About the Program
The department offers an accredited professional Master of Architecture (MArch), a post-professional Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD), Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
Master of Architecture (MArch)
The Master of Architecture program is designed to provide students seeking their first accredited professional degree with a comprehensive and challenging education leading to the practice of architecture. Graduate students have the flexibility to choose a variety of paths within a two-to-three-year rigorous program, depending upon previous education and experience. The department makes no restriction as to the field of undergraduate preparation. However, the length of the required residence period, the number of required semester course units, and the specific list of required courses may vary depending upon undergraduate major, professional and other work experience, and previous graduate study, if any. The placement into the program will be decided by the Master of Architecture Committee upon reviewing the application.
Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD)
STUDIO ONE is a one-year post-professional design studio intended for those who have a professional (Bachelor or Master of Architecture) degree, and who wish to continue to explore current design issues in a stimulating, rigorous, and experimental studio setting. Students who complete the program will receive a non-accredited Master of Advanced Architectural Design degree. The two-semester studio course is at the core of the program and is integrated with required seminars, lectures, and workshops in design theory, history, urbanism, digital applications, and building technology.
Master of Science (MS)
This non-professional degree program offers the opportunity for advanced research in specialized areas within the architecture curriculum. This research degree is appropriate for those who already hold a degree in architecture but wish to study a particular subfield. The degree emphasizes course work and supervised independent research in one of the following areas of study: Building Science, Technology and Sustainability as well as History, Theory and Society. Applicants from related disciplines may be accepted into the program, provided they demonstrate experience related to the discipline of architecture.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
This advanced degree prepares students with outstanding academic records for research and teaching in architecture and environmental design. It is a research-oriented program, in which the student chooses specific fields of specialization, prepares sufficiently in the literature and research of those fields to pass written and oral examinations, and completes original research culminating in the written dissertation. The PhD program provides a detailed focus in specific study areas, including Building Science, Technology and Sustainability as well as History, Theory and Society.
Admissions
Admission to the Department
For specific admission requirements and deadlines for Architecture programs MArch, MAAD, MS and PhD, please go to the department website: http://ced.berkeley.edu/admissions/graduate/programs-deadlines/
Admission to the University
Minimum Requirements for Admission
The following minimum requirements apply to all graduate programs and will be verified by the Graduate Division:
- A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
- A grade point average of B or better (3.0);
- If the applicant comes from a country or political entity (e.g., Quebec) where English is not the official language, adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the iBT test, 570 on the paper-and-pencil test, or an IELTS Band score of at least 7 on a 9-point scale (note that individual programs may set higher levels for any of these); and
- Sufficient undergraduate training to do graduate work in the given field.
Applicants Who Already Hold a Graduate Degree
The Graduate Council views academic degrees not as vocational training certificates, but as evidence of broad training in research methods, independent study, and articulation of learning. Therefore, applicants who already have academic graduate degrees should be able to pursue new subject matter at an advanced level without the need to enroll in a related or similar graduate program.
Programs may consider students for an additional academic master’s or professional master’s degree only if the additional degree is in a distinctly different field.
Applicants admitted to a doctoral program that requires a master’s degree to be earned at Berkeley as a prerequisite (even though the applicant already has a master’s degree from another institution in the same or a closely allied field of study) will be permitted to undertake the second master’s degree, despite the overlap in field.
The Graduate Division will admit students for a second doctoral degree only if they meet the following guidelines:
- Applicants with doctoral degrees may be admitted for an additional doctoral degree only if that degree program is in a general area of knowledge distinctly different from the field in which they earned their original degree. For example, a physics PhD could be admitted to a doctoral degree program in music or history; however, a student with a doctoral degree in mathematics would not be permitted to add a PhD in statistics.
- Applicants who hold the PhD degree may be admitted to a professional doctorate or professional master’s degree program if there is no duplication of training involved.
Applicants may apply only to one single degree program or one concurrent degree program per admission cycle.
Required Documents for Applications
- Transcripts: Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts with your application for the departmental initial review. If the applicant is admitted, then official transcripts of all college-level work will be required. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) attended. If you have attended Berkeley, upload your unofficial transcript with your application for the departmental initial review. If you are admitted, an official transcript with evidence of degree conferral will not be required.
