Nov 02, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dual MArch-MLA Program, Architecture - Landscape Architecture


The School of Architecture offers two paths to the Dual Degree Master of Architecture — Master of Landscape Architecture (MArch—MLA), which earns the graduate both the NAAB-accredited professional Master of Architecture degree  and the LAAB-accredited professional Master of Landscape Architecture . These paths are distinguished by the length of study required and are determined by the student’s baccalaureate education.  

Options Available


Thesis Option
Project Option

Campus Code


Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures


Applications are accepted for summer semester only (fall semester if admitted to the MArch 2G track, see below). Applicants for the dual MArch—MLA program must make separate applications to and be accepted by the Schools of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Students should indicate on both applications the intent to pursue the dual MArch—MLA program. Students accepted for both the MLA and MArch degree programs will be assigned an advisor from each School. These advisors will be responsible for course approval and supervision of the students’ progress through the dual program.

  • The following must be submitted by all applicants directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
    • A completed online Graduate Application for Admission. Visit the website for the online application process.
    • For applicants whose native language is not English, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • In addition to meeting the Graduate School’s minimum requirements, the following specific admission requirements must be submitted to the Graduate Program in Architecture:
    • An essay addressing the applicant’s intent and expectations for study in the program.
    • A portfolio illustrating evidence of visual creativity and/or graphic capabilities.
    • Three letters of recommendation.

A minimum 3.00 undergraduate GPA, and minimum 3.25 graduate GPA. Standardized test scores can be weighted differently in the admissions process depending on an applicant’s strengths.

After the MArch application deadline of February 1, applications by United States citizens and permanent residents will still be considered as space allows. Additional information is required and different application dates are established by Graduate and International Admissions for international students. Students are encouraged to contact the Director of the School of Architecture or Gale Fulton (gfulton@utk.edu), Director of the School of Landscape Architecture, with any questions.

Academic Standards


The dual degree candidate must satisfy the curriculum and graduation requirements of the dual degree curriculum path. Students withdrawing from the dual degree program before completing both degrees will not receive credit toward graduation in either degree program for courses taken in the other degree program, except as such courses qualify for credit without regard to the dual degree program. The MArch and the MLA degrees will be awarded upon successful completion of the requirements of the dual program.

MArch 3G—MLA Dual Degree, Thesis or Project


For students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than architecture. Typically, four academic years plus one summer in length, the MArch 3G/MLA program is designed to accommodate students who come from a variety of backgrounds, including those with no previous formal study in architecture. This academic plan culminates in either a written- or design-based Master of Architecture Project (MAP).

Learning objectives for the MArch 3G—MLA Dual Degree:

  • Graduating students must demonstrate the ability to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of architectural design based on research and analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts.
  • Graduating students will be able to demonstrate that they have the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to enter the profession and to become licensed architects.
  • Graduating students must demonstrate a comprehension of the technical aspects of design, systems and materials, and be able to apply that comprehension in their coursework.
  • Graduating students must have an understanding of the architect’s role in managing and advocating for legal, ethical, and critical action for the good of the client, society and the public.

Credit Hours Required


134 credit hours

Required Courses


  • 54 credit hours in a required sequence of Design courses, called studio.
  • 5 credit hours in Representation courses.
  • 20 credit hours in History, Theory and Research courses.
  • 3 credit hours in Disciplinary Discourse courses, including ARCH 529.
  • 25 credit hours in Materials & Tectonics, Technology and Professional Practice courses.
  • 12 credit hours in Living Systems
  • 15 credit hours in Architecture or Landscape Architecture Approved Elective Courses.

Non-Course Requirements


  • Students may elect to complete the project as a self-directed Thesis project. In the Thesis Studio students work independently with a self-selected committee of faculty advisors who oversee the work and certify its completion.

Additional Course Requirements


  • The MArch 3G—MLA Dual Degree culminates in a rigorous final project that combines research and design or research and writing in a comprehensive proposal.
  • Work on this project begins in this course. In this course, it is the student’s responsibility to identify their particular area of study and the motivation for work.
  • Students are also expected to become familiar with current discourse including key buildings, landscapes and texts.
  • Students are also expected to formulate a thesis and/or critical position and establish strategies for the in-depth study of the topic.

Additional Information


A typical program is completed in the following schedule:

SPRING YEAR 1


SUMMER MINI TERM 1


SPRING YEAR 2


FALL YEAR 3


FALL YEAR 4


SPRING YEAR 4


MArch 2G—MLA Dual Degree, Thesis or Project


Learning objectives for the MArch 2G/MLA Dual Degree

  • Graduating students must demonstrate the ability to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of architectural design based on research and analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts.
  • Graduating students will be able to demonstrate that they have the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to enter the profession and to become licensed architects.
  • Graduating students must demonstrate a comprehension of the technical aspects of design, systems and materials, and be able to apply that comprehension in their coursework.
  • Graduating students must have an understanding of the architect’s role in managing and advocating for legal, ethical, and critical action for the good of the client, society and the public.

Credit Hours Required


91 credit hours

Required Courses


  • 36 credit hours in a required sequence of Design courses, called studio.
  • 12 credit hours in History, Theory and Research courses.
  • 3 credit hours in Disciplinary Discourse courses, including ARCH 529.
  • 13 credit hours in Materials & Tectonics, Technology and Professional Practice courses.
  • 12 credit hours in Living Systems
  • 15 credit hours in Architecture (ARCH) or Landscape Architecture (LAR) Approved Elective Courses

Additional Course Requirements


  • The MArch 2G/MLA Dual Degree culminates in a rigorous final project that combines research and design or research and writing in a comprehensive proposal.
  • Work on this project begins in this course. In this course, it is the student’s responsibility to identify their particular area of study and the motivation for work.
  • Students are also expected to become familiar with current discourse including key buildings, landscapes and texts.
  • Students are also expected to formulate a thesis and/or critical position and establish strategies for the in-depth study of the topic.

Non-Course Requirements


  • Students may elect to complete the project as a self-directed Thesis project. In the Thesis Studio students work independently with a self-selected committee of faculty advisors who oversee the work and certify its completion.

Additional Information


A typical program is completed in the following schedule:

FALL YEAR 1


FALL YEAR 2


FALL YEAR 3


SPRING YEAR 3