Master in Architecture (Master's)

Howard University’s legacy is shaped by academic study, research, and service. Its community includes scholars, student researchers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs. The university carries the identity of an HBCU while preparing students for study and careers across a broad range of disciplines. Alumni stories include physicians, astrophysicists, educators, lawyers, public officials, and advocates whose work has reached beyond the campus.

Students can apply to more than 130 areas of study across 14 schools and colleges. Howard offers undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral programs, with fields ranging from the humanities to scientific disciplines. Research and centers address health and medical issues, economic disparities, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and machine learning, drug abuse, energy systems, accounting and finance, women’s leadership, and journalism and democracy. The university has also launched an AI certificate program for undergraduate students.

Located in Washington, DC, Howard connects academic life with a city central to American government, public service, journalism, and cultural life. International students should review the university’s range of schools and degree levels carefully, since programs differ across undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral study. Howard’s guiding phrase, “Excellence in Truth and Service,” reflects the university’s emphasis on student success and service to local and global communities.

Students complete a five-year professional programme that includes design studios, research methods courses, and thesis development. They engage in studio-based learning with a focus on community design and planning. The curriculum integrates research theory into the final three semesters of study. This programme builds on Howard University's legacy of training architects for urban and social contexts.

Focus areas include Community Design and Planning.

The programme requires 171 credit hours divided into core courses, professional electives, and general liberal studies electives. The final three semesters emphasize research methods and thesis work.

Graduates pursue careers as licensed architects in public and private practice, focusing on community-oriented and socially responsive design.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. The programme requires submission of transcripts, a portfolio, and letters of recommendation. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred.

The programme totals about 171 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, five-year programme. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 35% of applicants.