Masters in Architecture - Design and Practice Concentration

The Graduate Concentration in Architectural Design and Practice at Lawrence Tech offers the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree to students who complete a program consisting of the required core courses, elective courses, and the advanced design and documentation studios or a thesis.  Most of the coursework may be completed online.  The courses may be completed in as little as 15 months, however, most of our students combine work in the profession with their education and so take more time to complete the degree.  Students who receive this professional degree are eligible to take the state administered NCARB Architectural Registration Examination and become licensed architects.

The purpose of Design and Practice is to prepare students to become knowledgeable, skilled, and innovative generalists in the practice of architectural design.  We emphasize the acquisition of critical design skills and readiness to assume positions in the management and leadership of design practices in our communities and nationally.  Our design studio instructors are recognized architectural designers from leading regional firms.  The studio sequence is supported by classes in professional practice and project management, design theory, research methods, and environmental issues.  Elective courses include instruction in legal issues, real estate, construction management, and other related subject areas; graduate courses in other fields may also be approved for elective credit.  From time to time, the College also offers special topics courses based on the interests of the faculty.  Interested and qualified students may elect to prepare a research-oriented thesis on a specialized subject of the student’s choice; this option is by approval of the faculty.

The Design and Practice Concentration intends to consider new options in architectural practice for the twenty-first century and to examine, with our students, alternative professional opportunities such as the role of research in practice, interdisciplinary practices, community service and pro-bono activities, and the place of the architect in other industries and public service.  We consider ethical design to be at the center of our commitment to the architectural profession and endorse the motto of Lawrence Technological University, “Theory and Practice.”

Core Courses

Design Studio or Thesis Courses

Approved Elective Courses

Admissions Requirements and Procedures

For more information about the graduate program, please contact:

Alice McHard
amchard@ltu.edu