- Letters of recommendation: Applicants may request online letters of recommendation through the online application system. Hard copies of recommendation letters must be sent directly to the program, not the Graduate Division.
- Evidence of English language proficiency: All applicants from countries or political entities in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This applies to applicants from Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, most European countries, and Quebec (Canada). However, applicants who, at the time of application, have already completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a US university may submit an official transcript from the US university to fulfill this requirement. The following courses will not fulfill this requirement:
- courses in English as a Second Language,
- courses conducted in a language other than English,
- courses that will be completed after the application is submitted, and
- courses of a non-academic nature.
If applicants have previously been denied admission to Berkeley on the basis of their English language proficiency, they must submit new test scores that meet the current minimum from one of the standardized tests. Official TOEFL score reports must be sent directly from Educational Test Services (ETS). The institution code for Berkeley is 4833. Official IELTS score reports must be mailed directly to our office from the British Council. TOEFL and IELTS score reports are only valid for two years.
Where to Apply
Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page.
Doctoral Degree Requirements
Curriculum: 48 Units
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Field (Speciality) | ||
| Minimum of three courses per approved individualized study in one of the following fields of study: (3-4 unit graduate classes) | ||
Building Science, Technology & Sustainability | ||
History, Theory & Society | ||
| Outside Field(s) Two Options | ||
One outside field (not in department), minimum four courses (3-4 unit grad classes) | ||
Two outside fields, minimum two courses each (for students without a degree in Architecture, one must be within the Department but outside of Specialty from different faculty members. Considered Architectural Breadth.) (3-4 unit grad classes) | ||
| Methods Course Elective: one course, within the speciality (3-4 unit grad class) | ||
| Language (applies only to students in History, Theory & Society): one language, high proficiency or two languages, low proficiency | ||
| Written qualifying examination, followed by an oral qualifying examination | ||
| Dissertation submission with approval of the dissertation committee | ||
Master's Degree Requirements (MS)
Curriculum: 36 Units
The following list applies to all concentrations.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Field (Speciality) | ||
| Minimum of three courses per approved individualized study in one of the following fields of study: (3-4 unit graduate classes) | ||
Building Science, Technology & Sustainability | ||
History, Theory & Society | ||
| Architecture Breadth Area: for those without an architecture degree | ||
Minimum two courses within the department but from different faculty members (3-4 unit graduate classes) | ||
| Methods Course Elective: one course, within the speciality (3-4 unit graduate class) | ||
| Thesis submission | ||
Arch 299 (independent study) course sponsored by your thesis chair | ||
Master's Degree Requirements
Curriculum
Requirements for One-Year Master of Advanced Architectural Design: 24 Units
Post-professional degree students with a professional undergraduate Architecture degree.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 205A | Studio One, Fall | 5 |
| ARCH 205B | Studio One, Spring | 5 |
| Required Seminar in Humanities - 3 units | ||
| Required Seminar in Technology - 3 units | ||
Requirements for the Two-Year Master of Architecture: 48 Units
Students with a pre-professional BA or BS in Architecture. Placement will be determined by the Master of Architecture Committee.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 201 | Architecture & Urbanism Design Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 202 | Graduate Option Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 203 | Integrated Design Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 204A | Thesis Seminar | 3 |
| ARCH 204B | Thesis Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 207C | Professional Practice Colloquium | 1 |
| ARCH 207D | The Cultures of Practice * | 3 |
| ARCH 230 | Advanced Architectural Design Theory and Criticism * | 3 |
| ARCH 240 | Advanced Study of Energy and Environment * | 3 |
| ARCH 150 | Introduction to Structures * | 4 |
| ARCH 260 | Introduction to Construction, Graduate Level * | 3 |
| ARCH 270 | History of Modern Architecture * | 3 |
| Courses marked * may possibly be waived based on previous coursework. To be considered for a waiver, submit waiver form, equivalent undergraduate course description and syllabus, and transcript before the first semester. If a required course is waived, an advanced course in the same area will need to be taken. | ||
