Click here to view a detailed description and typical program of study Virginia Tech undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Architecture program who are committed to pursuing a Master of Architecture degree may apply for admission to the Combined program . A three and one-half year professional degree program in architecture is provided for graduate applicants with degrees in fields other than architecture. The student is presumed to have undertaken little or no concentration in architecture prior to enrollment in the program. Students in this program complete a sequence of study to provide a foundation of environmental design abilities and to promote a basic understanding of the discipline. Students then pursue studies providing for development of capabilities in building design in support of fundamental human needs, and knowledge of building systems and the technical processes of construction.
Students also pursue elective study interests, perform independent research, and prepare a thesis.
Beyond the three academic years in this program, students are required to complete one additional full semester of study, usually during the summer. The first two years of this program should be in residence at the Blacksburg campus. Students may also spend a semester in residence at the Center for European Studies and Architecture in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. This graduate program results in the conferring of a fully accredited First professional degree in architecture. Masters degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, which, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education.