Graduate Master of Science in Architecture Degree

Master of Science in Architecture (MS Arch)

In addition to the above professional degrees, we offer a non-professional, research-based graduate degree (this degree is not accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board—NAAB):

• The 1½ Year Program of study (3 terms) facilitates advanced research. This post-baccalaureate degree is for students who wish to obtain an advanced research degree (the undergraduate degree need not be in architecture). Students are required to apply for a specific concentration of research supported by a group of faculty, and are further expected to take advantage of the special opportunities offered by this program and our unique physical / social setting to pursue individualized educational goals. The maximum time allowed for completion is 3 years. Current MS Arch Tracks: 

 

Historic Preservation & Regionalism:

At the University of New Mexico Historic Preservation and Regionalism Program, we believe in the transformative power of understanding and sustaining our shared cultural heritage. In an era where the preservation of historical and cultural environments is increasingly vital, our program stands at the forefront of preparing future professionals to address the challenges of our built environment history.

Historic preservation is not merely about conserving physical structures; it is about embracing the dynamic relationship between history and contemporary society. Our curriculum integrates rigorous training in history, theory, documentation, technology, and planning, providing students with a comprehensive foundation. Through specialized coursework and hands-on experiences, including classes and field study engagements, our students gain practical skills and theoretical insights necessary for careers in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, history, archaeology, conservation, and management.

Collaborating with national and international institutions and agencies, including esteemed partnerships with organizations and community engagement, our students benefit from unparalleled opportunities for study, internships, and sponsored research. These experiences not only enrich their academic journey but also prepare them to engage with the global and regional community of heritage conservation.

Our graduates emerge as leaders equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of historic preservation in the 21st century. Whether focusing on building conservation, site management, landscape preservation, preservation planning, or preservation design, our alumni are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the stewardship of the world's cultural heritage. They embark on careers dedicated to safeguarding and interpreting diverse cultural places, from historic towns and cities to archaeological sites and cultural landscapes.

Join us at the University of New Mexico Historic Preservation and Regionalism Program, where we empower the next generation of professionals to shape a sustainable future by honoring the richness of our past. Together, we preserve history for generations to come.

Director, Tim B. Castillo

Graduate Degree Requirements and curriculum

Public Health and the Built Environment track asks, how can designers and planners address health disparities and positively impact population health in communities? One’s zip code is a better predictor of health outcomes than almost any other factor, and the planned and built environment is a powerful determinant of community health. This track allows advanced students to develop a line of research about how the composition of the built environment shapes public health. Specific lines of inquiry are described in the list of faculty. Graduates will have learned about contemporary issues in urban/rural/community design, along with best practices in policy and design, including health impact assessments, context-sensitive design, smart growth principles and community engagement strategies. Track Chair: Michaele Pride

Graduate Degree Requirements and curriculum

Click here to download the official Degree Program brochure.

Contact:

Natalie Rowe, Graduate Advisor
saapadvise@unm.edu