The Catholic University of America

Curriculum - M. Arch. with Advanced Standing

Intended for approved students with a B.S. Arch degree from CUA, the Master of Architecture program with Advanced Standing consists of 46 semester credit hours to be earned in design, history/theory, technology, planning and professional practice.

Program of Study

Number Description Credits

Semester 1
Arch 601 Themed Studio I 6
Arch Themed Studio Supplement 3
Arch 577 Advanced Theory (or approved equivalent) 3
Arch 608 Thesis Methodologies 3
Arch Elective (in concentration, if declared) 3

Total:

 18

Semester 2
Arch 603 Themed Studio II 6
Arch Themed Studio Supplement 3
Arch 600 Thesis Research 3
Arch 717 Practice Management 4

Total:

 16

Semester 3
Arch 609* Thesis (in concentration, if declared) 9
Arch Elective (in concentration, if declared) 3
Arch Elective 3

Total:

 15

*Completion of ARCH600 is a prerequisite for enrollment in ARCH609.

Students may request faculty approval to do a research thesis in place of a design thesis. These students substitute ARCH607: Written Thesis in place of ARCH609.

Students must achieve at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in order to fulfill the requirements for the degree. Since a C grade is passing but marginal at the graduate level, C grades are permitted in a maximum of one-third of the courses required for the degree.


Students may be allowed to repeat courses to improve their standing. In such cases, the highest grade earned in those courses will be considered in determining academic standing.