Requirements for the Three-Year Master of Architecture: 72 Units
Students without a pre-professional BA or BS in Architecture. Placement will be determined by the Master of Architecture Committee.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 200A | Introduction to Architecture Studio 1 | 5 |
| ARCH 200B | Introduction to Architecture Studio 2 | 5 |
| ARCH 200C | Representational Practice in Architectural Design | 3 |
| ARCH 207A | Architecture Lectures Colloquium | 1 |
| ARCH 207B | Architecture Research Colloquium | 1 |
| ARCH 207C | Professional Practice Colloquium | 1 |
| ARCH 201 | Architecture & Urbanism Design Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 202 | Graduate Option Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 203 | Integrated Design Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 204A | Thesis Seminar | 3 |
| ARCH 204B | Thesis Studio | 5 |
| ARCH 270 | History of Modern Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 207D | The Cultures of Practice * | 3 |
| ARCH 230 | Advanced Architectural Design Theory and Criticism * | 3 |
| ARCH 240 | Advanced Study of Energy and Environment * | 3 |
| ARCH 150 | Introduction to Structures * | 4 |
| ARCH 260 | Introduction to Construction, Graduate Level * | 3 |
| Courses marked * may possibly be waived based on previous coursework. To be considered for a waiver, submit a waiver form, equivalent undergraduate course description and syllabus, and transcript before the first semester. If the required course is waived, an advanced course in the same area will need to be taken. | ||
Faculty and Instructors
+ Indicates this faculty member is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award.
Faculty
Mark S. Anderson, Professor. Architecture, building design, BIM, integrated project delivery, building construction, school design, housing design, net zero energy desig, nurban design, building integrated modeling, IPD, design-build, prefabricated, modular, architecture in China, architecture in Japan, urban water.
Research Profile
William Andrew Atwood, Assistant Professor.
R. Gary Black, Associate Professor. Architecture, finite element modeling, finite element analysis, structure and space, experimental testing, timber connections, teaching structures, integrating structure and architecture.
Research Profile
Gail S. Brager, Professor. Architecture, comfort and adaptation in buildings, design and performance of offices.
Research Profile
Dana Buntrock, Professor. Architecture, construction industry, East Asian studies, architectural practice in Japan.
Research Profile
Tom Buresh, Professor.
Luisa Caldas, Professor.
Christopher L. Calott, Associate Professor.
Greg Castillo, Associate Professor.
Raveevarn Choksombatchai, Professor.
Renee Y. Chow, Professor. Urban design, architectural design.
Research Profile
Margaret L. Crawford, Professor.
C. Greig Crysler, Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, CED. Architecture, geopolitics of architectural discourse, globalization and social production of the built environment, architecture and identity.
Research Profile
Rene Davids, Professor. Architecture and urban design and theory.
Research Profile
Nicholas de Monchaux, Professor. Architecture, urban design and organization, natural and manmade systems.
Research Profile
Danelle Guthrie-Buresh, Associate Adjunct Professor.
Maria Paz Gutierrez, Associate Professor. Next-generation building systems, self-regulated facades, biologically inspired technologies, multifunctional materials.
Research Profile
Lisa M. Iwamoto, Professor. Architecture, design, materials research and fabrication.
Research Profile
Ronald L. Rael, Professor. 3D printed buildings, additive manufacturing, earth architecture, mud, dirt, dust, U S -Mexico border wall, arid landscapes, ranching, acequias, alipne deserts, ceramics, rural architecture, ruralism, animation, digital modeling, furry buildings, unnatural materials, rasquachetecture.
Research Profile
Stefano Schiavon, Associate Professor. Energy, architecture, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, building energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, productivity, wellbeing, sustainable building design, simulation and verification, personal environmental control system, energy simulation, underfloor air distribution, radiant, post-occupancy evaluation.
Research Profile
Simon Schleicher, Assistant Professor.
Andrew Shanken, Professor. Memory, visionary architecture, the unbuilt, paper architecture, heritage conservation, architectural representation, urban representation, diagrams, history of professions, historiography, world's fairs, expositions, California architecture, themed environments.
Research Profile
Kyle Steinfeld, Associate Professor. Digital design, design computation, data visualization, architectural representation, design methods.
Research Profile
M. Susan Ubbelohde, Professor. India, architecture, climate and architecture, Le Corbusier, Kahn, Correa, Doshi, culture and practice, daylighting design tools, software evaluation, sky simulator design, low-energy design, California residential industry.
