Skip to content

Master of Architecture + Master of Construction Management



The Master of Architecture + Master of Construction Management (MArch/MCM) joint degree program prepares architectural students for diverse roles within today’s multidisciplinary design/construction process. This special program allows students to earn the two degrees in considerably less time than one would need to earn the degrees separately.
Two students working on a huge structure, with a curved, wooden frame with upright, shelf-like boards along it and a white, undulating surface; a second similar structure is located behind te first. The students are outside on a concrete lot.
Students from the Sam Fox School and the McKelvey School of Engineering designed and built Lotus House for Solar Decathlon China.


Requirements & Curriculum


The MCM degree prepares students for every aspect of leading a construction project or organization. The curriculum incorporates traditional themes—cost, time, risk, and quality management—strengthened with multidisciplinary topics—business, finance, ethics, and law. Lectures and lab-based education provide students with an environment for practical application utilizing best practices that address current issues and developments in the industry.

In addition to the normal regular MCM curriculum, the MArch/MCM joint degree program includes a unique course: the MArch/MCM Capstone Project. In this course, students apply constructability principles to their final MCM degree project.

The MCM program requires 30 units of study, in addition to any prerequisite work that may be required. Some of the 30-unit requirement or prerequisite course work may be met through courses taken in the MArch program.

Enrollment in the MCM program as a joint degree is possible for students who have achieved advanced standing (500 level/MArch2 or above) in the MArch program. To enroll in the joint degree programs, students already enrolled in the MArch program must complete a joint degree declaration form (available from Aaron Akins), in addition to completing the necessary MCM application procedures and having a meeting with the Steve Bannes, director of Graduate Studies in Construction Management.

Regardless of whether a student pursues the joint degree or just decides to take courses in the MCM program, enrollment in Construction Management courses is limited to one course per semester for all students who have not yet completed their architecture degree. Students who do not intend to pursue the joint degree but who take courses in the construction management program may be charged additional tuition for those courses.


Special Projects