MS Architecture

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of New Mexico

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Architecture (MS Arch) at the University of New Mexico is designed for students seeking advanced, research-focused study in architecture rather than a professional architecture degree, with students developing an individualized research direction supported by faculty. The program suits students interested in areas such as Historic Preservation & Regionalism and Public Health and the Built Environment, combining research, theory, documentation, technology, planning, and specialized architectural inquiry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: The MS Arch is structured around advanced research rather than a fixed professional-studio sequence, allowing students to shape a program of study with their faculty advisor. In the Historic Preservation & Regionalism pathway, students can study ARCH/CRP/LA 590 – Historic Research Methods and ARCH/CRP/LA 591 – Introduction to Preservation & Regionalism, while ARCH 596 – Project–Thesis Preparation prepares them to develop their research project or thesis.

Final Research Stage: Students bring their chosen research direction into a substantial ARCH 597 – Master’s Project or ARCH 599 – Master’s Thesis, supported by approved electives selected in consultation with the program director. This structure allows students to investigate specialized architectural questions in depth rather than following a single prescribed professional curriculum.

Focus areas: Historic Preservation & Regionalism; Public Health and the Built Environment; advanced research in the built environment; historic and cultural heritage; preservation planning and design; health disparities and community design. UNM also identifies broader architectural strengths in building and urban design, healthy communities, arid-environment design, and Indigenous and regional design.

Learning outcomes: Students develop advanced research capabilities, investigate contemporary built-environment issues, apply research methods to architectural and community questions, and produce a substantial research project or thesis. The Historic Preservation & Regionalism pathway additionally develops knowledge of history, theory, documentation, technology, planning, conservation, and preservation design.

Accreditation: The MS Arch is a non-professional degree and is not accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Students seeking the professionally accredited route for architectural licensure should consider UNM’s Master of Architecture, which is NAAB-accredited.

Reputation: UNM identifies itself as an R1 top-tier research university, and its official rankings page reports university-level rankings from recognized publications. UNM’s official site currently lists No. 187 in U.S. News Best National Universities and No. 71 for Social Mobility among National Universities; a specific current QS or employability ranking for the MS Arch itself is not stated on the official program page.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the University of New Mexico Master of Architecture gain practical experience through design studios, digital modeling, fabrication, visualization, and interdisciplinary work within the School of Architecture + Planning. The program is based in George Pearl Hall, which provides dedicated studio spaces alongside computing and fabrication resources; students can also customize their studies through electives in areas such as visualization, fabrication, universal design, traditional materials, and community design.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Design studios: Students develop architectural projects through studio-based learning supported by the School’s design studios, fabrication resources, computing facilities, and interdisciplinary environment.
Digital design software: School computing resources include Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, Autodesk Form·Z, Rhino 3D, ArcGIS, and Adobe Creative Suite, supporting CAD, 3D modeling, visualization, image processing, and GIS work.
Computer Lab: The SA+P Computer Lab provides dedicated computing resources for students’ design, research, computational, communication, and fabrication needs, including large-format printing and scanning.
Fabrication Lab: The School’s Fabrications Lab supports hands-on exploration of materials and making, combining digital fabrication with traditional fabrication methods.
Digital fabrication: Students can work with laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC equipment, and other digital fabrication technologies for producing architectural models and prototypes. UNM’s Fab Lab also provides specific templates for Epilog laser cutters and Prusa Mini+ 3D printers.
Material experimentation: Fabrication resources support investigation of materials including wood, metals, plastics, and concrete, giving architecture students opportunities to connect design concepts with physical making.
Research and fabrication: The School positions its fabrication facilities as resources for both student and faculty research, with advanced modeling and fabrication technologies supporting architectural investigation and experimentation.
Interdisciplinary projects: Architecture students share facilities and participate in interdisciplinary activities with Landscape Architecture and Community & Regional Planning, including collaborative studio experiences and community-focused design work.
Community engagement: UNM’s architecture and planning programs have a history of studio projects involving clients and communities throughout New Mexico, giving students experience responding to real regional design contexts.
Indigenous design resources: Students can engage with the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute (iD+Pi) within the School, which supports culturally responsive approaches to design and planning.
Collaborative study: The SA+P Student Lounge provides 24/7 access, study tables for individual and group work, and direct access to the Computer Lab, supporting collaborative project development.
Safety and equipment training: Access to the Fab Lab requires completion of annual safety training and relevant area-specific training, preparing students to use fabrication equipment responsibly.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Architecture at the University of New Mexico prepares graduates for professional architectural practice while also opening pathways into design, construction management, marketing, and public- and private-sector work. UNM specifically notes that its architecture graduates go on to work across the development spectrum, including design, marketing, construction management, and firms of different sizes.

Typical career roles: Architect, Architectural Designer, Construction Manager, Urban/Community Design Professional

Career development: UNM Career Services supports students with one-to-one career counseling, résumé and cover-letter development, internship and job searching, networking, career fairs, employer information sessions, and access to Handshake for jobs and internships.
Employment and salary: UNM’s architecture career information reports architect salaries in New Mexico ranging from $47,250 to $112,850, with a $76,010 median, while the U.S. figures shown are $49,950 to $136,310, with an $82,320 median. UNM also provides alumni-outcomes and employment/earnings data through its institutional outcomes resources.
University–industry connections: Students benefit from faculty who are practicing professionals and from the School’s connections to the architectural profession; UNM’s architecture faculty have served on national architectural boards and journals and have received major professional and design recognition. The School also highlights alumni working in prominent professional leadership roles, including Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Professional accreditation: UNM’s Master of Architecture is the only NAAB-accredited professional architecture program in New Mexico. This accreditation provides important long-term professional value for students pursuing architectural licensure and demonstrates that the professional degree meets recognized national standards.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can progress into architectural practice, design and construction-related careers, public and private organizations, or broader leadership roles connected to the built environment. The program’s professional orientation, accreditation, faculty mentorship, and career-development resources provide a strong foundation for long-term progression in architecture and related fields.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Architecture, students can continue into advanced architectural research or related graduate study, including UNM’s Master of Science in Architecture, a research-based degree requiring an approved research project and committee chair. Graduates may also pursue doctoral-level study or specialized postgraduate research in architecture, design, urbanism, sustainability, or related built-environment disciplines.