The NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Lawrence Technological University offers an innovative, technology-driven approach that integrates advanced design methodologies, environmental responsibility, and real-world problem-solving. Our program is designed to empower students with the critical skills and technical expertise needed to address contemporary architectural challenges, and is an essential step in becoming a licensed architect.
Have questions about the Master of Architecture program or the application process? Our Enrollment Coaches are here to assist! Whether you’re exploring programs, have questions about requirements, or ready to take the next step, we’re just a call or email away.
Learn when and where it fits your schedule; the program can be completed almost entirely online.
We believe the best learning environments are collaborative in nature, which is why we’ll provide you with resources and opportunities to work with professionals employed at the largest firms in the region. And you’ll receive real-time critiques and feedback from your professors.
Our collaborative experience personalizes your learning as faculty and peers get to know you and your aspirations – enriching your learning and professional goals through more supportive engagement in the classroom.
LTU is one of only four nationally accredited M.Arch programs that can be completed almost entirely online. As an online student, you are completing the same program as students in our M.Arch program on campus.
As a nationally renowned program focused on teaching, our faculty believe in student-centered learning. We keep classes small and coursework challenging but manageable — you’ll never feel like a number in an overcrowded classroom.
LTU has delivered the M.Arch program for 10+ years, with proven success through our alumni community’s impact in the field.
We keep pace with the cutting edge of technology in the architectural field, in our hands-on learning opportunities that prepare our students to successfully approach contemporary challenges in the field.
Track III of the M.Arch program is intended for students who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture or environmental design. This option specifically welcomes students who come to LTU with accomplishments and interests in other fields of inquiry with the expectation that such students will bring their interests and skills into the practice of architecture. Students are able to complete almost all courses for the M. Arch Track III program online (There is one, 4-credit summer course, the Design Build Studio, which requires students to work on campus for one week).
The information below is based on the Lawrence Technological University Graduate Catalog 2025-26. View our Course Catalog page for more information about our individual courses.
The Architecture Foundation Studio sequence is a series of three courses intended to introduce students to the principles and processes of architectural design. All courses in the AFS sequence address the elements of architecture and their contextual relationships as well as design tools, techniques, and processes. The first course in the sequence, Architectural Foundation Studio 1 (AFS-1), concentrates on the introduction of architectural elements and their relationships. The studio will develop architectural intentions using formal strategies at multiple scales. Varied digital and analogue techniques of visualization and representation will be explored. The primary purpose of studio will be to introduce students to the principles that operate within architectural design.
ARC5014
4
The Architecture Foundation Studio sequence is a series of three courses intended to introduce students to the principles and processes of architectural design. All courses in the AFS sequence address the elements of architecture and their contextual relationships as well as design tools, techniques, and processes. The second course in the sequence, Architectural Foundation Studio 2 (AFS-2), brings greater emphasis to meaning and process in architectural design. The studio will use principles developed in the previous studio to develop an understanding of the various priorities in the organization of architectural form through the application of method. Formal and phenomenological elements are examined alongside cultural and social issues of meaning. The primary purpose of studio will be to develop student knowledge of processes and sequences of design focused on decision-making.
ARC5024
4
The Architecture Foundation Studio sequence is a series of three courses intended to introduce students to the principles and processes of architectural design. All courses in the AFS sequence address the elements of architecture and their contextual relationships as well as design tools, techniques, and processes. The third course in the sequence, Architectural Foundation Studio 3 (AFS-3), focuses on more advanced refinement and development of architectural proposals. The studio will explore architectural design through traditional visualization methods alongside more experimental representational tools and techniques. The primary purpose of the studio will be to refine student knowledge in the relationship between visual practices and architectural development.
ARC5034
4
An intense investigation of the relationship between architecture, built environment and the public sphere addressing complexity of community contexts and needs. The exploration includes the varied and shifting ways in which architecture influences and is influenced by people and public life. The exploration includes an examination of the relationship between context and materiality, construction assembly and human needs. This includes issues of aesthetics, psychology, sociology, ecology, community development, politics, and tectonics, with the aim of making responsible and sustainable design decisions in the public sphere. 4 credit hours, 4 studio hours
ARC5044
4
Course not found.
ARC5126
6
Course not found.
ARC5804
0
Course not found.
ARC5800
6
Students complete an advanced-level design project that includes guided research, a design process, and a design proposition. The projects will respond to a specific studio topic determined by the instructor so that students can develop an understanding of the theories and principles of design, practice, and sustainability with a demonstrated ability to synthesize and integrate these understandings.
