Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture

The Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture (M.Arch./M.L.A.) dual degree has been shaped in recognition of the fact that in the best circumstances, architecture and landscape work in synthesis to shape our built environment. This dual degree program provides core knowledge in both fields, while also emphasizing their shared territories and concerns, and ultimately preparing students to engage with the full complexity of the contemporary metropolis. By bringing the Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees together, we embrace the integrative thinking that will address the challenges and opportunities set before designers of the 21st century. 

Admission Requirements

To be admitted without conditions to the M.Arch./M.L.A. program, an applicant is required to possess the following:

  1. an understanding of basic systems and analytical procedures, including mechanics, heat transfer, light, and sound, as demonstrated through the successful completion of a college-level physics course equivalent to Illinois Tech’s PHYS 200
  2. an understanding of basic mathematical principles and analytical procedures, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as demonstrated through the successful completion of a college-level mathematics course equivalent to Illinois Tech’s MATH 122
  3. a basic ability to produce freehand drawings of architectural forms and spaces, as demonstrated by the successful completion of one college-level drawing course or by portfolio submissions
  4. a basic understanding of design, as demonstrated by the successful completion of one college-level design course or by portfolio submissions
  5. prior college-level coursework in freehand drawing, biology, and earth science (geology, physical geography, or hydrology, etc.)
  6. a minimum of 45 semester hours (or the quarter hour equivalent) outside of architectural studies, either as general studies or electives with content outside of architecture 

Candidates admitted with deficiencies in any of these prerequisites must fulfill them before matriculation. Candidates will be notified upon admission of their program of study, which is determined by prior academic training and professional experience, as well as portfolio content. Applicants must have a college grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Candidates who hold a B.S. in Architecture, a B.S. in Landscape Architecture (B.S.L.A.), or an equivalent pre-professional architecture degree, that partially fulfills NAAB (National Architectural Accreditation Board) requirements may qualify for up to one year of advanced standing in the professional degree program. For applicants with undergraduate degrees in architecture, the portfolio is the single most important component of the application. Project selection should be heavily skewed towards large-scale comprehensive design projects developed across several scales. Mastery of structural design, familiarity with advanced building technologies, and thorough knowledge of building practices should be clearly communicated. 

 

Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture

Required Courses (111)
ARCH 485Structures I: Structural Analysis -- The System3
ARCH 486Structures II: Building Design3
ARCH 500Global Modernism3
ARCH 501Contemporary Architecture3
ARCH 502Advanced Topics in History and Theory I3
ARCH 506Design Communications I: Units and Order3
ARCH 507Design Communications II: Systems and Assemblages3
ARCH 513Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems for Architects I3
ARCH 514Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems for Architects II3
ARCH 520Introduction to Urbanism3
ARCH 541Architecture Studio I: Elements6
ARCH 542Architecture Studio II: Architecture in the City6
ARCH 543Architecture Studio III: Living in the City 6
ARCH 544Architecture Studio IV: Working in the City6
LA 501History, Theory, and Criticism I: Landscape Architecture Theory3
LA 502History, Theory, and Criticism II: Landscape Architectural History3
LA 503History, Theory, and Criticism IV: Advanced Contemporary Theory -- Case Studies3
LA 504History, Theory, and Criticism III: Landscape Architecture Research Seminar3
LA 514Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture I: Entrepreneurship and Practice3
or ARCH 568 Architectural Practice
LA 516Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture II: Landscape Architecture and Time3
LA 527Design Media III: Advanced Modeling and Fabrication-Dynamic Processes3
LA 541Landscape Architecture Studio I: Processes6
LA 542Landscape Architecture Studio II: Site and City6
LA 543Landscape Architecture Studio III: Comprehensive Landscape Architecture6
LA 546Landscape Architecture Studio VI: Metropolis6
or ARCH 546 Architecture Studio VI: Advanced
LA 565Ecology and Materials Workshop I: Plants and Planting3
LA 566Ecology and Materials Workshop II: Earthworks and Infrastructures3
LA 567Ecology and Materials Workshop III: Planting Design and Construction3
LA 568Ecology and Materials Workshop IV: Constructing the Urban Environment3
Architecture Electives (6)
Choose a minimum of six credit hours from any ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.6
Landscape Architecture Electives (6)
Choose a minimum of six credit hours from any LA 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.6
LA or ARCH Electives (6)
Choose a minimum of six credit hours from any LA or ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.6
Total Credit Hours129
 

Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture with Advanced Standing (admitted with a Bachelor in Landscape Architecture)

Required Courses (81)
ARCH 485Structures I: Structural Analysis -- The System3
ARCH 486Structures II: Building Design3
ARCH 500Global Modernism3
ARCH 501Contemporary Architecture3
ARCH 502Advanced Topics in History and Theory I3
or ARCH 503 Advanced Topics in History and Theory II
ARCH 513Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems for Architects I3
ARCH 514Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems for Architects II3
ARCH 520Introduction to Urbanism3
ARCH 542Architecture Studio II: Architecture in the City6
or LA 542 Landscape Architecture Studio II: Site and City
ARCH 543Architecture Studio III: Living in the City 6
ARCH 544Architecture Studio IV: Working in the City6
ARCH 546Architecture Studio VI: Advanced 6
or LA 546 Landscape Architecture Studio VI: Metropolis
LA 501History, Theory, and Criticism I: Landscape Architecture Theory3
LA 503History, Theory, and Criticism IV: Advanced Contemporary Theory -- Case Studies3
LA 504History, Theory, and Criticism III: Landscape Architecture Research Seminar3
LA 514Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture I: Entrepreneurship and Practice3
or ARCH 568 Architectural Practice
LA 516Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture II: Landscape Architecture and Time3
LA 541Landscape Architecture Studio I: Processes6
LA 545Landscape Architecture Studio V: Metropolis6
LA 567Ecology and Materials Workshop III: Planting Design and Construction3
LA 568Ecology and Materials Workshop IV: Constructing the Urban Environment3
Architecture or Landscape Architecture Design Communication Elective (3)
ARCH 508Design Communications III3
or LA 527 Design Media III: Advanced Modeling and Fabrication-Dynamic Processes
LA or ARCH Electives (15)
Choose a minimum of 15 credit hours from any LA or ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.15
Total Credit Hours99
 

Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture with Advanced Standing (admitted with a B.A. or B.S. in Architecture) 

Required Courses (87)
ARCH 485Structures I: Structural Analysis -- The System3
ARCH 486Structures II: Building Design3
ARCH 501Contemporary Architecture3
ARCH 502Advanced Topics in History and Theory I3
or ARCH 503 Advanced Topics in History and Theory II
ARCH 513Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems for Architects I3
ARCH 514Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems for Architects II3
ARCH 520Introduction to Urbanism3
ARCH 543Architecture Studio III: Living in the City 6
ARCH 544Architecture Studio IV: Working in the City6
ARCH 546Architecture Studio VI: Advanced 6
or LA 546 Landscape Architecture Studio VI: Metropolis
LA 501History, Theory, and Criticism I: Landscape Architecture Theory3
LA 502History, Theory, and Criticism II: Landscape Architectural History3
LA 503History, Theory, and Criticism IV: Advanced Contemporary Theory -- Case Studies3
LA 504History, Theory, and Criticism III: Landscape Architecture Research Seminar3
LA 514Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture I: Entrepreneurship and Practice3
or ARCH 568 Architectural Practice
LA 516Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture II: Landscape Architecture and Time3
LA 541Landscape Architecture Studio I: Processes6
LA 542Landscape Architecture Studio II: Site and City6
LA 543Landscape Architecture Studio III: Comprehensive Landscape Architecture6
LA 565Ecology and Materials Workshop I: Plants and Planting3
LA 566Ecology and Materials Workshop II: Earthworks and Infrastructures3
LA 567Ecology and Materials Workshop III: Planting Design and Construction3
LA 568Ecology and Materials Workshop IV: Constructing the Urban Environment3
Architecture or Landscape Architecture Design Communication Elective (3)
ARCH 508Design Communications III3
or LA 527 Design Media III: Advanced Modeling and Fabrication-Dynamic Processes
Architecture Elective (3)
Choose a minimum of three credit hours from any ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.3
Landscape Architecture Elective (3)
Choose a minimum of three credit hours from any LA 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.3
LA or ARCH Electives (3)
Choose a minimum of three credit hours from any LA or ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.3
Total Credit Hours99

Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture Curriculum

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5003ARCH 4863
ARCH 5416ARCH 5073
ARCH 4853ARCH 5426
ARCH 5063LA 5023
 LA 5663
 15 18
Year 2
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5133ARCH 5013
ARCH 5436ARCH 5143
LA 5013ARCH 5446
LA 5653LA 5683
 15 15
Year 3
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5203LA 5033
LA 5043LA 514 or ARCH 5683
LA 5273LA 5426
LA 5416Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective13
LA 5673 
 18 15
Year 4
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 502 or 5033LA 5163
LA 5436LA 546 or ARCH 5466
Architecture Elective23Architecture Elective23
Landscape Architecture Elective33Landscape Architecture Elective33
Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective13 
 18 15
Total Credit Hours: 129
1

Electives may be chosen from any LA or ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.

2

Electives may be chosen from any ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.

3

Electives may be chosen from any LA 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.

 

Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture with Advanced Standing Curriculum (admitted with a Bachelor in Landscape Architecture)

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5003ARCH 5013
LA 5013ARCH 542 or LA 5426
LA 5416LA 5683
LA 5673Architecture/Landscape Architecture Design Communication Elective13
 Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective23
 15 18
Year 2
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 4853ARCH 4863
ARCH 5133ARCH 5143
ARCH 5436ARCH 5446
Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective23LA 5033
 LA 514 or ARCH 5683
 15 18
Year 3
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5203ARCH 502 or 5033
LA 5043ARCH 546 or LA 5466
LA 5163Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective23
LA 5456Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective23
Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective23 
 18 15
Total Credit Hours: 99
1

Choose from ARCH 508 or LA 527.

2

Electives may be chosen from any LA or ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.

 

Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture with Advanced Standing Curriculum (admitted with a B.A. or B.S. in Architecture)

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5133ARCH 5013
LA 5013ARCH 5143
LA 5416LA 5023
LA 5653LA 5426
 LA 5663
 15 18
Year 2
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 4853ARCH 4863
ARCH 502 or 5033ARCH 5446
ARCH 5436LA 514 or ARCH 5683
LA 5673LA 5683
 Architecture/Landscape Architecture Design Communication Elective13
 15 18
Year 3
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5203ARCH 546 or LA 5466
LA 5043LA 5033
LA 5163Architecture Elective33
LA 5436Architecture or Landscape Architecture Elective43
Landscape Architecture Elective23 
 18 15
Total Credit Hours: 99
1

Choose from ARCH 508 or LA 527.

2

Electives may be chosen from any LA 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.

3

Electives may be chosen from any ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.

4

Electives may be chosen from any LA or ARCH 400- or 500-level course with adviser approval.