School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
NAAB Accredited Professional and STEM Designated Degree
The M. Arch program locates the work of architecture at the intersection of disciplinary principles and professional competency. Ideas become impactful when translated into material conditions. The messy process of translation often results in imperfect but meaningful design proposals that address challenges of contemporary life. Embracing the compromise between ideal and real underscores our commitment to the here and now.
Master of Architecture is a STEM program. Learn more about STEM at Woodbury.
Apply Request Information Take a TourWoodbury’s M.Arch Officially Designated as STEM
All architecture and interior design programs at Woodbury have been designated as STEM degrees. The School of Architecture received approvals internally from the University Curriculum Committee and Office of Academic Affairs, and externally from WASC (WSCUC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Starting in the fall of 2020, students enrolling in the following programs will graduate with STEM-designated degrees:
Master of Architecture
Master of Science in Architecture
Master of Interior Design
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
All international students enrolled in these programs can now apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT (Optional Practice Training) for a total of 36 months.
ID Emphasis
Woodbury’s School of Architecture offers the unique opportunity to expand knowledge about Interior Design through a ID Emphasis. Four courses can be taken from the Interior Design program as electives in the MArch program to expand an understanding of human experience and interaction with space. Find out more about the courses through our Interior Design Emphasis page.
Careers
Woodbury School of Architecture supports our students in building a strong foundation for professional practice while investigating the nature of practice itself. These experiences prepare students to make informed choices regarding their diverse career options. Visit our School of Architecture Career Services page for more information.
Course Requirements
View the course requirements for our 2-year and 3-year M.Arch programs via the buttons below:
Alumni Spotlight
Woodbury University alumnus Henry Cheung graduated from the Master of Architecture program (MArch) in 2013. After his graduation he joined Bestor Architecture in Los Angeles and has worked on such high-profile projects as the Beats by Dre headquarters in Culver City.
“Beats by Dre HQ in Culver City is one of those projects that I will never forget. I learned and developed tremendously as a designer, creating spaces that were both conceptually profound, graphically punchy, while maintaining a balance between play and function.”
Faculty
Our faculty are architects, designers, academics and policy makers practicing in Los Angeles, San Diego and Tijuana. This internationally recognized and award-winning group works closely with students to teach the skills required to push the limits of practice.
Accreditation
NAAB: The MArch program at Woodbury School of Architecture is NAAB accredited.
WASC: Woodbury University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Woodbury University Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) and Master of Architecture (MArch) degree programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and prepare students for Architectural Licensure in California.
In addition, Woodbury University’s BArch and MArch degree programs meet the educational requirements for Architectural licensure in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions under the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). However, students who wish to practice Architecture in a location outside of California may have additional non-educational requirements, such as exams and internship hours, that individual state licensing boards may require.
The California Architects Board is the licensing authority for California. Among the non-educational requirements, a candidate must complete to receive a California license are the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the Architecture Professional Licensure webpage to see a full list of the U.S states and jurisdictions in which our programs meet the educational requirements.
Woodbury University will assist applicants and students as they navigate licensure requirements in other states and U.S. jurisdictions. Please contact Admissions at [email protected] or 818-252-5221.
Contact information and licensure requirements for the licensing authorities in other jurisdictions can also be found through the NCARB Licensing Requirements Tool.