Architecture for Transfer and Post-Degree Students

Studio work

Detroit Mercy’s School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD) is known around the world for its focus on urban architectural issues, its dedication to sustainable design and its commitment to community service. The curriculum is built around four central pillars: co-operative education, study abroad, community engagement and hands-on lab and shop work. Students are prepared through studio work starting as a freshman that is built upon theory and history of architecture taught in small classes by professionals with extensive experience working in the field.

The School strongly encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities it presents to work outside the United States. A summer in Volterra, Italy, challenges students to look at architecture through the lens of an ancient city and an exchange program with the Warsaw Institute of Technology in Poland. This global perspective is vital to developing into a thoughtful, well-rounded architect.

A five-year accelerated Master of Architecture degree and a four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree are offered. Students who hold bachelor’s degrees from other institutions can earn master’s degrees in two to three years.

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    Students who hold a B.S. in Architecture from another institution - 1or 2-Year Path

    1-Year Path

    For students who have completed their undergraduate architecture studies at Detroit Mercy or transfer students beginning the program at various levels as undergraduate students and completing the requirements at Detroit Mercy for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture - completing the M. Arch. degree is a one-year program centered around the completion of a thesis project. The total length of the program, including undergraduate work for transfer students, is dependent upon the evaluation of transfer credits.

    Community College Transfer Students - We do admit community college transfer students at various levels of the program.

    2-Year Path Students with a B.S. in Architecture

    For students who hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from another institution, transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the applicant’s undergraduate experience was close or identical to Detroit Mercy’s program, then admission to the 1-Year path is possible. However, it is more common that an applicant in this situation may be admitted to the graduate program but will likely require one year of additional coursework prior to entering the master’s thesis sequence. A portfolio submission is required for applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in architecture.


    Contact University Office of Admissions

    All interested post-degree and transfer students should initiate the application process by contacting the University Admissions office.

    For additional information regarding admissions and to initiate an on-line application.

    For more information regarding the Architecture program, you may also contact the Dean or Associate Dean of Architecture at 313-993-1532.

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    Students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in another field - 3-plus Year Path

    For students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but it is possible to complete the professional master's degree in architecture in 3-1/2 years.

    Students with a degree in another field will begin as "post-degree undergraduate" students while they complete necessary undergraduate architectural coursework that serves as a pre-requisite for the graduate thesis year. For students who hold a bachelors degree in another field, transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but it is possible to complete the professional masters degree in architecture in three years plus one summer depending on previous experience.

    The admissions requirement for transfer students, including students who already possess a bachelor’s degree, is a minimum GPA of 3.0. Transfer students from an architectural program should also have at least a 3.0 GPA in design studio courses, and will be required to submit a portfolio for all previous design and drawing classes.

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    Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Detroit Mercy - 4-Year Degree

    Completing the 4-year (non-professional) bachelor's degree is useful for those individuals wishing to obtain a foundation in the field of architecture, as preparation for either continued education in a master's degree program or for employment options in architecturally related areas or other career paths. We offer the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree to students who have successfully completed the first four years of study, including one co-op, but do not wish to pursue the Master of Architecture degree, or were not accepted into the Master of Architecture level of the program.

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    Our five-year Master of Architecture degree

    Our five-year Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board.  With its strong focus on both the theory and practice of design, it is the recommended degree for students wishing to become practicing architects, since an accredited degree is a requirement for licensure.

    University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture & Community Development is internationally known for its focus on urban architectural issues, its dedication to sustainable design, and its commitment to community service.  At the core of our Architecture degree program is the hands-on rigor of its curriculum. Students will be in the design studio their very first semester and have access to the latest design and presentation technology, collaborating with some of the sharpest young architectural minds in the nation.