Are you considering a career change and passionate about architecture? The Master of Architecture career change program at Texas A&M University is designed to help you transition your existing skills and knowledge into the exciting world of architectural design. This intensive program teaches you to think like an architect, providing a fast-paced yet comprehensive curriculum that leverages your unique background.
This program serves as a bridge to the professional, NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program at Texas A&M, fully preparing you for licensure and a successful career as an architect.
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Discover the A&M Career Grad Program in Architecture
Successful completion of this career change program guarantees your seamless progression into the esteemed Master of Architecture curriculum at Texas A&M University.
Core Areas of Study
Our curriculum is designed to provide a robust foundation in key architectural disciplines, including:
- Architectural Design: Develop your creative and problem-solving skills through hands-on design projects.
- Visual Communication: Master the art of architectural representation through various visual media and techniques.
- Building Materials & Construction: Gain a comprehensive understanding of materials and construction methods essential to architectural practice.
- Structural & Building Systems: Learn the principles of structural engineering and building systems integration in design.
- Environmental Control Systems: Explore sustainable design strategies and building performance optimization through environmental systems.
- Architectural History & Theory: Delve into the historical and theoretical underpinnings of architecture, shaping your critical thinking and design philosophy.
“Trying to approximate four years of undergrad education in one-and-a-half years of Career Change was a wild, completely exhausting test of mind and body.”
Bill Poole ’94
Poolehaus Residential Design, an Award-Winning Kansas CIty-Based Design Firm
Curriculum Breakdown: Master of Architecture Career Change
The Master of Architecture Career Change program at Texas A&M is structured to provide a comprehensive and accelerated pathway into architecture for career changers. This intensive introductory curriculum is delivered over 42 credit hours, encompassing a 5-week summer introduction course, followed by fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Upon successful completion of the Career Change program, students advance directly into the Master of Architecture 2-year curriculum, solidifying their journey towards becoming licensed architects.
Semester-by-Semester Curriculum
Summer Semester – Intro to Architecture (5-weeks)
- ARCH 600 – Introduction to Architecture and Urban Design (3 credits): This introductory seminar and studio course lays the groundwork with topical readings, discussions, and short writing assignments. You will develop or refine essential skills in hand drawing, rendering, and model building, fostering creativity and productivity in a studio environment. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Graduate classification in architecture or instructor approval.
Fall Semester (15 credit hours)
- ARCH 601 – Design Fundamentals I (6 credits): An introduction to design vocabulary, graphic skills, research methodologies, and critical thinking. Students will design small-scale projects, exploring typologies and precedents as the foundation for architectural design. Prerequisites: Graduate classification in architecture or instructor approval; career change program, ARCH 600 and concurrent enrollment in ARCH 610.
- ARCH 610 – Visual Communications (3 credits): This course investigates and practices communication techniques for exploring, verifying, and presenting design decisions. Covering freehand drawing, graphic theory, mechanical drawing, and architectural presentation methods across various media. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or instructor approval; concurrent enrollment in ARCH 601.
- ARCH 612 – Structural and Environmental Technology Concepts (3 credits): An introductory overview of the technological systems architects encounter in practice. The course develops vocabulary, visual understanding, and familiarity with these systems. Prerequisites: Graduate classification or instructor approval; MATH 142 and PHYS 201 or equivalents.
- ARCH 689 – Architectural Envelopes (3 credits): Explores selected topics within architecture, with a focus on building envelopes in this instance. Course content may vary and can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or instructor/department head approval.
Spring Semester (15 credit hours)
- ARCH 602 – Design Fundamentals II (6 credits): Further develops design skills with an emphasis on philosophical doctrines influencing architectural theory. Studies place-making, space, form, and order, alongside world views, spatial manipulations, and design vocabulary. Prerequisites: ARCH 601, ARCH 610, ARCH 612 or instructor approval.
- ARCH 614 – Elements of Architectural Structures (3 credits): Investigates structural factors influencing architectural space and form. Introduces physical principles governing statics and strength of materials through timber and steel component design. Prerequisite: ARCH 612 or instructor approval.
- ARCH 615 – Elements of Environmental Control Systems (3 credits): Covers the theory and application of building energy use, envelope design, shading analysis, HVAC systems, lighting, plumbing, electrical, acoustics, fire protection, transportation systems, and construction materials. Focuses on design opportunities, calculations, equipment selection, and component sizing. Prerequisite: ARCH 612 or instructor approval.
- ARCH 689 – Contemporary Architecture (3 credits): Analyzes contemporary architectural practices, studying leading architects and their projects. Explores innovative design approaches, materials, technologies, current architectural theories, sustainability, and urban design trends. Develops research, visual communication, and presentation skills in architectural analysis.
