The School of Architecture offers a three-year, NAAB-accredited* first professional Master of Architecture (MArch) degree to students with either an undergraduate degree in architectural studies or an undergraduate degree in any other field of study. The studio-centered curriculum is supported by required and elective coursework in architectural technology and theory. The typical three-year course of study proceeds roughly through the following stages:
1. Incorporate the knowledge, techniques, methods and manners of the discipline;
2. Apply disciplinary means to frame and respond to the given problems and requests of external situations;
3. Expand the discipline by conducting advanced design research that identifies and addresses concerns that have yet to be recognized.
Advanced placement
Applicants with a four-year, pre-professional degree in architecture may be considered for advanced standing into the second year of the MArch if they have a background that includes a minimum of six design studios (eight preferred) and a portfolio that demonstrates studio work that the admission committee deems equivalent to one year of graduate design studio at UIC. Also required is upper-level course work in theory and history equivalent to Arch 531/532, at least one year of architectural and environmental technology, and one year of structures. Advanced placement is not guaranteed and is highly selective.