Master of Architecture
The 3-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Woodbury University requires appr...
Master of Architecture
Burbank, California
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The 3-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Woodbury University requires approximately 93 graduate credits. It is an intensive, studio-centric curriculum that spans seven semesters, including a crucial summer fieldwork studio before the final year. The program aims to develop inventive designers who are committed to professional practice, theoretical discourse, and technological inquiry. A distinctive feature is its participation in the National Council of Architectural Registration Board's (NCARB) Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) initiative, which allows students to fulfill licensure requirements (Architectural Experience Program - AXP, and Architect Registration Examination - ARE) concurrently with their degree studies.
STEM-designated: Yes, Woodbury University's Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension in the United States. This extension allows for an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the initial 12-month OPT period, providing international graduates with up to three years of valuable professional experience in their field. The STEM designation reflects the program's emphasis on computational design, building science, industry practices, and technology.
NAAB-accredited: Yes, the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Woodbury University is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NAAB is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the U.S., and this accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous national standards for architectural education. Woodbury's NAAB accreditation ensures that graduates meet the educational requirements for architectural licensure in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions under the NCARB, preparing them for a career as a professional architect.
Curriculum: The 3-year M.Arch curriculum is structured around core design studios (6 units each semester) that form the heart of the program. Alongside studios, students engage in foundational and advanced coursework in areas such as Building (materials, construction, structures, environmental systems integration), Criticism (architectural history and theory), Visualization (digital tools and representation techniques), and Practice (the architectural profession). Electives provide opportunities for specialization. The curriculum culminates in a research topic studio and a Graduate Thesis Studio in the final year, requiring students to demonstrate comprehensive design and critical thinking skills. An integral part of the curriculum is the summer Fieldwork Studio, where students conduct directed research locally or abroad.
Research Focus: The Woodbury University M.Arch program integrates a strong applied research focus, particularly evident in its design studios and the culminating thesis project. Students are encouraged to engage with the architectural discourse of the city, making connections between their design work, new technologies, and built and natural environments. The program leverages the unique conditions of Southern California as an extended laboratory for investigation into contemporary architectural, environmental, and urban challenges such as population growth, environmental impacts, and aging infrastructure. The summer Fieldwork Studio is explicitly dedicated to directed research, allowing students to explore specific topics and develop new tools for understanding and contributing to the built environment.
Industry Engagement: Woodbury University demonstrates robust industry engagement within its M.Arch program, aiming to produce "future-ready leaders and entrepreneurs." The curriculum integrates practical professional competency and is designed to prepare students for direct entry into the profession. Key aspects of industry engagement include the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) initiative, which directly links education with professional experience (AXP hours) and examinations (ARE). The School of Architecture's career services actively assist students with portfolio and resume development, organize annual career fairs connecting students with firms (including prominent ones like AC Martin, AECOM, and BNIM), and maintain an online job board. The Alumni Council also actively engages with students through mock interviews and mentorship, ensuring strong connections between academia and practice.
Global Perspective: Woodbury University's M.Arch program fosters a significant global perspective. The program's design studios and theoretical discussions often address global urban conditions and challenges, recognizing the interconnectedness of contemporary architectural problems. The summer Fieldwork Studio offers opportunities for directed research abroad, exposing students to alternative ways of living and making architecture in different cultural contexts. Furthermore, Woodbury University attracts a diverse international student body, enriching the classroom environment with a variety of cultural viewpoints and approaches to design. This exposure prepares graduates to critically engage with and contribute to the built environment on a global scale.
Location
Burbank, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 46004
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.
Woodbury University is making quality education accessible and affordable to students from around the world. Understanding the financial challenges international students often face, the university offers a variety of scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and potential.
Talent and Program-Specific Scholarships: International students applying to creative fields such as Architecture, Animation, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Filmmaking, and Fashion Design may be eligible for additional portfolio-based scholarships. These are awarded based on the quality and originality of the student’s creative work and can significantly offset tuition fees.
Graduate Scholarships for International Students: While funding is more limited at the graduate level, some departments at Woodbury University offer scholarships for outstanding international applicants pursuing master’s degrees. Students applying to programs like the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) or MBA may qualify for competitive, merit-based awards. Graduate students are encouraged to inquire with their specific department regarding available funding opportunities.
A Master of Architecture (M.Arch) from Woodbury University, particularly the 3-year program designed for students with non-architectural undergraduate degrees, provides a comprehensive and professionally accredited pathway to a career in architecture. Located in the dynamic urban environment of Los Angeles, this STEM-designated program blends rigorous design studio work with a deep understanding of building technology, architectural history, and contemporary practice.
Licensed Architect: This is the primary and most direct career goal. Graduates, after completing the AXP (Architectural Experience Program) hours and passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) (often integrated through IPAL), can become licensed architects, responsible for the design, documentation, and construction administration of buildings.
Architectural Designer/Project Coordinator: Often a starting role, graduates work under licensed architects, contributing to all phases of design, from conceptualization and schematic design to construction documentation and visualization. They coordinate with various disciplines and stakeholders.
Urban Designer/Planner: Leveraging the program's focus on urban challenges and the context of Los Angeles, graduates can work on designing and planning larger-scale urban environments, including neighborhoods, public spaces, and infrastructure projects, for private firms or public agencies.
BIM (Building Information Modeling) Specialist/Manager: With expertise in digital tools and representation, graduates can specialize in BIM, creating and managing intelligent 3D models of buildings. This role is crucial for collaboration, clash detection, and efficient project delivery in modern architectural practices.
Sustainability Consultant/Designer: Given the program's emphasis on environmental challenges and sustainable practices, graduates can advise clients on environmentally responsible design strategies, material selection, and energy performance to create green buildings and achieve sustainability certifications.
Construction Project Manager: With a strong understanding of building technology, materials, and project implementation, graduates can transition into construction management roles, overseeing construction projects from planning to completion, ensuring adherence to design intent, budget, and schedule.
Architectural Visualization Specialist: Graduates skilled in digital representation and visualization techniques can specialize in creating high-quality renderings, animations, and virtual reality experiences of architectural designs for presentations, marketing, and client communication.
Design Technologist: This emerging role combines architectural knowledge with advanced computational skills. Design technologists explore and implement new technologies (e.g., parametric design, computational design, digital fabrication) to innovate design processes and solutions within architectural firms.
Real Estate Developer (with Design Acumen): An M.Arch degree provides a unique perspective for those interested in real estate development. Graduates can contribute to the conceptualization and feasibility of projects, understanding the design implications and value creation from an architectural standpoint.
Facilities Planner/Manager: Within large organizations or institutions, graduates can manage the planning, design, and utilization of physical spaces and facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of occupants and align with organizational goals.
