California Baptist University offers a Masters Degree in Architecture (M. Arch.) that focuses on helping students develop the necessary skills needed to become an architect at the highest level. As students go through the program, they will experience artistic, technological, social, political, environmental, economic, and spiritual discourses. These discourses are critical aspects in the discipline of architecture. The curriculum provided in the program is one of a high standard in which students will be challenged with advanced practice, contemporary theory, and social engagement. In addition, individuals will become academically prepared, biblically rooted, globally minded, and equipped to serve when they attend CBU. This is quite beneficial because once students graduate, they will be ready to excel in a wide range of employment opportunities such as architect designer and project manager.
The CBU Masters Degree in Architecture has a thorough curriculum that students progress through. This curriculum gives students the tools that are needed to take their leadership skills to the next level with its real-world learning environment. Students benefit from mentorships and internships in professional offices, construction-site field explorations, involvement in active architecture projects, and learn from professional architects who teach classes and review projects. The classes that students take to earn their Masters Degree in Architecture include:
Lower Division Requirements
- Introduction to the Profession
- Design Studio I: Spatial Constructs
- Design Studio II: Programmatic Types
- Computer Modeling
- Architectural History I
- Architectural History II
- Statics and Strength of Materials
- Design Thought Foundations I
- Design Thought Foundations II
- 2D Visual Expression
- 3D Visual Expression
- Materials Engineering
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
- Physics for Architects with Lab
Upper Division Requirements
- Design Studio III: Architecture in the City
- Design Studio IV: Housing
- Architectural Theory I
- Sustainable Systems I
- Environmental Systems
- Structural Analysis
- Advanced Structural Systems
- Design Studio V: Comprehensive Studio
- Design Studio VI: Topic Studio
- Digital Fabrication
- Seminar Abroad
- Architecture and Urbanism Abroad
- Sustainable Systems II
- Architecture Internship
- Small Business Management
Graduate Level Requirements
- Design Studio VII: Topic Studio
- Thesis Research and Preparation
- Thesis Studio
- Professional Practice
- Entrepreneurship: The New Venture
Graduate Level Electives – Complete 9 units from the following
- Special Topics in Architecture
- History of Landscape Architecture
- Landscape Interventions
- Modern Architecture
- Architecture of Cities
- Directed Design Research
Students will be in an excellent position once they graduate with a Masters Degree in Architecture due to many employment opportunities becoming available for them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of architects is projected to grow 17 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS states that architects will be needed to make plans and designs for the construction and renovation of homes, offices, retail stores, and other structures. As campus buildings age, many school districts and universities are expected to build new facilities or renovate existing ones. Demand is expected for more healthcare facilities as the baby-boomer population ages and as more individuals use healthcare services. The BLS also states that demand is projected for architects with knowledge of green design, also called sustainable design. The rising energy costs and increased concern about the environment have led to many new buildings being built with sustainable designs.
A Masters Degree in Architecture from CBU will ensure a student gains a deep knowledge of architecture’s techniques, traditions, methods of inquiry and modes of production. In addition, integrity plays an important role when it comes to CBU teaching its students on how to conduct themselves when they start working. This is what makes CBU an excellent choice for individuals who want to become true professionals in the field of architecture.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Architects, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm