Updates
Presented to the Mānoa Faculty Senate by the Graduate Council for a vote of the full senate on January 19, 2022, a resolution supporting the proposal for provisional status for the Master of Architecture degree. Approved by the Mānoa Faculty Senate on January 19, 2022 unanimously with 55 votes in support, 0 opposed; and 0 abstentions.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL FOR PROVISIONAL STATUS FOR THE MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (MArch) IN THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
WHEREAS, the purpose of establishing a Master of Architecture (MArch) program is to better meet the needs of students who seek to obtain a professional degree, enter the workforce in a reasonable time period and obtain a professional license, and to provide a professional degree tailored to the needs of students in advanced architectural practice; and
WHEREAS, the MArch degree would provide students with a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited degree that qualifies the students to become licensed architects recognized across the U.S. as does the current Doctorate in Architecture (DArch) degree, but with a reduced time commitment; and
WHEREAS, the DArch program is the only such program offered in the U.S. and the MArch is the most common professional architecture degree with 120 programs in the U.S including at most all top tier universities offering professional architecture degree; and
WHEREAS, The MArch will increase and diversify enrollment in keeping with the Systemwide Guiding Principle and Priorities and will encourage local students to complete their architectural education in Hawaiʻi; and
WHEREAS, the program can be offered at no additional cost at least for the beginning years as students may be housed in the existing school building and most courses offered in the curriculum will be shared with DArch students allowing efficiency and helping maintain larger class sizes.; and
WHEREAS, According to Long-Term Occupational Projections, State of Hawai‘i, 2018-2028 study, architectural positions in Hawaii are forecasted to increase from 990 to 1,030, or 4% while demand at the national level has risen over 10% since 2008; and
WHEREAS, the MArch is distinct from the DArch in that the MArch degree focuses on advanced architectural practice and its application and will provide graduates that serve the community by their designing and building sustainable and humane environments, improving the quality of life for the people of Hawai‘i and beyond; and
WHEREAS, the certificate has been reviewed and endorsed by the dean and faculty of the School of Architecture, the Provost’s Office, the Office of Graduate Education, and the Graduate Council; therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mānoa Faculty Senate approves the proposal to grant provisional status to the Master of Architecture degree in the School of Architecture.
Supporting document:
ARCH-MArch Request for Provisional Status of Master of Architecture