Essentials of an Online Master’s Degree in Architecture

Earning your online master’s degree in architecture may be a great way to take your educational credentials to the next level. Earning a master’s degrees may take two years to complete, but that can vary depending on the specific program, degree requirements, and your previous educational experience.  For example, if you haven’t yet completed your bachelor’s degree then you can expect the timeframe to increase. In general, online master’s degree in architecture programs are designed to help students enhance their knowledge of architecture—as well as develop and build on their critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and technology skills.

Potential Coursework Required to Earn an Online Master’s Degree in Architecture

Coursework for online master’s in architecture degrees will differ depending on the school and program, so always check with the school ahead of time so you know what to expect. In some cases, you may be required to take part in occasional on-campus sessions in addition to your online classes, so that’s something to look into when choosing a program. You’ll also be required to complete a final thesis or research project as part of your degree. Some examples of the types of courses you may take while earning your master’s degree in architecture include:

  • Research methods and programming
  • Architectural history
  • Architecture environmental behavioral studies
  • Architectural professional practice
  • Architectural theory
  • Architectural systems

As part of your coursework, you may also be required to take part in design studio courses, where you work on applying the architectural skills and concepts you’ve learned into designing drawings and three-dimensional models. Basically, it’s a way of putting the lessons you’ve learned in class into practice to help prepare you for the real-world work of an architect.

Accreditation for Master’s Degree in Architecture programs

Accreditation is important because it shows that a school or program has been vetted to ensure that it meets specific standards of quality. And, 34 of the 50 states currently require that architects hold a professional degree in architecture from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) . So, it’s definitely important to look into the regulations where you live before choosing a particular master’s degree in architecture program. In addition to a self-evaluation report from the program or institution; a visit and report on the program or institution; and a judgement by the NAAB board, NAAB accreditation also looks at the work of students to evaluate whether they are gaining the knowledge and skills needed in their respective programs. 

Is earning an online master’s degree in architecture a perfect choice for you? Check out the sponsored listings on this page to get more information on the topics above.


[i]ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/master.doc [ii]bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm#tab-4