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Blended BARCH + MSARCH

The MS ARCH program is not taking new applicants. We anticipate a new revised MS ARCH program opening to new students starting Fall 2027. 

Blended Bachelor of Architecture + Master of Science in Architecture

The Cal Poly Blended BARCH/MSARCH Program provides advanced Cal Poly undergraduate students with an efficient way (5+1) to complete a BARCH and MSARCH, with both degrees being conferred simultaneously upon graduation. Students work with the Graduate Coordinator to achieve a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate status. Students must complete their BARCH thesis project in addition to their MSARCH final project. Interested students are welcome to email Clare Olsen at clolsen@calpoly.edu or make an appointment at https://calendly.com/clareolsen/appointment to discuss the program.

The post-professional Master of Science in Architecture (MS ARCH) Degree is not a NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture. Read more about the differences between professional/non-professional degrees and requirements for licensure at NCARB. 

For more information about Blended Program policies at Cal Poly, please visit https://catalog.calpoly.edu/graduateeducation/#Blended.

Eligibility for the Blended Program

Students must have completed 70% of the undergraduate Architecture degree requirements before applying to the Blended Program. Students should apply in the Spring of their Fourth Year in the undergraduate program. 

Application Process for the Blended Program

Please email a statement of purpose including goals for your graduate education and contact information for three Architecture faculty recommenders to msarch@calpoly.edu. Applications will be reviewed by a faculty committee on a rolling basis. 

Program Curriculum

Blended Bachelor of Architecture + Master of Science in Architecture Flow Chart
(click to enlarge)

Blended BARCH + MSARCH flow chart

 

Blended Flow Chart Notes:

  1. The blended BARCH Fifth Year & First Year of MSARCH provides the opportunity to complete this graduate program in one additional year.
  2. There are separate BARCH and MSARCH capstone experiences. For the BARCH, undergraduate students complete senior project requirements in ARCH481/492 and for the MSARCH a master's research project is developed in ARCH 598. The capstone experiences for BARCH and MSARCH must be different research projects.
  3. ARCH 551 is advanced building design studio in collaborative interdisciplinary teams.
  4. For ARCH 598, all students must select a faculty advisor that has agreed to work with you on your research project.
  5. Professional elective courses 400 level and above can be counted for MSARCH electives.
  6. 1 unit of CE is required when no classes are being taken during the quarter of the MSARCH.
  7. All students MUST satisfy the requirements of the BARCH degree to participate in the MSARCH program and successfully complete the Graduate Education Departments required forms by no later than the beginning of week two of spring quarter.
  8. Can double count identified 9 units from BARCH for MSARCH Degree.
  9. Can use excess BARCH electives (400 level +) for MSARCH Degree.

 

updated 05.20.2025

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