Students at the University of Memphis no longer need to leave the school to seek a master’s degree in architecture. In the fall of 2008, the university will accept the first students to its new Master of Architecture program, awarding the first degrees in 2010. Previously, the university offered only a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture. Memphis will seek National Architectural Accrediting Board accreditation for the new program.
Focusing on city building, the Master of Architecture program will bring together students and faculty in architecture, city planning, and real estate. According to the university, it also will allow the existing architecture program to broaden its research and practice in partnership with the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy and the Henry Turley Residency and expand on the work of the Center for Sustainable Design and the FedEx Institute of Technology.