Master of Architecture
The 3-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Woodbury University requires appr...
M.S. in Architecture
Burbank, California
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.S. in Architecture (MSArch) at Woodbury University is a one-year, three-semester program, comprising 36 units. Its intensive curriculum centers on the development and public dissemination of a thesis project. Students choose an area of concentration that allows them to build expertise in a specific system of thought and technique, collaborating closely with an advisor to define their project and conduct research. The program is designed to be highly focused, leading to a personal project that can sustain and energize future careers in various fields related to design, arts, or scholarship.
STEM-designated: Yes, Woodbury University's Master of Science in Architecture (MSArch) program is STEM-designated. This is a crucial advantage, particularly for international students, as it extends their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. The STEM OPT 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 chosen field. This designation underscores the program's emphasis on computational design, building science, industry, and technology.
Curriculum: The 36-unit MSArch curriculum is intensive and structured around the development of a thesis. Students initially assemble a thesis proposal in the fall semester, design the thesis project in the spring semester, and publicly disseminate it during the summer semester. Students select an area of concentration, which can include Design Computation, Interior Design, Sustainability, or Construction Management. Coursework within these concentrations supports the thesis research, covering advanced digital modeling, algorithmic design, parametric techniques, spatial planning, material selection, energy-efficient design, project management, cost estimation, and building codes. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of computational tools and methods and prepares students to explore complex architectural problems through their chosen lens.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Architecture at Woodbury University is inherently and deeply rooted in research. It serves as an "armature for independent research within the context of academic infrastructure." Each student is required to submit a research proposal during the application process and then works closely with a primary advisor to define and execute their thesis project. Recent MSArch research projects have explored topics such as rainwater harvesting, public space and mobility, landscape urbanism, infrastructure, adaptive reuse, and social impact design. The program encourages students to think of material research as a form of architectural authorship, whether at the building or urban scale, and provides access to resources like the Institute of Material Ecologies.
Industry Engagement: While the MSArch is a post-professional research-oriented degree, Woodbury University ensures its relevance to contemporary architectural practice. The program prepares graduates to productively contribute to today's conversations about contemporary problems and practices in architecture. Concentrations like Construction Management and Sustainability directly align with industry needs. Students have access to Woodbury's career services, which include portfolio and resume support, job boards, and connections with architectural and design firms. The program's emphasis on computational design and emerging technologies also keeps graduates at the forefront of industry innovation.
Global Perspective: Woodbury University fosters a global perspective within its M.S. in Architecture program by inviting students from diverse backgrounds and encouraging an exploration of "an expanded zone of interdisciplinary practice." The problems addressed in the curriculum, such as environmental challenges and urban conditions, are inherently global in nature. Students are encouraged to engage in a critical discourse that transcends local boundaries, preparing them to contribute to architectural discussions and solutions on an international scale. The diverse student body further enriches this global exchange of ideas and approaches to architecture.
Location
Burbank, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53424
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 Science (M.S.) in Architecture from Woodbury University is a unique, post-professional, and STEM-designated program designed for architects and related professionals seeking to specialize and engage in advanced research within the field. This one-year, 36-unit program culminates in a significant thesis project, allowing graduates to deepen their expertise in areas such as Design Computation, Interior Design, Sustainability, or Construction Management.
Architectural Researcher/Design Strategist: This role involves conducting in-depth research to inform design processes, materials, or building performance, often within larger architectural firms, research institutions, or think tanks. Graduates use their thesis experience to develop innovative approaches to architectural problems.
Computational Designer/Parametric Design Specialist: With a concentration in Design Computation, graduates are highly skilled in advanced digital modeling, algorithmic design, and parametric techniques. They work to develop and implement cutting-edge design solutions and workflows, pushing the boundaries of architectural form and efficiency.
Sustainability Consultant/Built Environment Specialist: Focused on the Sustainability concentration, graduates advise on environmentally responsible design, energy efficiency, and green building certifications. They work for architectural firms, consulting agencies, or sustainability organizations, guiding projects towards ecological resilience.
Construction Technology Specialist/Innovator: Graduates with a concentration in Construction Management can leverage their specialized knowledge to integrate advanced technologies into construction processes, optimize project delivery, or research new building methods and materials for efficiency and sustainability.
Interior Architecture Specialist/Researcher: Building on the Interior Design concentration, graduates apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to complex interior spaces, focusing on human experience, material innovation, and the integration of interior design with broader architectural goals.
Architectural Technologist/BIM Development Lead: This role involves a deep understanding of building systems and information modeling. Graduates develop and manage advanced BIM models, establish digital workflows, and provide technical expertise to ensure accurate and efficient project delivery.
Urban Systems Analyst/Researcher: Drawing from the broader understanding of architectural systems and their urban context, graduates can analyze and propose solutions for urban challenges, focusing on infrastructure, mobility, or environmental systems at a larger scale.
Academic/Educator/Doctoral Candidate: The MSArch program is designed to be an "armature for independent research," making it an excellent stepping stone for those pursuing doctoral studies (Ph.D. or D.Arch) and subsequent careers in academia, teaching, and advanced architectural theory.
Materials Researcher/Specification Specialist: With an emphasis on material ecologies and building technology, graduates can work for material manufacturers, research labs, or large architectural firms, specializing in the research, selection, and specification of innovative and sustainable building materials.
Design Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: The program fosters independent research and creative problem-solving, equipping graduates with the skills and mindset to found their own design practices, technology startups focused on architecture, or consultancies specializing in niche architectural solutions.
