Graduate Programs

Masters of Science in Architecture

At every educational level the department is dedicated to the professional practice of architecture. Within this graduate program, the particular challenge is to provide for enhanced professional competency through specialization and research achievement. The Master of Science in Architecture (MS ARCH) degree is a research program that provides an opportunity for specialization, as opposed to a Master of Architecture (M ARCH) degree that would lead to licensing in architecture for persons with a first degree in a field other than architecture. The MS ARCH. Program, therefore, prepares graduates who do not hold a Bachelor of Architecture degree for specialist and consultation positions in the broad field of Environmental Design within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. (Please note: The MS ARCH degree is not a first professional degree in architecture for licensing purposes.)

The MS ARCH graduate program specializes in six broad areas that are significant to the design and sustainment of the built environment: Innovating Material Practice; Design and Decision Systems; Computer-Aided Design; Building Science; Sustainable Architecture; and, Facilities Management. Each of these areas encompasses a wide range of potential study topics that may be selected for in-depth research subject to the interests and desires of the individual graduate student. However, regardless of the selected research topic students are expected to be knowledgeable of fundamental building science principles, and advanced information technology concepts.

MS Architecture Application Process

Graduate Study Areas

Graduate students are encouraged to build on the knowledge that they have gained from their previous academic studies and/or professional experience, as they acquire and contribute new knowledge in their chosen research specialization within one of the following broadly defined research areas.

Innovating Material Practice: The material practice specialization focuses on design integration through innovations in materials and material assemblies enabled by contemporary modes of digital fabrication and their impact on design and the construction process. Associated with the Digital Fabrication Laboratory, physical prototyping and material testing are integrated into the course of study and research. In addition, sustainable practices in digital fabrication from material economies to cradle to cradle methodologies as well as responsive envelopes are of particular interest. This study area promotes interdisciplinary work as an essential key to innovation in design and construction with connections to other disciplines including: Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, Material Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Study and research areas include but are not limited to: parametric design and fabrication of material systems, prefabrication, responsive envelopes, and material performance.

Sustainable Architecture: Study of the built environment as a low impact necessary enhancement of the natural environment in the service of man, including: renewable energy
systems; waste recycling; energy conservation concepts and practices; self-contained biospheres; materials of construction and embodied energy considerations; green buildings; and, unhealthy building environment.

Master of Science in Architecture Special Study Areas (pdf)

Architecture-MBA Pathway

This pathway is currently available only to those students who are enrolled in Cal Poly's Bachelor of Architecture or Bachelor of Landscape Architecture programs. During their fifth/final year of their architecture program, students can seek permission to informally enroll and start taking MBA courses in the Orfalea College of Business. Upon the completion of their degree, students become formally eligible to, and must apply and officially be admitted into the MBA program. 

The students can transfer up to 12 MBA units into their MBA program once they are admitted. These units can’t be counted towards both their undergraduate and graduate degree.  

Please note that all MBA courses are tagged for additional professional fees of $180/unit i.e., $720 total for each course.   

Required Documents: 

• Resume including education, employment, extracurricular/community activities, publications, if any, and memberships 
• Statement of Purpose: Summarize your career objectives and experience 

Mail/Email/Drop off to: 

        Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business 

        Graduate Programs Office 003-0409 

        San Luis Obispo, CA 93407  

        (805)756-2637 

        cobgmp@calpoly.edu 

MCRP: Architecture Planning Track

Students may request permission to enroll in Master of City and regional Planning (MCRP) graduate level courses during their fourth and fifth years of study. Upon completion of the BArch degree, students are eligible to formally apply for graduate student status in the MCRP program, and if accepted will have already completed a significant portion of the program.

Resources

• Cal Poly Admissions Web Site
• Request Info about Cal Poly
• CSUMentor On-Line Application
• Cal Poly Catalog

updated 07.25.23