Research Profile
Lecturers
Marco Cenzatti, Continuing Lecturer.
Roddy Creedon, Continuing Lecturer.
William W. Di Napoli, Continuing Lecturer.
Darell W. Fields, Continuing Lecturer.
Rudabeh Pakravan, Continuing Lecturer.
Charles Salter, Continuing Lecturer.
Emeritus Faculty
Christopher W. J. Alexander, Professor Emeritus.
+ Nezar Alsayyad, Professor Emeritus. Virtual reality, urban history, Architectural history, Middle Eastern Studies, cross-cultural design, cities and cinema, cultural studies of the built environment, environmental design in developing countries, housing and urban development, Islamic architecture and urbanism, traditional dwelling and settlements, urban design and physical planning.
Research Profile
Edward A. Arens, Professor Emeritus. Indoor environment, thermal comfort, occupant surveys, building environmental control, ventilation, wind, architectural aerodynamics.
Research Profile
Richard Bender, Professor Emeritus.
Charles C. Benton, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, thermal comfort, sunlight and shadow patterns, measurement of physical building performance.
Research Profile
Peter C. Bosselmann, Professor Emeritus. Urban design, architecture, city and regional planning, landscape architecture.
Research Profile
Jean-Paul Bourdier, Professor Emeritus.
Gary R. Brown, Professor Emeritus.
Mary C. Comerio, Professor Emeritus. Disaster recovery, housing impacts in disasters, loss modeling, performance based design.
Research Profile
Clare Cooper Marcus, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, landscape architecture, environmental planning, medium-density housing, public housing modernization, public open-space design, children's environments, housing for the elderly.
Research Profile
Galen Cranz, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, sociology of space, urban parks, Alexander Technique, chairs, ergonomics, somatics, body conscious design, social research methods for architecture and urban design, ethnography, programming, post occupancy evaluation and assessment, sociology of taste, housing for the elderly.
Research Profile
+ Sam Davis, Professor Emeritus.
Margaret Or Penny Dhaemers, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, electronic imaging, 2D and 3D.
Research Profile
Anthony Dubovsky, Professor Emeritus.
William R. Ellis, Professor Emeritus. Sociology, social issues in architecture and urban design.
Research Profile
Norma D. Evenson, Professor Emeritus.
Richard E. Fernau, Professor Emeritus.
Harrison Fraker, Professor Emeritus. Urban design, architecture, environmental design, passive solar, daylighting, sustainable design, sustainable systems, urban design principles, transit oriented neighborhoods.
Research Profile
Paul Groth, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, vernacular architecture, urban geography, suburban America, cultural landscape studies, housing (US).
Research Profile
Sara Ishikawa, Professor Emeritus.
Yehuda E. Kalay, Professor Emeritus. Virtual reality, new media, computer-aided design, design methods, colaborative design.
Research Profile
Lars G. Lerup, Professor Emeritus.
Raymond Lifchez, Professor Emeritus.
Donlyn Lyndon, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, structure of place, ethical dimensions of design.
Research Profile
W. Mike Martin, Professor Emeritus.
+ Richard C. Peters, Professor Emeritus.
Jean Pierre Protzen, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, design, planning, the logics of design, and construction principles of ancient civilizations, pre-columbian South America, architecture and construction, Tiwanaku in Bolivia, Tambo Colorado in Peru.
Research Profile
Stanley Saitowitz, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, architecture and cooking, urbanism and computers.
Research Profile
Maryly A. Snow, Professor Emeritus.
Daniel Solomon, Professor Emeritus.
Claude Stoller, Professor Emeritus.
Jill H. Stoner, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, architecture as fiction, derivation of spatial words, Jewish ghettos in Italy.
Research Profile
Stephen Tobriner, Professor Emeritus.
+ E. Marc Treib, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, East Asian studies, Japanese architecture and gardens.
Research Profile
Sim H. Van Der Ryn, Professor Emeritus.
Contact Information
Department of Architecture
232 Wurster Hall
Phone: 510-642-5577
Graduate Student Affairs Officer
Lois H. Ito Koch
232D Wurster Hall
Phone: 510-642-5577