Master of Science in Architecture - Post-Professional Degree

The Master of Science in Architecture is a research-oriented post-professional degree program that allows students to pursue advanced individual studies that bridge design and research. Topics are determined by the research interests of our faculty and include urbanism, design methods, structural systems, energy-based design, fabrication, and landscape architecture. Student research culminates in a thesis.

Admission and Curriculum Requirements

The program is open to applicants holding an accredited professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or allied field. Applicants with a degree earned outside the U.S. must have the equivalent to a first professional degree and be eligible for licensure in their home country.

The Master of Science in Architecture is a three semester program (this may include one summer semester). The program of study requires a minimum of 32 credit hours, selected from advanced studios, lectures, and seminars. Working with a thesis adviser, each student should develop a detailed thesis proposal, which must be approved by the adviser and by the director of the program. The final thesis must be approved by the student's advisory committee and be submitted to the university library. 

Thesis Option

Required Courses (3)
ARCH 601Research Methodologies3
Thesis Research (8)
ARCH 591Research and Thesis M.S.8
Elective Courses (21)
Select 21 credit hours from 400-level or above ARCH, AURB, or LA courses. 121
Total Credit Hours32
1

Electives may include up to two studio courses (typically six credits each). 400-level and above courses from other departments may be used subject to adviser approval.

Non-Thesis Option: Research Based Track

 
ARCH 601Research Methodologies3
ARCH 545Architecture Studio V: Advanced6
ARCH 590Specialized Research 11
A total of 11 credits of ARCH 590 are required for this degree.
ARCH 999Architecture Elective(s) 112
1

Electives may include up to two studio courses (typically six credits each). 400-level and above courses from other departments may be used subject to adviser approval.

Non-Thesis Option: Design Based Track

ARCH 601Research Methodologies3
ARCH 545Architecture Studio V: Advanced6
ARCH 546Architecture Studio VI: Advanced 6
ARCH 590Specialized Research 3
ARCH 999Architecture Elective(s)15
 
 

Thesis Option

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit HoursSummerCredit Hours
ARCH 6013ARCH 5913ARCH 5915
Architecture Elective3Architecture Elective3 
Architecture Elective3Architecture Elective3 
Architecture Elective3Architecture Elective3 
 Architecture Elective3 
 12 15 5
Total Credit Hours: 32

Non-Thesis Option: Research Based Track

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit HoursSummerCredit Hours
ARCH 5456ARCH 5903ARCH 5905
ARCH 5903ARCH ELECTIVE9 
ARCH 6013  
ARCH Elective3  
 15 12 5
Total Credit Hours: 32

Non-Thesis Option: Design Based Track

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
ARCH 5456ARCH 5466
ARCH 5903ARCH ELECTIVE9
ARCH 6013 
ARCH ELECTIVE6 
 18 15
Total Credit Hours: 33