Architecture MS: Metropolitan Design Sample Program Plans

MS-MD Program Overview

The MS-MD program requires 30–34 credits total depending on which plan you pursue. 

Plan A

This plan requires 18 major credits, 6 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis (ARCH 8777) credits. The final exam is oral.

Plan B

This plan requires 27–28 major credits and 6 credits outside the major. The final exam is oral.

Plan C

This requires 24–30 major credits and 0–6 credits outside the major. The final exam is oral.

Dual Degree

Students who enter the MS-MD may enroll in the program for only the M.S. degree or combine it with the M.Arch degree. A maximum of 24 credits may be overlapped in the M.S. and M.Arch. Credits required to satisfy the final project or thesis for either degree may not be double-counted.

Foundation Courses (required)

Foundation courses include two seminars (6 cr) and one studio (6 cr).

  • ARCH 5711: Theories and Principles of Urban Design (3 cr)
  • ARCH 5721: Case Studies in Urban Design (3 cr)
  • ARCH 8255: Urban Design Studio (6–9 cr)

Electives (required)

The elective courses allocated to the program allow you to take advantage of offerings in the College of Design and in other Colleges at the University of Minnesota. Elective courses fulfill the remaining credits in each plan beyond the required foundation courses. At least two electives (6 cr) must be from outside Architecture. Suggested electives are located at the bottom of this page.

Curriculum Sequences

MS-MD Recommended Curriculum Sequence

This Plan A curriculum sequence applies to students in the MS-MD program who are not pursuing a dual degree.

Year 1: Fall

  • Elective (outside Arch) (3 cr)
  • Elective (outside Arch) (3 cr)
  • ARCH 8255: GDIII Studio (6–9 cr)

Year 1: Spring

  • ARCH 5711: Theories and Principles (3 cr)
  • ARCH 5721: Case Studies Seminar (3 cr)
  • Elective (in Architecture) (3 cr)
  • Elective (in Architecture) (3 cr)

Year 2: Summer/Fall

  • Plan A Thesis OR Plan B Project(s) + coursework (10 cr)

M.Arch + MS-MD Recommended Curriculum Sequence

This 34-credit curriculum sequence applies to students who are pursuing a dual degree. Please note, this sequence only shows courses required for the MS-MD portion of the dual degree—it does not show the courses necessary for the M.Arch.

Year 1

  • Elective (in Architecture) (3 cr)
  • Elective (in Architecture) (3 cr)
  • Elective (outside Arch) (3 cr)

Year 2

  • ARCH 5711: Theories and Principles (3 cr)
  • ARCH 5721: Case Studies Seminar (3 cr)

Year 3

  • Elective (outside Arch) (3 cr)
  • ARCH 8255: GDIII Studio (6–9 cr)

Summer/Fall After Year 3

  • Thesis (10 cr)

Suggested Electives by Topic

Expand all

Urban History/Theory

  • ARCH 5410-1: American Housing, Histories & Culture (3 cr)
  • ARCH 5441: Minnesota: Architecture and Landscapes (3 cr)
  • ARCH 5731: Territorial City (3 cr)
  • ARCH 5671: Historic Preservation (3 cr)
  • GEOG 5371W: American Cities I &/or II (4 cr each)
  • PA 5501: Theories and Policies of Development (3 cr)

Urban Design/Practice

  • ARCH 5361: 3D Computer Modeling (4 cr)
  • ARCH 8255: Urban/Metropolitan Design Studios (6–9 cr)
  • ARCH 5750: Topics in Urban Design (Housing) (4–6 cr)
  • ARCH 5750: Topics in Urban Design (Scape-Surface, Void) (3 cr)
  • PA 5511: Community Economic Development (3 cr)
  • PA 8203: Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies & Policies (4 cr)

Culture & Society

  • ARCH 5410: Meaning and Use of Public Spaces
  • ARCH 5445: Surburbia
  • ARCH 5458: Architecture and Culture
  • HSG 5467: Housing and the Social Environment
  • HSG 5464: Understanding Housing
  • HSG 8463: Housing, Race and Class
  • HSG 5463: Housing Policy
  • LA 5405: Regreening Minds, Cities, and Regions

Urban Ecology

  • ARCH 8561: Sustainable Design Theory and Practice (3 cr)
  • LA 5204: Metropolitan Landscape Ecology (3 cr)
  • PA 5721: Energy and Environmental Policy (3 cr)
  • PA 5722: Environment and Resource Economics Policy (3 cr)
  • PA 5723: Water Policy (3 cr)

Metropolitan Development: Urban Planning/Transportation/Policy

  • PA 5204: Urban Spatial and Social Dynamics
  • PA 5211: Land Use Planning
  • PA 5212: Managing Urban Growth and Change
  • PA 5231: Transit Planning and Management
  • PA 5261: Housing Policy
  • PA 5802: Global Economic Policy
  • PA 8202: Networks & Places, Transportation, Land Use, etc.