Architecture, MS MS
Ready to deepen your expertise? The Master of Science in Architecture lets you shape a personalized path of advanced architectural studies, whether you’re preparing for a PhD or expanding your professional focus.
Develop specialized skills that set you apart in your chosen field or use the degree as a steppingstone to doctoral research. With flexibility to focus on scholarly or applied studies, you’ll work with expert faculty to shape a program that aligns with your goals.
Program Type
Master’s
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to study at the School of Architecture & Urban Planning
Guided by experienced faculty who are also professional architects, you’ll design a curriculum that aligns with your research interests or professional goals, from advanced architectural studies to targeted industry skills. You’ll also have opportunities to meet guest speakers and professionals, including many alumni, who can help you build valuable connections. And you’ll do it all with access to labs and facilities designed to support your growth.
But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself what it is like to be a student here by scheduling a visit to campus.
The Master of Science in Architecture (M.S. Arch) is a 30-credit advanced degree program for students and returning mid-career professionals who want to develop a specialized and personalized program centered on scholarly or professional studies and research.
For example, if you are interested in historic preservation, you’ll work with a dedicated faculty advisor to choose courses that leverage the expertise, advanced technology and vast professional network of the Historic Preservation Institute.
By crafting your course of studies in accordance with the program requirements, you can use your degree to explore your chosen field of research prior to a PhD, or you can shape and extend your expertise in a particular field relevant to your area of professional practice, giving you a competitive advantage in a targeted job market.
Review the Master of Science in Architecture requirements.
The Architecture MS is not accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).
How to Apply
Applying to a program offered by UWM’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning is simple with our detailed application instructions. Learn what materials to prepare and confidently take next steps with important dates in mind.
Graduate Assistantships + Scholarships & Aid
Graduate students may be eligible to receive funding support through teaching, research and project assistantships. Graduate assistantships typically include full tuition remission, annual stipend and affordable state health coverage through the university.
UW-Milwaukee offers a variety of cost-saving opportunities, including scholarships, grants, fellowships and residency-based tuition rates. Plus, we offer several scholarships available exclusively to School of Architecture & Urban Planning students.
Studios
Studios are the heart of your education. They push the boundaries of what is possible through architecture and challenge you to dive into specific topics in deep and meaningful ways. Design thinking, experimentation and critique come together in every project, and the creative energy of studio culture truly shapes your experience as an architecture student. Learn more about studios.
Externships
Our externship program offers direct access to professional practice and serves as a strong pathway to post-graduation employment. An externship is a short-term placement in architecture and urban planning organizations during UWinteriM and spring break. You’ll benefit from exposure to a variety of firms and experiences, networking opportunities and mentorship while building your professional network. Learn more about externships.
Study Abroad
We have a long tradition of offering diverse programs of international study led by our well-traveled faculty. These custom-designed travel opportunities happen throughout the school year and in the summer. Recent trips have taken students to France, Italy, England, Scandinavia and Japan. Take your education further with study abroad opportunities.
Research Opportunities
As a top-tier R1 research university, we’re experts at offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty in areas like ecological design, historic preservation and urban planning. With paid research positions at the undergrad and graduate level and a specialized Resource Center to support your research, there is no limit to what you might uncover. Learn more about research opportunities.
Student Organizations
Learn in action through architecture and urban planning student organizations. Opportunities include connecting with professional association leaders, attending national conferences and tackling real-world projects for clients and community partners. Plus, you’ll deepen your connections with faculty, mentors and fellow students. Check out our student organizations.
Labs and Facilities
Creating something new requires the right environment to experiment, take risks and practice technique. That’s why our labs and facilities are designed to support you throughout the design process, from initial research to rapid prototyping, woodworking and portfolio documentation.
Career Outlook
Where Architects Work
Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure that clients’ objectives are met and to review the progress of projects. Some architects work from home offices.
Most architects work full time and many work additional hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed architects may have more flexible work schedules.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Resources
We’re committed to helping you launch your career from your first semester to your first job and beyond. We offer a variety of ways for you to build your professional network and prepare for a successful transition into your career. Learn more about career resources.
Which faculty you have within this program depends on your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all School of Architecture & Urban Planning faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Teaching Assistant, Architecture
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Affiliated Faculty, Historic Preservation Institute
- bustosl2@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 327
- Teaching Assistant, Doctoral, Architecture
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- ismat@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 426
- Director, Historic Preservation Institute
- mjarosz@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5686
- Arch & Urban Planning 299
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- koch6@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4014
- Arch & Urban Planning 493
- Dean, College of the Arts & Architecture
- Professor, Architecture
- newmanw@uwm.edu
- Art 284
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Interim Head of School, School of Architecture & Urban Planning
- Associate Professor, Architecture
- reynol54@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 245
- Associate Professor, Architecture
- jshields@uwm.edu
- 262-385-0553
- Arch & Urban Planning 383
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- dfshuvra@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 426
- Associate Professor, Architecture
- Director, Design + Construction Initiative
- timmer@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 225
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Affiliated Faculty, Historic Preservation Institute
- aswagner@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 272A
- Associate Professor & Department Chair, Architecture
- wallick@uwm.edu
- 414-229-3221
- Arch & Urban Planning 251
- Professor, Architecture
- Director, Institute for Ecological Design
- Affiliated Faculty, School of Freshwater Sciences
- jwasley@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4045
- Arch & Urban Planning 293