Summer Semester (9 credit hours)
- ARCH 603 – Design Fundamentals III (6 credits): Focuses on the theory and practice of architecture, employing methods and techniques for analyzing and synthesizing concepts unique to spatial enclosure. Develops responses to building systems and objects in current cultural, physical, or social contexts. Addresses complex building programs, site development, and design solutions integrating formal expression and functional planning. Prerequisite: ARCH 602.
- ARCH 689 – Architectural History (3 credits): Explores architectural history topics. Course content may vary and can be repeated for credit.
Final Study Projects from Recent Graduates
“Rethinking the Box” explores the idea of revitalizing a vacant grocery store using a more human- and nature-centered approach to create a residential development that promotes social interaction, diversity, environmental care, and active living.
Oscar Garza Reza ’21
“As a designer, I believe the world is colorful, and composed of images which we use in order to compose the collages of our lives. I am interested in the way architecture acts as a catalyst for vulnerable communities and how design can be used to better the lives of those who experience it, ideally identifying the role architecture plays in the collages of our lives.”
Manuel Alvarado ’20
The idea of architecture for art is the driver for this project by building off the ideologies of Donald Judd and his critiques of museums for the sake of museums.
Michael Irving ’20
This project is a Waste to Energy facility in Wilmington Waterfront, Los Angeles, which integrates municipal waste treatment facilities with outdoor green roofs, indoor exhibition hall, and indoor visitor centers.
Ziyang Li ’20
Admissions to the Career Change Program
The Master of Architecture career change program at Texas A&M welcomes applications from individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field who are motivated to transition into architecture.
A harp player whose sensitivity influenced her building designs, a mathematician who designed amazing structures by calculating weight and balance to a very advanced level, and a psychology major who created the most beautiful equine center project he’s ever seen because she understood of how it should “feel” when people walked through it.
Marcel Erminy
More about requirements Apply
Admission FAQs
What Applicant Qualities Are You Seeking?
We seek applicants holding a bachelor’s degree who demonstrate a strong capacity and passion for pursuing a career in architecture.
How Can I Prepare for the Program Academically?
Prerequisites in math and physics are required for admission. Ensure you have a solid foundation in these areas.
Is a Portfolio Necessary for Application?
Yes, a portfolio showcasing your creative abilities and/or interest in architecture is mandatory. It can include:
- Reproductions of drawings, artwork, or graphic expression examples.
- Essays or papers on design or environmental topics.
- Illustrations from work experience in architecture or related fields.
What Is the Application Process?
Apply through Texas A&M GradCas and pay the non-refundable application fee. Your application must include:
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities.
- Three letters of recommendation (academic preferred).
- Comprehensive Goals statement.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae.
- Academic/professional portfolio.
Learn more about application requirements for the Master of Architecture Career Change.
What Follows Program Completion?
Graduates proceed to the 2-year Master of Architecture program.
What Are the Application Deadlines?
Refer to the university application deadlines. For financial aid consideration for fall admission, submit all application materials by December 15th.
What Financial Aid Options Are Available?
We offer competitive recruiting scholarships for admitted students.
Who Can I Contact for Inquiries?
For curricular questions regarding the Master of Architecture program, please contact Monica Garner.
Career Pathways After Graduation
The Master of Architecture program equips graduates with the necessary educational foundation for professional architectural practice. To become a licensed architect, graduates must gain practical experience and pass the architectural licensing examination.
Further career opportunities include:
- Design & Fabrication
- Research & Development
- Real Estate & Construction
- Community and City Planning
- Government and Social Work
- Teaching, Research, and Scholarly Pursuits
Texas A&M’s Career Change Program: Your alternative route to a Master of Architecture degree.
More FAQs about the Career Change Program
How Can I Prepare Academically for the Career Change Program?
Prospective applicants should aim for proficiency in math and physics to enhance their admission chances and potentially avoid prerequisite courses.
What Are the Prerequisites for Applying?
Applicants must hold a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Math and Physics are mandatory prerequisites for the Career Change program. Additional prerequisites may be assigned based on your proficiency in required coursework.
Is the Program Available Online?
No, our master’s programs are exclusively offered in a face-to-face format.
What is the Program Duration?
The Career Change program spans a 5-week summer introduction, followed by a fall, spring, and 10-week summer semester. It serves as a preparatory curriculum for the NAAB-Accredited Master of Architecture Degree program. Completing the Career Change Curriculum does not confer a separate credential or certificate.
Helpful Resources
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Contact Information
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Alejandro Borges
Associate Professor // Director of Professional Programs
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Monica A. Garner
Graduate Advisor/Senior Administrative Coordinator I
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