Architecture (M.Arch.)
The Master of Architecture program emphasizes knowledge of humanist values as they impact contemporary design. It promotes the acquisition of comprehensive design skills through learning and doing — taking concepts and theories acquired in the classroom and using them in the real world.
The program addresses the increasing level of professional design services required in the 21st century, and the increasing globalization of architectural design. It utilizes its two locations in major urban areas — the New York/New Jersey metropolitan region, and Wenzhou, China — as resources for access to professional employment and training.
The two-year, 55 credit Master of Architecture degree is the culmination of Kean's 4+2 model for a professional degree in architecture: a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in architectural studies, followed by the professional master's degree. For students who did not major in architecture as an undergraduate, additional coursework may be required.

Students in the Master of Architecture program will attend classes in Kean's state-of-the-art Green Lane Academic Building with modern studios and classrooms.
The Classroom and Beyond
At Kean, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and labs. That's why we encourage you to get involved in clubs and organizations, study abroad at our campus in China or elsewhere and pursue internships that will advance your career. Find out more.
Admission Requirements
In addition to Kean University’s admission requirements:
- Portfolio Review (please submit your online portfolio through Slide Room at kean.slideroom.com
- Portfolio requirement is waived for students in Kean University's B.A. Architectural Studies program.
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 cumulative grade point average (lower GPAs will be considered based on overall strength of application)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Professional Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score reports
- GRE recommended but not required
Prerequisite Coursework
Students with an undergraduate degree other than architecture will need a transfer credit evaluation by the architecture graduate program coordinator. Additional coursework may be required.
Accreditation
In the United States, most 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 professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The NAAB grants candidacy status to new programs that have developed viable plans for achieving initial accreditation. Candidacy status indicates that a program expects to achieve initial accreditation within six years of achieving candidacy, if its plan is properly implemented.
In order to meet the education requirement set forth by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, an applicant for an NCARB Certificate must hold a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the NAAB; the degree must have been awarded not more than two years prior to initial accreditation. However, meeting the education requirement for the NCARB Certificate may not be equivalent to meeting the education requirement for registration in a specific jurisdiction. Please contact NCARB for more information.
Kean University School of Public Architecture was granted candidacy status for the following professional degree program in architecture:
Master of Architecture [prerequisite + 55 credits required]
Initial Candidacy granted: 2017
Next visit for continuation of candidacy: 2019
Projected year of initial accreditation: 2021

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