The master of architecture program at the University of California at Berkeley offers graduate students a focal framework, specific to emerging architectural studies, digital design media and ecological design. Students at UC Berkeley complete extensive studio work to obtain hands-on experience various forms of design. Graduate students in the architecture program also have the opportunity to study abroad in countries including China, India, Mexico, Rome and Sweden. While UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California, the campus is a short distance from San Francisco, and within reach by trolley or car.
The Academy of Art University in San Francisco was founded in 1929 and offers architectural programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Two masters programs are offered for grad students, which vary by credit-hour requirements. Track I is for students who have undergraduate degrees in architecture, while Track II is intended for students who have undergraduate degrees in areas outside of architecture. Both masters programs, when complete, offer students a master of architecture.
The California College of the Arts graduate school offers a master of architecture to students who are serious about a career in architecture. The college is located in heart of the metropolis, so students can use the urban setting as their academic playground. The graduate program blends old and new architectural styles, so students have classical and digital training in the field. Small class sizes give students individualized attention. Getting accepted into the graduate program requires a close review of undergraduate transcripts and architectural design portfolios.
The San Francisco Institute of Architecture offers a graduate program for architecture students in a distance learning curriculum. Some live classes may be held at the Strawberry Creek Design Center in Berkeley, California, near San Francisco. Based on the amount of undergraduate experience graduate students have, they must take a certain amount of credits to graduate with a master of architecture from the San Francisco Institute of Architecture.