The Masters of Architecture I program (MArch I) is designed for people who have completed an undergraduate academic program in a discipline other than architecture (such as English, Engineering, Law, etc.). Students who pursue this academic program range from people who are seeking a career change to people who want to pursue a liberal arts undergraduate academic program prior to embarking upon architectural studies. The MArch I is a full-time program and it is three years and two summers in length (eighty-nine credit hours).

The MArch I program involves four primary components:

1. the first year focuses upon establishing a strong foundation in fundamental design skills, architectural history and theory, building-to-site relationships, and introductory building technologies


2. the second year focuses upon comprehensive architectural design and its relationship to building systems as well as advance studies in history, theory, and building technology


3. the third summer study program provides the opportunity to engage in international education, research, or design experience


4. the third year is focused on the student's thesis research and architectural project execution.

All MArch I have the option of selecting a concentration. The concentrations are comprised of courses focused around three curricular themes:

1. Architectural Design, Theory and Practice
2. Architectural Technology
3. Urbanism
   

The Architectural Design, Theory, and Practice concentration provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of theoretical discourses as they relate to a critical architectural design practice. The Architectural Technology concentration allows students to focus the seminal role of building performance and sustainability in shaping and making buildings and spaces. The Urbanism concentration exposes students to the inter-connected and complex web of issues that impact urban space and, by extension, architecture and public places.