Master of Architecture

• No more than six hours of tutorial studies (ARCH 593 and ARCH 600) can be counted toward the 99-hour minimum.
• All required 300- and 400-level architecture courses should be completed by the end of the first year.
• The following courses cannot be counted towards graduation requirements: ARCH 993: Teaching Methods for GSIs, ARCH 690: Architectural Curriculum Practical Training, ARCH 490: Architecture Spring Break Externship Experience, ELI 530: Academic Speaking and Writing for Architecture Students

A student must complete the 99 credit hours required for the M.Arch. degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and with a grade of C- or better in each required architecture course. Those students earning a cumulative GPA in the top 5% of their class shall graduate with high distinction; students earning a GPA in the top 5%-10% of the class shall graduate with distinction. These honors will be entered on the student’s transcript and diploma.

It is suggested that you speak with your faculty advisor regarding course elections, especially electives. The Architecture program uses Online Advising Files (OAFs), which students can request from Taubman College Student Affairs, to track and record a student’s progress towards completing degree requirements. The OAF is also used to finalize degree audits at the time of graduation. In addition, all students expecting the Master of Architecture Degree are required to apply to graduate online through Wolverine Access. This should be done at least three months in advance of the expected date of graduation. Students who meet this deadline will have their names published in the commencement program. Although faculty advisors and administrators may assist a student in arranging an academic degree plan, the student is ultimately responsible for meeting all program and degree requirements. If degree requirements are not completed for the commencement period to which the graduation application has been filed, a student must complete a new graduation application to be considered for graduation at a subsequent commencement date.

Course Waiver(s)

A student may seek a waiver of any course(s) listed as deficiencies in their letter of admission or from course(s) that are required for the master’s degree.  Course waivers should be requested upon your arrival in the fall and approved before the end of the official drop/add date for the current semester. Course waivers do not reduce the 99 credit hour requirement.

Take the form along with a copy of your transcript, course description, syllabus/reading list, to the instructor of the course you are requesting to be waived. In the case of a construction course, bring projects/drawings that you have completed as supporting evidence of your request for a waiver. The instructor will then review your material and approve the course waiver form. This form is then returned to the college registrar and placed in your file. A course waiver can only be approved by the faculty member currently teaching the course.

• Architecture Course Waiver Form (PDF)

ELI 530

Students who are non–native English speakers and do not have a four-year degree from an English-medium institution are required to take and successfully complete ELI 530, a two-credit hour architecture-specific English course offered by the English Language Institute (ELI) at U-M in their first fall term. ELI 530 is taken in addition to their regular architecture coursework and does not count toward degree requirements.

All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency. We will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement when processing applications for students who have a degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. Please submit either a TOEFL, Internet Based TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, or IELTS score report to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Institution code 1839) by the application deadline on January 6. Test scores must be no older than two years old to be valid. The minimum TOEFL score is 95 iBT; the minimum IELTS score is 7.0 (students only need to take one of the tests). U.S. citizenship does not exempt applicants from taking the test if his/her/their native language is not English. Taubman College does not accept Duolingo scores.

Ideally, all of your materials should be submitted by the deadline. We understand that some recommenders might need a few extra days, so we do allow a grace period. Please ensure all recommendations have been submitted within 2 weeks of the deadline so that our faculty review committee can offer your application a complete and holistic review process.

All applicants, including international students, are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Scholarship offers are included in admission letters in early-March. About one-third to one-half of Architecture students receive a scholarship, and the awards range from $5,000 to full tuition. Please note, full tuition awards are very rare and do not cover non-tuition expenses. Please see our ‘Paying for Your Degree’ page for more information.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, we also encourage you to complete the FAFSA so you can be considered for M.Arch need-based grants and other financial aid (use U-M Federal School Code 002325).

Students are eligible to apply for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions within Taubman College after their first semester in the M.Arch program. GSI positions are very competitive.