Architecture
Degree Type
Master's
College
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
For individuals who
Enjoy the intersection of science and design. Want to creatively solve real-world design problems. Want to create meaningful spaces to improve lives and strengthen communities.
Looking for
A strong cohort of peers and professors. An accredited degree required for professional licensure. Experience creating a self-directed research and design project.
To become
- Building Restoration
- Commercial/Institutional Architecture
- Real Estate Development
- Residential Architecture
- Urban Design and Development
Program Description
NDSU offers a 5-year NAAB accredited, first-professional Master of Architecture degree program housed primarily in a beautifully-restored historic industrial building in downtown Fargo, which has emerged as an exciting, student-oriented urban district. Most students entering the graduate program in architecture come directly from the NDSU pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture program. The curriculum includes field trips to cities across the country and is supported by a professionally-staffed wood shop, digital media labs, and laser cutters and 3D printing for model-making. Both traditional and digital media are emphasized. An optional semester abroad, plus foreign study tours during summers are offered.
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
North Dakota State University’s Architecture program offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program:
- M.Arch. (pre-professional degree + 30 graduate credits)
- Next accreditation visit: 2026
Admission Requirements
- Students currently enrolled in the 4-year pre-professional degree at NDSU may apply to the Master of Architecture program. Transfer students with pre-professional or professional degrees in architecture from another school may be considered for admission to years 4 and 5 in the program, based on test scores, GPA, and portfolio review. Transfer students should contact the department directly before application to the Graduate School.
- Candidates must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to be considered for full graduate standing