man and woman lecturing in front of architecture model

Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture, available both on-campus and online, is a three and a half year first professional program, and was the first online offering to achieve National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accreditation. Our advanced education integrates ongoing, real-world design experience with creative classroom learning, offering hands-on opportunities and fostering valuable connections throughout your academic journey. If you possess additional architectural work and/or academic experience, you could be eligible to complete your Master of Architecture degree in just 2 years. Reach out to the Admissions office for further details on the best pathway for achieving your architectural education.

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The BAC Difference

Student looks over a large building model.

Take your licensing exams early: By engaging in professional practice experiences with design firms, community projects, research, and more and enrolling in BAC’s Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program, 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.
Choose your class format: You can choose to take each semester onsite or online to fit your schedule.
High-quality online education option: You’ll experience the same rigor as in our traditional classrooms but with the flexibility of online learning and full access to digital resources through the BAC Cloud Canopy.

Program Details

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 Master of Architecture academics and work simultaneously.

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

Fully Online Available

In addition to the traditional on-campus approach, the BAC offers two modalities for obtaining your Master of Architecture: Onsite or Online.

Both the onsite and online paths are available to all accepted graduate students, regardless of your transfer placement. The curriculum can be pursued at its full length for those without a background in design or expedited to completion in as little as two years for individuals with an undergraduate degree in design, making them eligible for maximum transfer credits.

The online path—the first accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board—features an eight-day intensive focusing on design studio or thesis, requiring a temporary pause in the work schedule. Intensives are available every semester in Boston for those who prefer in-person participation. Students will have the opportunity to network on our vibrant campus, these intensives transition to a fully remote format starting in year 2.

2022 Graduate Exhibit

Meredith Rutland, M.Arch'21

2022 Graduate Exhibit

Shatha Matar, M.Arch'22

STEM-OPT for International Students

International students in the Master of Architecture program participating onsite may be able to extend their time in the U.S. to pursue degree-related work experience for up to three years. To learn more contact International Student Services at ISS@the-bac.edu.