Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture program at �鶹��ý Lafayette combines professional rigor with a deep commitment to community, sustainability, and design excellence.

Whether you're continuing from an undergraduate architecture program or entering from a different academic background, our accredited M.Arch. program prepares you for licensure and leadership in a rapidly evolving profession.

The �鶹��ý Lafayette M.Arch is an NAAB-accredited professional degree.
Learn about accreditation, access NAAB conditions, and view accreditation reports »

Who Should Apply

Our program is ideal for students who:

Want to pursue a professional degree in architecture and work toward licensure.
Are passionate about using design to make a difference in local communities and environmental systems.
Seek a collaborative, hands-on learning environment grounded in real-world impact.
Are looking for a program that combines technical training with creative exploration.
Value sustainability, community outreach, and interdisciplinary research.

Key Features

NAAB-Accredited professional degree program (required for licensure in most U.S. states).
Three track options based on your undergraduate background.
Topic-based studios focused on regional and global issues.
Hands-on, community-focused design work in Acadiana and beyond.
Design-build opportunities, including sustainable, market-rate housing.
Coastal research studios addressing environmental and cultural resilience.

What You’ll Study

In the M.Arch. program, you’ll engage in:

Advanced architectural design studios that blend theory and practice.
Community engagement projects, where you’ll help cities, small towns, and neighborhoods visualize and plan for their future.
Environmental and coastal resilience work, with a focus on sustainability in �鶹��ý’s vulnerable regions.
Professional preparation coursework, including history, theory, building technology, and practice management.
You’ll graduate with a deeper understanding of the architect’s role in society and the technical, ethical, and creative skills to make an impact.

Explore the curriculum »

Real-World Experience

Our M.Arch. students have:

Designed and built affordable housing solutions.
Partnered with communities on redevelopment strategies.
Contributed to research promoting cultural and ecological resilience in �鶹��ý’s coastal areas.

Explore more career opportunities »

Pathways to Licensure

The Master of Architecture at �鶹��ý Lafayette is a NAAB-accredited professional degree, fulfilling the educational requirement for architectural licensure in �鶹��ý and most other states. Our curriculum meets national standards and prepares you to confidently pursue licensure after graduation. The program includes a total of 168 credit hours—123 undergraduate and 45 graduate credits—though your specific track may vary depending on your academic background.

If you’re planning to practice outside of �鶹��ý, we recommend reviewing your state’s licensure requirements to ensure a smooth path forward. Learn more about our accreditation »

How to Apply

Admission to the Master of Architecture program is managed through the �鶹��ý Lafayette Graduate School. In addition to the standard application materials, you’ll submit a portfolio of your work that showcases your design ability, creativity, and potential for success in the program.

We encourage you to begin your application early so you have time to thoughtfully prepare your materials. Strong candidates are those who demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking, and a clear commitment to using design as a tool for impact.

Start your application now »

Funding Your Degree

We’re committed to making your graduate education accessible and affordable. Many of our architecture students receive graduate assistantships, which offer a tuition and fee waiver, plus a monthly stipend. In return, you’ll work up to 20 hours a week in a role that enhances your academic experience and builds your professional skills.

These assistantships not only help reduce the financial burden of graduate school, but also provide valuable, résumé-building experience that supports your transition into practice after graduation.

Learn more about financial resources »

Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, application and admission requirements for the Master of Architecture degree program require submission of a portfolio of architectural design work for applicants with previous architectural education or experience.

Portfolio of Architectural Design Work

Applicants with previous architectural or design education are expected to submit a portfolio of work with a minimum of 4 projects, including at least 3 buildings, that shows evidence of the following:

Purposefulness
Critical thinking skills
Advanced communication
- Exemplifies traits of good writing
- Representation/graphics: process, 2D, 3D, and models
Design Synthesis
- Demonstrates clear decision making in the synthesis of user requirements, regulatory requirements, site conditions, and accessible design, and consideration of the measurable environmental impacts of their design decisions.
Building Integration
- Demonstrates clear decision making in the integration of building envelope systems and assemblies, structural systems, environmental control systems, life safety systems, and the measurable outcomes of building performance.

The portfolio should provide clear identification of academic or professional product, collaborations, and role.

The Master of Architecture degree requires a minimum of 45 credit hours of graduate coursework. The total number of required credits depends on your previous academic background, and we offer multiple entry points to accommodate students from both architecture and non-architecture disciplines.

If you have an NAAB-accredited undergraduate degree

If you hold a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from a program with a NAAB-accredited professional degree, you’ll complete the standard 45-credit-hour track. Your undergraduate transcripts will be reviewed to ensure you’ve met the NAAB Student Performance Criteria. In some cases, additional preparatory coursework may be required to address any gaps.

If you have another degree

If you earned a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than architecture, or a degree from a non-NAAB-accredited program, you will follow an extended 87-credit-hour track to ensure all professional competencies are met. Students with degrees in related design or environmental fields may be eligible for Advanced Standing, which can reduce the total number of credits needed. Final requirements are determined after a comprehensive transcript review.

Project vs Thesis Track

All students complete a capstone requirement by choosing one of two culminating paths:

The Master’s Project Track involves a comprehensive architectural design supported by a written component.
The Thesis Track includes a research-driven architectural design and a formal written thesis. Students pursuing this track must submit a proposal for approval during ARCH 565: Architectural Research and Programming.

No matter your background, we’ll help you build a personalized academic path that prepares you for licensure and professional success.

For a full breakdown of current fees, see the Current Tuition & Fee Schedules.

Because each student’s financial situation is individual, the Office of Financial Aid provides tools to help students estimate the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, equipment and supplies, and other expected expenses. Students are directed to the following resources:

Students can use the Estimated Costs Worksheets to estimate their costs for each semester.
Students can also use the University’s to determine the estimated cost of attending �鶹��ý Lafayette. This tool helps students calculate direct costs, including tuition, fees, food, and housing, as well as indirect costs, including books, course materials, supplies, equipment, and other expenses.

Estimated expenses in addition to tuition and fees

Over the course of attendance in the 87-credit-hour program, and in advance of beginning
the 45-credit-hour program, students can expect the following expenses in addition to
tuition and University fees:

Approximately $1,500 – Computer and Required Peripherals: A Windows-based laptop meeting School of Architecture and Design specifications, a three-button mouse, and a 1 TB external hard drive. This is generally a one-time purchase beginning in Year 2.
Approximately $350 – Required Books: Required architecture textbooks and reference materials used throughout the program. Costs may vary depending on whether students purchase new, used, rented, or electronic editions.
Approximately $260 – Drawing and Drafting Supplies: Initial drawing and drafting equipment, including sketchbooks, drawing paper, tracing paper, pencils and pens, drawing board, straightedge, architectural scale, T-square, drafting triangles, compass, and related hand-drawing and drafting tools. Many of these items can be used throughout the program.
Approximately $435 – Required Software:
- Rhino: approximately $195 one-time student license
- Adobe Creative Cloud: approximately $240 for the initial one-year student subscription
- Other software utilized in the curriculum, including Autodesk products, Ladybug Tools, Lumion, SketchUp, Twinmotion, and visualization applications, is available through free student versions or no-cost alternatives.

In addition to these initial expenses, students can expect to spend an estimated $650 per semester on consumable studio supplies, including model-making materials, paper, printing and plotting, adhesives, blades, presentation materials, and other expendable supplies required for design studio coursework.

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