Graduate programs
The NAAB accredited professional Master of Architecture at Portland State University encourages substantive investigation of significant urban situations and prevailing architectural issues pertinent to contemporary human experience. It meets the demands of an accredited first professional degree in architecture as determined by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
Through a series of focused design studios, and courses in humanities, technology and the profession, the program encourages depth in questioning, aptitude in discursive thinking, and versatility in means of representation as each student assimilates the skills, knowledge and dexterity to negotiate the professional demands of comprehensive design while developing a mode of creative inquiry that extends beyond established conventions to possibilities yet to be tested in a critical arena. Student generated questions and polemics will form the inspiration for the final year Design Thesis exploration culminating in a unique thesis proposal fully articulated in drawings, models and text.
We offer two tracks towards the Master of Architecture: the 2-year track for candidates with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in Architecture (74 credits); and the 3-year track for candidates with a Bachelor's degree in any discipline (134 credits).
We also offer a Graduate Certificate in Public Interest Design consisting of coursework and fieldwork that will prepare future leaders in architecture and related fields to aid currently underserved populations throughout the world through sustainable design methods, with an emphasis on addressing social, economic and environmental issues.
Admission requirements
To be eligible to enter the 2-year Master of Architecture program a candidate must have completed a 4-year undergraduate pre-professional degree majoring in architecture (BA, BS or BFA), including at least 67.5 quarter credits (45 semester credits) of general education classes. To be eligible to enter the 3-year track a candidate must have completed a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Admission to the graduate program is based upon satisfaction of the institutional requirements together with competitive application. Submission materials include a portfolio of architectural design and other creative work, a statement of intent, undergraduate GPA, a GRE score, curriculum vitae, and at least 3 letters of recommendation. Please contact the School for detailed application information and deadlines.
Submission materials for the Certificate include the above with the statement addressing interest in public interest design and a proposed timeline for completing the Certificate. (A GRE score is not required for the Certificate.)