Architecture

Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture
Study of architecture at the Boston Architectural College features the college's model of concurrent learning: working in approved, paid, supervised positions in design firms during the day -- the "practice" component of the curriculum -- while studying several evenings a week at the BAC -- the "academic" component of the curriculum. Although each component has a sequence of its own, the two are designed to be concurrent, allowing progress in one to facilitate learning in the other.

Concurrent Curriculum
The academic component of the curriculum encompasses both Liberal Studies and professional education specific to architecture (Design Studio, History and Theory, Technology and Management, Visual Studies, and Thesis). The Design Studio sequence is at the core of the curriculum. Design studios generally meet three hours per week for review of student work completed between sessions and in-class assignments, but instructors may schedule additional time for individual critiques, special lectures, or field trips.

In the practice component of the curriculum, students work in area firms to earn a total of 54 credits in the following areas: Design Initiation, Design Implementation, Construction, Administration, and Related. One hundred hours of employment in an approved setting equals one practice curriculum credit. By fulfilling practice curriculum requirements while at the BAC, students usually earn substantial credit toward the three-year Intern Development Program (IDP) required to sit for the national licensure examination by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Many students qualify immediately upon graduation to take the examination.

Sequence of Study
Study is organized into three segments of approximately equal length:

  • In Segment I - Foundation, students acquire basic knowledge, skills, and awareness in both general and professional education.
  • In Segment II - Integration, students explore -- in breadth and depth -- the field of architecture. Emphasis is on integrating skills, knowledge, and awareness.
  • In Segment III - Synthesis, students pursue advanced professional courses related to individual interest. Segment III concludes with Thesis. Each student engages in a project that covers the process of design from conception through documentation. Thesis integrates academic and practice components of the curriculum and synthesizes professional and general educational learning.

Length of Stay
The M.Arch program takes approximately 5 years to complete. Length of stay varies, and can be reduced, depending on prior academic and work experience and participation in the optional academic-only first-year program.

Accreditation
The BAC's B.Arch and M.Arch programs are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

For more Information
To find out more about applying to the Master of Architecture program at the BAC, please contact Meredith Spinnato in the Admissions Office at 617-585-0239 or meredith.spinnato@the-bac.edu. We also welcome you to visit the BAC Admissions web page, to get additional information.