★Full-time ★Part-time
Expected Length: 2-3 years
Entry Date: Fall 2026
Credits: 48
Course Arrangement:
- Full-time: Classes are scheduled on workdays
- Part-time: Classes are scheduled on workday evenings
(the actual class schedules are subject to change based on the admission results)
Language of Instruction: English
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch) at Wenzhou-Kean University is the first and only NAAB-accredited American professional degree in architecture in China, and is a STEM-designated program. This degree provides the credentials required for professional licensure in the United States and prepares graduates for leadership in global architectural practice.
There are two distinct entry points into the program:
• 2-Year Track — for candidates holding a pre-professional BA/BS in Architecture
• 3-Year Track — for candidates with an undergraduate degree in another discipline.
Both pathways lead to the NAAB-accredited professional degree, essential for licensure as an architect in the U.S. Students with an undergraduate degree in architecture and design related field can wave some courses from the 3-Year track. The curriculum combines professional practice (China and U.S.), building systems, structures, and sustainable design, with advanced studios that culminate in the Comprehensive Design Studio. The final year is dedicated to the thesis, integrating written research and design exploration.With world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for seamless exchange to Kean’s New Jersey campus, WKU provides students with a uniquely global education rooted in China’s rapidly changing architectural environment. Graduates emerge with the skills, credentials, and perspective to practice as architects worldwide.
2 YR Masters Sequence
| Course Modules | Credits（48） |
| Core Courses | 42 |
| Electives | 6 |
Required Courses:
1. ARCH 5109 Studio 9: Complex Program II (6 credits)
2. ARCH 5110 Studio 10: Travel Option (6 credits)
3. ARCH 5209 History 9: History/Theory Seminar (3 credits)
4. ARCH 5210 Thesis Research Seminar (3 credits)
5. ARCH 5404 Building Systems 2 (3 credits)
6. ARCH 5501 Professional Practice 1 (3 credits)
7. ARCH 5502 Professional Practice 2: Advanced Practice Models (3 credits)
8. ARCH 6111 Studio 11: Comprehensive Design (6 credits)
9. ARCH 6112 Studio 12: Thesis (6 credits)
10. ARCH 6405 Building Systems Integration 3 (3 credits)
Elective Courses:
1. ARCH 5602 Professional Elective II (Globalization) (3 credits)
2. ARCH 6603 Professional Elective III (Professional Ethics) (3 credits)
*The Architecture department will evaluate the pre-courses of a student who is non-graduate from Architecture. If the evaluation shows that the student does not meet the requirement, the department will formulate a first-year pre-course plan according to the undergraduate courses of the student.
3+YR Masters Sequence
The pre-courses (37 credits) include:
- ARCH 4100 Foundation Architectural Design Studio (4 Credits)
- ARCH 2303 Representation 3: Hand and Digital Skills (3 Credits)
- ARCH 4201 Architectural History Survey (3 Credits)
- ARCH 4101 Architectural Design Studio I (6 Credits)
- ARCH 3401 Structures I (3 Credits)
- ARCH 4403 Building Systems I (3 Credits)
- ARCH 4601 Intro to Architectural Theory (3 Credits)
- ARCH 4102 Foundation Architectural Design Studio II (6 Credits)
- ARCH 4208 History/Theory Seminar (3 Credits)
- ARCH 4402 Structures 2 (3 Credits)
Application site: https://ga.wku.edu.cn/
1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university degree by China Credentials Verification (https://www.chsi.com.cn/).
● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university degree by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES) (http://www.naces.org), such as the International Education Evaluation (IEE) or World Education Services (WES).
2. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (lower GPAs will be considered based on strength of overall application)
● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university transcript by China Credentials Verification.
● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university transcript by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES).
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Professional Resume/CV
5. Personal Statement
6. Portfolio Review (please submit your online portfolio through application site).
7. Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score reports of test taken within the past two years of application
*TOEFL iBT / TOEFL at home: 79, paper-based: 550; IELTS: 6.5; Duolingo English Test: 105
8. Departmental interview may be required
The Master of Architecture program curriculum is comprised of 48 credits. Students who fulfill each course requirement, and complete the 10 required core courses (42 credits) and 2 electives (6 credits) with GPA no less than 3.0 will be conferred the Master of Architecture degree of Kean University. Students who are non-graduates from Architecture need to complete the additional pre-courses (3-37 credits, dependent on the department evaluation).
Two year tuition fees: ¥160,000
If additional tuition fees are incurred due to the need for pre-requisite courses for postgraduate students, additional tuition fees will be charged in accordance with regulations.
Wenzhou-Kean University provides scholarships and bursaries for applicants for master and doctoral programs.
Both full-time and part-time applicants have the opportunity to receive scholarships and bursaries, up to waiver of tuition fees, and enjoy monthly subsidies (subject to the final admission letter notification received).
https://wku.edu.cn/en/admissions/graduate-admissions/graduate-scholarship-and-assistantship/
After a graduate student attempts six (6) total graduate credits as a matriculated student, a 3.0 cumulative GPA must be achieved. Failure to meet this minimum may result in the student being placed on Academic Probation. Upon completion of twelve (12) attempted graduate credits, if a student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student may be academically dismissed from the University at the discretion of the program/department. If a student who is on Academic Probation achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, they will be removed from Academic Probation. However, if at any time during subsequent semesters the student falls below a cumulative 3.0 GPA, they will be academically dismissed from the University.
For more information of academic standards, policy and procedures, please see: https://iq2prod1.smartcatalogiq.com/en/Catalogs/Kean-University/2023-2024/Graduate-Catalog/Academic-Standards-Policies-and-Procedures
