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Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture

The onsite Master of Architecture is an 8 semester program and is the first professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board  that is part of the preparation for licensure. Your innovative education integrates ongoing, real-world design practice with innovative classroom learning so you’ll get hands-on learning and make important contacts throughout your degree program.

If you prefer to complete your degree at a distance, learn more about our Online Master of Architecture.

For those who have more architectural work and/or academic experience already, you may qualify for the 4 semester Master of Architecture degree program  to finish your degree even faster.

The BAC Difference

  • Take your licensing exams early: By engaging in professional practice experiences with design firms, community projects, research, and more and enrolling in NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP), you may be eligible to take your licensing exams while you earn your degree
  • Study with working professionals: Your instructors are leaders in the field and bring current perspectives on architecture into the classroom.
  • Prepare for your future: Through your curriculum , you’ll complete portfolio reviews that prepare you to present your work in a professional capacity, as well as a thesis of personal significance and larger value to the community and the discipline of architecture.
  • Real-world experience: You’ll receive guidance from faculty and industry professionals as you pursue concurrent practice experience  in design firms, community projects, research, and independent projects. 

A Faster Path to Licensure

Because the BAC is part of the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program, you can shorten the process to professional licensure by completing your M. Arch academics and work simultaneously.

girl holding her architecture model

Wide-Ranging Curriculum

  • Integrated building systems and technology courses help you investigate how buildings perform. 
  • History and theory courses place works of architecture into an evolving socio-cultural context so you can see how where we came from influences where we are today, and where you may go tomorrow.
  • Design studios build your capacity to combine multi-faceted ideas and innovate new ones, supported by media and making courses.
  • Media courses harness the power of digital and physical making, offering you a range of visual languages to communicate your ideas.
Program Details

STEM-OPT for International Students

International students in the M. Arch program may be able to extend their time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for up to three years. To learn more contact Maria Jenkins, International Student Advisor, at Maria.Jenkins@the-bac.edu.

Career Options

The M. Arch will prepare you for a variety of professional careers in the field of architecture, including:

  • Licensed architect
  • Architectural professor
  • Real estate developer
  • Design builder
  • Director of Virtual Design & Construction
The only reason I was able to accomplish this (Chicago Mobile Makers) was by coming to the BAC and being able to research it for my thesis. It's coming to fruition now, and I'm so excited to be able to bring architecture and design to underrepresented groups.

Maya Bird-Murphy (M. Arch ‘17), Founder and Executive Director Chicago Mobile Makers

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