Master of Architecture
Professional, Design-Centered Approach to Architecture.
The University of Cincinnati's Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program is committed to the design and production of buildings that are useful, durable, meaningful, inspiring, and responsibly engaged with their physical, cultural, and social contexts.
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) graduate degree is open to students who have already earned a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture, as well as those who received undergraduate degree in a subject other than architecture.
The M.Arch program is committed to useful art, technical craft, and an ethical practice. The professional, design-centered approach encompasses this range of issues, preparing graduates for licensing and a critical engagement with the world of practice. This critical spirit does not simply accept presumptions and practices at face value but examines their provenance and consequences with a wary eye and an open mind.
I chose DAAP because of the co-op program, which lets you gain real-world experience while still in school. DAAP made it easy for me to switch from Architectural Engineering to Architecture through the master’s program.
Gabby Dashiell, M.Arch 1 / 2nd Year
Building the Future: Sophisticated Living
We’re proud to share that ten Master of Architecture students from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) were recently recognized in Sophisticated Living Cincinnati for receiving the Pella of Cincinnati Scholarship.
The feature highlights DAAP’s commitment to preparing future architects not just through rigorous coursework, but through real-world experience embedded in our nationally renowned co-op program. Students were selected for their exceptional insights into professional architectural competencies, skills vital for licensure and long-term success in the field.
The scholarship, designed in partnership with Pella of Greater Cincinnati, reflects DAAP’s longstanding reputation for academic and industry leadership. According to Vice President Fred Cernetisch, “Seeing the future of architectural design in their work, personalities, and ideas—it’s fantastic.”
Special thanks to Professor Alex Christoforidis for helping to shape the program, which empowers students to translate academic theory into applied knowledge with meaningful impact. This recognition is yet another example of how DAAP students don’t just study design, they build the future.
Sreya Killamshetty Builds a Sustainable Future Through Architecture
Sreya’s passion for architecture was sparked in her childhood home—an adaptive, hand-designed space created by her grandfather in South India that accommodated over 15 family members. That experience ignited a lifelong interest in space planning, adaptability, and the impact of design on daily life.
Now a practicing architect and entrepreneur, Sreya balances real-time design work in India with graduate studies at UC. Her commitment to sustainability is central to her philosophy, advocating that green design should no longer be treated as a trend, but as an industry standard aligned with the 2030 carbon budget challenge.
Despite juggling multiple roles, including co-running a dog bakery, working as a graduate assistant, and pursuing her degree, Sreya continues to lead by example, integrating her values into every project. Her story is a testament to the global reach and practical impact of a DAAP education.
We’re proud to have students like Sreya shaping the future of architecture—through sustainability, passion, and a drive to build spaces that stand the test of time.
From Pune, India to the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP, Master of Architecture student Nikunj Deshpande is preparing to leave his mark on the aviation industry and the world.
With a passion for designing large-scale, meaningful spaces, Nikunj will begin his post-grad career at renowned architectural firm Corgan, focusing on airport design. “Airports are monumental structures for any city,” he shared. “I feel lucky to collaborate on something that impacts so many people.”
Inspired by a family legacy of builders and especially his grandfather, a respected architect, Nikunj has always been drawn to designing environments that meet both functional and social needs. His academic work reflects that vision: in India, he explored equitable urban development, and at UC, he’s studying how flexible architecture can adapt over time, including repurposing historic structures for modern use.
The University of Cincinnati’s cooperative education model played a major role in his decision to study at DAAP. “Getting to both work and study is more rewarding,” he says. “UC allows students to be creative and ambitious while grounding them with practical experience.”
Nikunj’s journey is a powerful example of how DAAP students are shaping a future that balances innovation, inclusion, and real-world impact. We can’t wait to see where he lands next.
Japneet Kour Connects Culture, Community, and Design Through Architecture
For Japneet Kour, a Master of Architecture student at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP, design has always been deeply personal. Originally from Jammu in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, Japneet’s passion for architecture was sparked by her uncle’s work, seeing the joy and gratitude his clients expressed helped her understand the emotional impact that well-designed spaces can have on people’s lives.
With a dual love for architecture and photography, Japneet brings a unique visual sensitivity to her design work. “Photography taught me to see spaces as dynamic environments,” she explains. “It’s helped me design places that are both functional and emotionally engaging.”
Her thesis project is a powerful example of that philosophy in action. Japneet is designing a multi-functional cruise terminal at Victoria Port in Seychelles that blends tourism, culture, and community. Rather than a simple transit point, her vision reimagines the terminal as a vibrant hub where locals and tourists alike can connect, through shared spaces for dining, shopping, cultural events, and leisure. It’s a celebration of place, identity, and accessible design.
Clayton Virzi, a Cincinnati native, was recently spotlighted in Sophisticated Living for his innovative approach to adaptable architecture.
Blending a love for math, science, and art, Clayton brings a unique skill set to his designs—often integrating animation and virtual reality to create immersive walkthroughs of his architectural models. His thesis explores modular housing systems that adapt to life’s changing needs. Designed as a customizable kit of parts, his concept allows homeowners to add or remove space over time, offering flexibility for growing families or shifting lifestyles.
Influenced by his mother’s career in education, Clayton is also passionate about school design. He’s particularly interested in designing learning environments that emphasize collaboration and community, reflecting the evolving needs of students and educators alike.
His story is a powerful example of how DAAP students are using design to address real-world challenges and imagine more sustainable, adaptable futures.
Statement on NAAB-Accredited Degrees
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year term, an eight-year term with conditions, or two-year term of continuing accreditation, or a three-year term of initial accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established education standards. Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a non-accredited undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the non-accredited degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The University of Cincinnati School of Architecture and Interior Design offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs:
- M.Arch 1 (bachelor's degree of any sort + 99 graduate credits)
- M.Arch 2 (B.S. Arch + 64 graduate credits)
Next accreditation visit for M.Arch program is March, 2024.
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
NAAB Conditions and Procedures
University of Cincinnati’s Master of Architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NAAB Conditions and Procedures (2020 edition) are accessible to all students, faculty, and the public. Learn more about the current NAAB Conditions and Procedures for Accreditation.
Architecture Program Reports (APRs) and Related Documents
To promote transparency in the process of accreditation in architecture education the following documents are made available to all students, faculty, and the public.
All interim progress reports (IPR) and narratives of Program Annual Reports submitted since the last team visit:
2017 University of Cincinnati Interim Progress Report (IPR)
Most recent decision letter from the NAAB:
2015 University of Cincinnati Accreditation letter
Architecture program report (APR) submitted for the last visit:
2014 University of Cincinnati Annual Program Report (APR)
The final edition of the most recent visiting team report:
2015 University of Cincinnati Visiting Team Report (VTR)
NCARB ARE pass rates:
Statements and/or policies on learning and teaching culture:
Apply to our Master of Architecture Program Today
The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Architecture program features a multidisciplinary experience and a proven curriculum. Interested in learning more? Request more information today!
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