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.

DAAP has one of the most rigorous yet comprehensive graduate programs. The curriculum provides the academic, as well as practical education, one could ask for.

Rakshita Jain, 2nd Year M.Arch

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:

ARE Pass Rates pdf

Statements and/or policies on learning and teaching culture:

Studio Culture Policy 

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!

Connect with our M.Arch Graduate Program:

Headshot of Vincent Sansalone

Vincent Sansalone

Master of Architecture Program Director

Headshot of Kim Lawson

Kim Lawson

Graduate Program Coordinator, Master of Architecture

Headshot of Alissa Gonda

Alissa Gonda

Graduate Student, School of Architecture and Interior Design

she/her/hers