Offered by: College of Environmental Design, Architecture Department
The curriculum matrix for the degree program may be found here. The curriculum matrix is the alignment of courses (curriculum) with the desired goals and student learning outcomes of the program. It shows what is taught and how these outcomes are achieved through the completion of the degree program.
The Department of Architecture offers programs of study which lead to the degree, Master of Architecture.
The Master of Architecture as a first professional degree (M. ARCH) is accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board. In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes two types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture and the Master of Architecture. A Program may be granted an eight-year, a three-year or a two-year term of accreditation, depending on its degree of conformance with established educational standards.
George Proctor, Chair
Victor Jones, Graduate Coordinator
Admission to the Program
For admission to the Master of Architecture program, an applicant must have received a baccalaureate degree, have attained an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants must complete courses in college algebra, trigonometry, and physics prior to beginning this program since these courses are prerequisites to the study of structures and environmental controls.
The M. ARCH program accepts students from varied academic backgrounds, including non-design disciplines, for a two- or three-year long program. For students with no previous study in architecture, two years of intensive course work precedes the final two semesters of the Master of Architecture program. If you are applying as a foreign student, please contact the Foreign Student Advisor in Admissions at (909) 869-5299.
All undergraduate and graduate students entering College of Environmental Design majors are required to purchase a computer that meets departmental specifications. All applicants are invited to check with their department office or go to the department’s website to obtain these specifications. Financial aid assistance for this computer purchase is available to students qualifying for Federal Student Aid (requested via the FAFSA application). Please contact the University’s Office of Financial Aid (909-869-3700) for additional information.
Before applying to the program, a transcript evaluation is required in order to qualify for Advanced Standing. Unofficial transcripts can be used for this review process. Contact the MArch. Graduate Coordinator.
Students holding a non-professional Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Architecture or a 5-year degree are encouraged to apply for advanced standing within the M. ARCH graduate program. Normally, two years of additional study in this advanced standing program may lead to the Master of Architecture degree. The final two semesters of the M. ARCH program require 30 semester units of academic work. Prior to graduation, all students in the M. ARCH program are required to fulfill 500 hours of NCARB recorded internship work.
The MArch program focuses on the basic knowledge and skills necessary to enter the Architectural profession and allows students to generalize their educational goals in preparation for professional practice.
The University’s Office of Admissions requires the following material sent directly to them or submitted via the CalStateApply (https://www.calstate.edu/apply) system that allows documents to be uploaded:
· Application
For questions regarding your application, contact Cal State Apply customer support by email at: CalStateApply@liaisoncas.com or by phone at: (857) 304-2087. When you apply on-line, be sure to print it out before you submit the application as you will need to send a copy of the application to the Department of Architecture. If you prefer to complete a paper application, please contact the Office of Admissions (909) 869-5299 for one.
· Transcripts
Official copies of your transcripts from ALL schools, sent directly from the schools, to the Office of Admissions.
The mailing address for these items is:
Office of Admissions
Cal Poly Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
In Addition to the materials above, the Department of Architecture requires the following materials to be emailed to the Department Office:
NOTE: Compiled materials must be emailed directly to: march_admissions@cpp.edu
Please note also that physical materials mailed to the Department of Architecture will not be accepted.
1. Application
A copy of your application (a PDF of the online application must be sent to the Department)
2. Transcripts
Official transcripts (sent directly from all of your undergraduate university(ies) for all coursework.)
3. Test Scores
TOEFL - regardless of citizenship, if the principal language of instruction for your bachelor’s degree was NOT English, the TOEFL or IELTS is required for admissions. Applicants should have the following minimum scores to be considered eligible: TOEFL 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet) or IELTS band score of 6.5. You should have your score prior to applying to the program. This score cannot be more than two years old. Official results must be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions and Outreach. You can refer to the Cal Poly Pomona International Student website https://www.cpp.edu/admissions/international/graduate.shtml or call (909)869-5299 for more information.
The GRE is not required however it is encouraged particularly if the applicant’s GPA is below 3.35
4. Statement of Purpose
Provide a statement of purpose of intentions, explaining your interests, motivations, and goals in pursuing a professional degree in Architecture. The statement of purpose should be on a separate sheet and NOT included in the application.
5. Recommendations
Three letters of recommendations from those in a position to assess the applicant’s potential for either the profession of Architecture or a master’s level academic program. (The recommendation should be written in letter format on letterhead, there is no form to complete.)
6. Portfolio
A digital portfolio (pdf), illustrating creative and analytic ability in written, visual, graphic, or mathematical form.
Personal interviews are not required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended but not required. Applications must be received no later than January 15th for admission consideration.
Supporting documents are due January 15th. Any material received after that date will not be considered part of the application. If you want confirmation that your materials have arrived, please use registered mail.
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