Architecture: Track 3, MARCH
Master of Architecture in Architecture, Track 3 Concentration
Professional Master of Architecture Degree - Limited Standing
The School of Architecture offers an NAAB accredited professional MARCH 2+ (Track 3) degree program designed for students holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than architecture, or in architecture but not equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Students develop an individualized curriculum in consultation with their advisor resulting in a program that varies in length from two-and-a-half to three years. Upon completion of requisite background course work lasting between one semester and two years, students enrolled in the MARCH 2+ degree program follow the MARCH program of study. The MARCH 2+ (Track 3) program brings together students with diverse backgrounds to explore and grapple with the complexities of the environment and innovate through the design process.
To be eligible for admission to the MARCH 2+ degree program, the student must have by the term of enrollment:
1) Earned a four-year, baccalaureate degree
2) Completed one calculus class equivalent to U of I MATH 220, five semester hours
Joint Degrees
The School of Architecture, together with the graduate programs of computer science, urban and regional planning, and civil and environmental engineering, offers graduate programs leading to the following joint degrees: Master of Architecture and Master of Computer Science, Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning, and Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management) (Structures).
Admission
The admission grade point average for full standing in the Graduate College and the school must be at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). For applicants who meet the other requirements but have an admission GPA under 3.0, admission with limited standing may be permitted if evidence of exceptional qualification is presented.
Applicants are selected for admission on the basis of undergraduate academic performance and profession-related experience. Application material is evaluated by faculty members. The faculty's recommendations are based upon an appraisal of the admission grade point average determined from official transcripts, a portfolio or brochure of applicant's past work in architecture, a statement of objectives, three letters of recommendation, and relevant professional work experience.
Application forms for graduate admission and financial aid may be obtained from the Web site above. Application may be made on-line. Completed applications for the Masters or Doctoral programs must reach the Graduate Programs Office by January 15; students are admitted in the fall semester only. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for School of Architecture Masters Degree applicants; the GRE is required for all Doctor of Philosophy applicants.
All applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. A minimum score of 590 on the paper-based test or 243 on the computer-based test or 96 on the internet-based test is required. The University of Illinois also accepts IELTS (academic exam) score in lieu of TOEFL, with a minimum score of 6.5 and 6.5 in all sub-sections required.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for graduate students in architecture is available in the form of fellowships and assistantships (teaching, research, and graduate or resource). Qualified candidates are considered for financial support upon application and in subsequent years of study.
Master of Architecture in Architecture, Track 3 Concentration
Limited Standing
The School of Architecture offers an NAAB accredited professional MARCH 2+ (Track 3) degree program designed for students holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than architecture, or in architecture but not equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Students develop an individualized curriculum in consultation with their advisor resulting in a program that varies in length from two-and-a-half to three years. Upon completion of requisite background course work lasting between one semester and two years, students enrolled in the MARCH 2+ degree program follow the MARCH program of study. The MARCH 2+ (Track 3) program brings together students with diverse backgrounds to explore and grapple with the complexities of the environment and innovate through the design process.
To be eligible for admission to the MARCH 2+ degree program, the student must have by the term of enrollment:
1) Earned a four-year, baccalaureate degree
2) Completed one calculus class equivalent to U of I MATH 220, five semester hours
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's program page and the Graduate College Handbook.
This degree program can be completed with or without a thesis, the requirements are listed below:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Option | ||
| One course in architectural practice | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in architectural thought | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in professional practice | ||
| Four studios including two semesters of comprehensive design | ||
| One course in structural planning | ||
| Students must also complete prerequisites, which are determined individually and do not count toward the required number of hours required | ||
| ARCH 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 0 |
| Thesis Option Total Hours | 54 | |
| Non-Thesis Option | ||
| One course in architectural practice | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in architectural thought | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in professional practice | ||
| Four studios including two semesters of comprehensive design | ||
| One course in structural planning | ||
| Students must also complete prerequisites, which are determined individually and do not count toward the required number of hours required | ||
| Non-Thesis Total Hours: | 54 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Candidates must spend at least four semesters and earn at least half of the required graduate hours in residence. | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
Master of Architecture in Architecture, Track 3 Concentration
School of Architecture
Director of the School: Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Suárez
Director of Graduate Studies: David J. Isern
School website
117 Temple Hoyne Buell Hall, 611 Taft Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-7720
School email
College of Fine & Applied Arts
College website
Admissions
Overview of Grad College Admissions & Requirements