ARC5814
4
and
Students complete an advanced-level design project that includes guided research, a design process, and a design proposition. The projects will respond to a specific studio topic determined by the instructor so that students can develop an understanding of the theories and principles of design, practice, and sustainability with a demonstrated ability to synthesize and integrate these understandings.
ARC5824
4
-OR-
Advanced architectural research and critical investigation on a pre-selected and approved topic. The research topic is broadly based within architectural discourse with a clear theoretical position. Students expand and develop a year-long personalized program of architectural investigation in consultation with a supervisory committee. The topic of investigation should be not only of personal interest but also further the theoretical boundaries of the discipline of architecture.
ARC6514
4
and
Continuation of research and architectural investigation from Thesis 1. Final outcome of the project is determined by the student in consultation with the thesis committee and will have relevance to the discourse of architecture. Final grading is determined by the thesis chair in review with the final jury. The final jury includes members of the thesis committee.
ARC6524
4
Total Credits:
34
History and philosophy of architecture in a context of related arts, crafts, and designed setting, studied in significant periods of the western world of antiquity, the Middle Ages (including Byzantine and Islamic extensions), and the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
ARC5613
3
History and philosophy of architecture and related design studied in significant periods in Asian, Pre-Columbian cultures and in the modern world from the 18th century. Lect. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: ARC 3613 (min. grade D-).
ARC5623
3
A historical and theoretical study of the transformation of European and American architecture in the 20th century. Study topics may include the effects of urbanism and suburbia, architecture of commerce and everyday life, and everyday and political expression through building. Lect. 3 hrs Prerequisites: ARC 3623 (min. grade D-).
ARC4183
3
A comprehensive survey course of the theoretical positions of design through history culminating in the 20th century. The studies will track the origins, attitudes, and development of aesthetics in Western society. The class will follow developments in classical Greece, the Enlightenment and birth of modernity in Europe, the academic French architecture, the industrial age of England and the political upheavals of the early twentieth century Europe. Examples will include architecture, interior design, urban planning, engineering and industrial design, Lecture format with required papers.
ARC5643
3
Investigation of ecology and ecological systems in specific relation to design and the built environment. The course will explore both historical and current issues that illuminate global and societal concerns regarding ecology. Issues will be examined from a social, political, biological and practical perspective and address the current and future development of architecture. The professional role and ethical responsibility of the architect will be examined to foster ecological awareness and understanding of responsible practice. Case studies, readings, reports, and projects generate discussion around ecology and faculty lectures define relevant topics for debate and review.
ARC5423
3
Total Credits:
15
This course is an introduction to the behavior, analysis, and design of structural members and systems. It provides a basis for the understanding of elementary force flow in structural systems and an intuitive understanding of how systems react to and resist loads. This course introduces the theory of statics with analytical and graphical solutions. Topics include the determination of loads, the resolution of force systems, and equilibrium analysis; and structural principles related to shape (centroids and moment of inertia), the properties of materials (stress, stiffness, and modulus of elasticity), shear and bending moments, deflection, column theory, and elementary indeterminate structures. Instructional methods include lectures, advanced digital media, video, in-class problem solving, demonstration models, and the investigation of historical precedents. The course provides the knowledge of structural theory which is the basis for the code based procedures in subsequent courses.
ARC5513
3
This course is an introduction to the behavior, analysis, and design of structural members and systems. It provides an understanding of force flow
and load path in structural systems and how they react to resist gravity and lateral loads. This course introduces the theory of statics with analytical
and graphical solutions. Topics include determination of loads, resolution of force systems, equilibrium analysis, and structural principles related to
shape (centroids and moment of inertia). The properties of materials (stress/strain, stiffness, modulus of elasticity), shear and bending moments,
deflection, and indeterminate structures will also be studied. The course also includes methods of analysis for lateral stability due to wind and
earthquakes loads, the development of one and two-way span systems, the structural behavior and force flow in long span, high rise, and lateral
force structural systems. Instructional methods include lectures, advanced digital media, videos, in-class problem solving, demonstration models,
and the investigation of historical precedents. The course provides knowledge of structural theory, which is the basis for the code-based design
procedures in subsequent courses.
