Master of Science in Architecture - Post-Professional Degree

The Master of Science in Architecture is a three semester program (including one summer semester) that allows students holding NAAB-accredited B.Arch. and M.Arch. degrees (or equivalent international degrees) to earn a master’s degree with a research focus by continuing their studies. For some students the program may also lead to further studies and research in the Ph.D. in Architecture program.

The Master of Science in Architecture program seeks to be synthetic and inter-disciplinary in its approach, and endeavors to sharpen critical thinking through collaborative and experimental working processes. The program provides the intellectual climate and infrastructure to explore the forces that shape the contemporary built environment, subsequently developing, by means of design, alternative models and new insights to devise a transformative impact on the global cities.

The intensive three-semester program is structured around two design-based research studios, an individual or collective thesis project, history and theory seminars, and elective classes. The college’s colloquia, lectures, and exhibitions expand upon and augment the curriculum.

Admission and Curriculum Requirements

Candidates for the post-professional Master of Science in Architecture must hold an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) or Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) as a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited institution if earned within the U.S. International applicants must hold a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree or equivalent and be eligible for licensure in their home country.

In addition to the standard requirements for graduate admission, a personal interview with the director of the degree program is highly recommended. The program of study includes a minimum of 32 credit hours, of which at least 5 credit hours are in ARCH 591. Students entering the post-professional degree program should develop a detailed outline of their thesis project for approval by the director of thesis programs and their thesis adviser. The program of study for each student is developed individually with the thesis adviser. Study begins with investigation and analysis for the thesis under the direction of the adviser. By the second semester, a thesis committee of three faculty members oversees the work being produced. Students are required to take advanced courses related to their specialized areas of interest.

The final semester of study concludes the entire thesis project in writing, analysis, programming, and design. Thesis studies should offer the graduate a higher level of professionalism, significantly evolving one’s career and the ability to make special contributions to the field.

Curriculum