing master plans, analyzing urban systems, and designing public spaces to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments.
Sustainable Design Consultant: Specializes in integrating environmentally responsible practices into architectural projects, advising on energy efficiency, material selection, green building certifications (like LEED), and promoting ecological stewardship in design.
Historic Preservation Architect: Works to conserve, restore, and adapt historically significant buildings and sites, requiring expertise in architectural history, traditional building techniques, and regulatory compliance for heritage structures.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist: Utilizes advanced software and digital tools to create and manage intelligent 3D models of buildings, streamlining design, construction, and facility management processes for greater efficiency and collaboration.
Architectural Visualization Artist: Creates compelling renderings, animations, and virtual reality experiences to communicate design concepts to clients and stakeholders, leveraging strong digital modeling and graphic presentation skills.
Construction Project Coordinator: Works at the intersection of design and construction, assisting with site supervision, material procurement, scheduling, and quality control to ensure architectural designs are executed accurately on site.
Facilities Planner/Manager: Applies architectural understanding to manage and optimize the use of existing building spaces, overseeing maintenance, renovations, and future development plans for large organizations, corporations, or institutions.