ARC5713
3
Structural Systems 2 expands on the general principles and methods of analysis presented in Structural Systems 1. It prepares students for both
quantitative and qualitative approaches to structural principles and analysis. Coursework includes design of steel, concrete, and timber structural
systems, the evaluation of structural members in linear frame systems, and addresses building codes and industry standards (IBC, ACI, NDS, AISC).
The course considers force and load transfer in systems and helps students develop an intuitive understanding of how systems react to and resist
loads. Students will evaluate a series of small project-based structural systems and design basic structural elements using steel, concrete, and wood
based on current structural codes. Instructional methods include lectures, advanced digital media, videos, in-class problem solving, demonstration
models, and the investigation of historical precedents.
ARC5723
3
This course is the first in a sequence of two that address building construction systems. The course introduces principles of construction materials and assemblies based on their properties, performance, and environmental impact. Course content will engage criteria for defining appropriate building structure and enclosure systems in response to qualities of durability, aesthetics, thermal performance, and energy resources. The course will also introduce building systems and life safety systems guided by standards of practice and building code regulations. Students develop construction drawings, models, and outline specifications to demonstrate ability and understanding of the course content and objectives.
ARC5313
3
This course is the second in a sequence of two that address building construction systems. The course focuses on principles of sustainable construction assemblies based on performance and environmental impact. Course content will engage criteria for defining appropriate building structure and enclosure systems in response to variables of geography, climate, thermal performance, and energy resources. Course content also includes building service systems and application of life safety systems through egress, accessibility, and code compliance. Students develop construction drawings, models, and outline specifications to demonstrate ability and understanding of the course content and objectives.
ARC5323
3
Course not found.
ARC5413
3
Course not found.
ARC5413
3
Total Credits:
21
*Courses require content of College Physics and Precalculus
This course focuses on leadership skills specific to the allied disciplines of design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will engage models of leadership relevant to a dynamic and evolving professional context. Course content will include typologies of leadership organization, principles of successful teamwork and collaboration, viable economic frameworks, ethics and design entrepreneurship.
DES4112
2
Advanced representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will deeply examine contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize an advanced hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Coursework visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.
ARC5813
3
Introduction to the theory and practice of information modeling, simulation, prototyping and fabrication within an architectural context. This course will introduce how information is structured and used in multiple levels of design development and implementation and the application of that information in formal and fabrication processes through generative and performative modeling. Students will be introduced to building information modeling and manipulation, parametric modeling, scripting, simulation, and analysis methods, as well as current standards in fabrication workflows.
ARC5823
3
Intensive study and application of research methodologies used for academic, theoretical, and design practice. The course will include historical and current methods of research in behavioral sciences, building sciences, and environmental design. The course utilizes computer applications and engages case studies in design research. Sources of research include those utilized in educational, governmental, professional, and legal environments.
ARC5013
3
An overview of the professional architectural practice from a regulatory, procedural and ethical perspective. The course addresses the NAAB standards for a professional degree program, the NCARB standards including the Intern Development Program, and the state laws governing requirements for licensure and professional practice. Topics include the history of the profession, professional services, contract documents, legal relationships, professional ethics and codes of conduct, governmental regulations, regulatory codes, and professional firm organization.
ARC5643
3
Total Credits:
14
Graduate CoAD Elective
5/6XX3
3
Graduate CoAD Elective
5/6XX3
3
Total Credits:
6
Students completing the LTU BSArch degree.
Students with a pre-professional architecture degree (e.g., BS Arch) from another institution.
Students with a degree in a related design field (e.g., interior design, landscape architecture).
Applicants to Track III of the M.Arch program are required to present the following documents for admission:
The minimum Bachelor’s degree GPA is 3.0 for acceptance into Track III. Track III students whose GPA is 2.80-2.99 are eligible for conditional admission. Conditional admission students must apply for the fall semester, and must earn a “B” grade or higher in their first studio course, as well as must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA at the end of the first semester to remain in the program.
Deadline: Summer Admission: March 1 / Fall Admission: August 1 / Spring Admission: November 15
For more information about these requirements or the program in general, please contact Rosalie Parks at rparks@ltu.edu or 248.824.6731.
THESIS (1+2) is a two-part academic course, part of the required Master of Architecture curriculum at Lawrence Tech.
The Design Build Studio is a charrette-style studio that balances between generative creative work, workshop instruction, and intensive feedback sessions.
The Master of Architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
As a part of the NC-Sara Reciprocity agreement, Lawrence Technological University is required to disclose publicly, the educational requirements for professions that require a license or certification to practice in that field.