Master of Architecture (M.Arch)—Path C

3 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Notre Dame

Program Overview

The University of Notre Dame’s Master of Architecture (M.Arch)—Path C is a three-year professional degree designed for students who hold an accredited undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture, preparing them for professional architectural practice through studio-based learning, architectural history, theory, technology, structures, and environmental systems. Study experience: Students complete six semesters and at least 93 credits, including a semester of study in Rome, followed by a design thesis and formal presentation, giving students a distinctive combination of professional preparation, traditional architectural education, and international experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: The first year builds the essential foundations needed to transition into architecture from another discipline, beginning with Foundational Design I, Architectural History I, and Foundations & Theory. Students also develop technical understanding through Building Technology I, Structures I, Foundational Design II, and Digital Graphics, establishing the design, historical, theoretical, structural, and representational skills required for advanced architectural study.

Year 2: Students progress into more advanced architectural thinking through Foundational Design III, History of Rome, and Urban Elements & Principles, while developing knowledge of environmental and structural systems. The curriculum then moves toward a specialist direction, with the program historically offering Classical Architecture and Urban Design concentrations, including dedicated study in Rome.

Year 3: The final year focuses on advanced professional and design development, culminating in a Terminal Design Project and Professional Practice alongside concentration and elective coursework. Students complete and publicly present a design thesis and submit the required thesis book, providing a substantial final demonstration of their architectural abilities.

Focus areas: Classical architecture, traditional urbanism, architectural design, architectural history, theory, building technology, structures, environmental systems, urban design, Rome-based architectural study, and professional practice.

Learning outcomes: Develop architectural design capability, understand buildings within their physical and cultural contexts, integrate structural and environmental systems into design, apply architectural history and theory, develop professional skills, and demonstrate independent design ability through a thesis project.

Professional alignment (accreditation): NAAB-accredited professional degree: The M.Arch for students entering with a non-preprofessional undergraduate degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and satisfies the NAAB educational requirement for U.S. architectural licensure.

Reputation (employability rankings): Career outcomes: Notre Dame reports that 92–97% of graduates from its graduate architecture programs have secured employment in the field at or shortly after graduation over the past two decades; the School also reports that its graduate architecture programs rank #1 nationally for 10-year return on investment and #2 nationally for first-year post-graduation earnings, based on FREOPP data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch)—Path C at the University of Notre Dame is strongly studio-based, giving students repeated opportunities to develop architectural ideas through drawing, design, presentation, and a required design thesis. The program also includes a three-week summer intensive and one semester of study in Rome, Italy, where students engage directly with Rome’s historic buildings, public spaces, museums, libraries, and urban fabric. Internships are encouraged, while the annual Career Fair and preparation workshops provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with professional practice.

Studio-based design: Students progress sequentially through six semesters of studio coursework and complete and present a design thesis, building practical skills in architectural design and communication.
Rome immersion: One semester is spent studying in Rome, with learning extending through Italy and Europe; students analyze, draw, paint, and study architecture, archaeological sites, piazze, palazzi, churches, museums, and libraries in their original settings.
Internships: Internships are not required for graduation but are encouraged as part of the educational experience; the School holds a spring Career Fair and preparatory workshops for students seeking summer and full-time positions.
Digital tools: The Architecture Library provides 3D scanners, cameras, aerial photography and mapping tools, Oculus Rift virtual-reality equipment, public computers, scanners, and large-format printing to support the study and presentation of the built environment.
Makerspace: The Architecture Library’s 3D Makerspace provides multiple large- and small-format printers, supporting students in producing physical models and other architectural work.
Architecture Library: The Architecture Library supports both individual and group study with smart meeting rooms, digital conference technology, pin-up space, computers, scanners, specialized architectural collections, and rare architectural materials.
Research collections: Students can work with the Ryan Rare Book Room and Collection, which contains architectural treatises, sketches, technical drawings, prints, notebooks, correspondence, and architectural models for studying architects, buildings, and the built and unbuilt environment.
Research opportunities: Although the graduate programs do not require a research agenda, students can pursue individual research interests through independent studies and fellowships.
Teaching experience: M.Arch students may serve as teaching assistants in studio, lecture, and seminar courses, gaining practical experience supporting faculty and other students.
Design technology: Notre Dame combines traditional architectural skills with digital methods; the School specifically emphasizes hand drawing and watercolor alongside digital tools used by contemporary designers.
Facilities: Students learn within the School of Architecture’s dedicated facilities, including the Walsh Family Hall of Architecture, Architecture Library, digital design resources, studios, and fabrication resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch)—Path C at the University of Notre Dame prepares graduates for professional architectural practice, with the three-year program meeting the NAAB educational requirement for U.S. licensure. Graduates can build careers across architecture and allied disciplines, supported by Notre Dame’s strong employer network, annual career fair, and professional preparation.

Typical job roles: Architect, Architectural Designer, Urban Designer, Design Consultant: the professional M.Arch pathway provides a foundation for careers in architecture and related design fields.

Career services: Notre Dame’s School of Architecture provides career-fair preparation workshops, portfolio and interview preparation, access to the Notre Dame Career Center, alumni networking through IrishCompass, and opportunities to meet employers before and after graduation.
Employment statistics: 92–97% of Notre Dame architecture graduates have secured employment in the field at or shortly after graduation over the past two decades. For the M.Arch-3 program specifically, the 2023 outcomes report recorded 94% employed in architecture or allied disciplines, with 1% in academia, 1% pursuing further education, 1% in other activities, and 3% seeking employment.
Salary: $70,000–$75,000 per year was the reported starting salary one year after completing the M.Arch in 2023. Notre Dame also notes that architecture salaries generally increase substantially as graduates gain the experience required for professional licensure.
University–industry connections: 75 of the nation’s top architecture firms attend the annual Career Fair, where students meet leading U.S. firms and interview for internships and full-time positions. Notre Dame also highlights professional connections with firms such as Merrill Pastor & Colgan Architects and Yellow House Architects through its professional network and career activities.
Professional accreditation: NAAB accreditation value gives the degree long-term professional relevance because Notre Dame states that the M.Arch satisfies NAAB’s educational requirement for U.S. architectural licensure. The School’s next accreditation visit for its programs is scheduled for 2032.
Graduation outcomes: 94% of M.Arch-3 graduates were employed in architecture or allied disciplines in the 2023 outcomes report, demonstrating strong progression into professional practice. Notre Dame also reports that many students secure jobs before receiving their diplomas.
Professional preparation: Career Fair and employer interviews give students direct opportunities to connect with architecture firms, while internships are encouraged even though they are not required for graduation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the M.Arch, graduates can pursue Notre Dame’s Master of Architectural Design and Urbanism (MADU)—Path A, a two-year post-professional program for students holding a B.Arch, M.Arch, or international equivalent. Graduates may also pursue the Master of Science in Historic Preservation, while those interested in research, teaching, or advanced professional specialization can explore further graduate study and independent research opportunities.