Master of Architecture

Program Overview

The M.Arch 3-Year Track at UB is an 84-credit hour program, typically completed over three years of full-time study. This demanding but rewarding program is structured to provide students with no prior architectural background the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. The curriculum begins with an accelerated introductory phase that merges into the core M.Arch curriculum, allowing students to develop a strong understanding of architectural design, history, theory, technology, and media. The program emphasizes integrated design, critical inquiry, and a deep appreciation for architecture's impact on society and the environment. It culminates in a research studio or a thesis project, demonstrating advanced design capabilities and critical thinking, preparing graduates for professional licensure and innovative practice.

STEM Designated: Yes, the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at the University at Buffalo, including the 3-Year Track, is STEM-designated. This designation is particularly advantageous for international students, as it allows them to apply for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension following their initial 12-month post-completion OPT. This offers international graduates a total of up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. in a field directly related to their degree, significantly enhancing their career opportunities and professional development in the architectural field.

NAAB Accredited: Yes, the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at the University at Buffalo is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NAAB is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States. UB's M.Arch program recently achieved the maximum, eight-year continuing accreditation by NAAB through 2032. This significant achievement underscores the program's adherence to rigorous national standards for architectural education. NAAB accreditation is essential for graduates seeking professional licensure to practice architecture in the U.S., ensuring that the program's curriculum and outcomes meet the necessary criteria for entry into the profession. The NAAB review specifically praised UB's "robust team of dedicated staff and clinical faculty who support students" and the program's "plurality of thinking [which] fosters a culture of open communication."

Curriculum: The 84-credit curriculum for the 3-Year M.Arch program is designed to provide a comprehensive architectural education from the ground up. The first year typically focuses on foundational aspects, including intensive design studios, architectural media (drawing, modeling, digital tools), and introductory courses in architectural history and theory, structures, and environmental systems. Students then merge into the core M.Arch curriculum, which emphasizes advanced design studios (including an Integrative Studio that combines design, building systems, and regulatory compliance), advanced seminars in theory and technology, and professional practice courses. Students also have the opportunity to explore electives that align with the school's research groups. The program culminates in a significant design project or thesis, showcasing their comprehensive understanding and design prowess.

Research Focus: The M.Arch program at UB places a strong emphasis on research, as evidenced by its five Graduate Research Groups: Inclusive Design, Ecological Practices, Material Culture, Situated Technologies, and Urban Design. Faculty and students engage in cutting-edge investigations that address critical contemporary issues in the built environment. This includes research on sustainable building techniques, the integration of design with public health (e.g., improving refugee health), the application of advanced computational tools and AI in architecture, and exploring the cultural significance of materials. Students in the 3-Year Track, like their 2-Year counterparts, are encouraged to integrate research into their design studios and culminating projects, fostering an evidence-based and innovative approach to architectural practice.

Industry Engagement: The M.Arch program at UB actively cultivates strong ties with the architectural profession and related industries. The "learn-by-doing" pedagogy, deeply embedded in the design studios and applied research, directly prepares students for the demands of professional practice. The faculty comprises both distinguished academics and accomplished practitioners who bring real-world experience and industry insights into the classroom. Located in Buffalo, a city with a rich architectural legacy and ongoing urban revitalization, the School leverages its environment as a living laboratory for design projects and community engagement. While specific industry recruitment activities may vary, the program's robust alumni network, coupled with career services support, facilitates connections between graduates and leading architectural firms and diverse career opportunities.

Global Perspective: The M.Arch program at UB inherently fosters a strong global perspective, recognizing that architectural challenges and solutions often transcend national borders. The curriculum encourages students to critically examine global trends in urbanization, climate change, social equity, and architectural theory, and to consider how diverse cultural contexts influence design practices. Faculty research and studio projects often delve into international case studies, exploring different architectural responses to universal issues. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with a variety of cultural viewpoints and approaches to architectural design and problem-solving from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to international architectural projects and to practice effectively in an increasingly interconnected globalized world.