Master of Architecture

Program Directors:
Lonn Combs (RA, FAAR), Associate Professor
Yael Erel, Assistant Professor

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The architecture field in the 21st century holds immense potential to shape the future of our environment, technology, and societies through the creation of built environments at local, urban, and global scales. In response, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) offers a highly respected Master of Architecture program. This program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and is designed to provide students with a unique blend of professional architectural education and a deep understanding of global citizenship, advanced architectural research, and cutting-edge building technology. Our graduates acquire a diverse set of skills in architecture and next-generation building technologies, along with a strong foundation in the sciences and ecologies necessary to meet the evolving challenges of our changing world.

Master of Architecture (6 semesters)

The Master of Architecture program is a three-year, NAAB-accredited professional degree program in architecture. It is open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline or field of study. Students apply from diverse backgrounds, including liberal arts, design, science, and engineering disciplines.

Master of Architecture Advanced Standing (4 semesters)

Applicants holding a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree may be considered for advanced standing. After a review of their transcripts and portfolios, successful candidates may have up to two design studios waived. A faculty committee will also consider additional course waiver requests for advanced standing into the second year of the three-year program. Candidates admitted with advanced standing typically complete degree requirements within two years of full-time enrollment. See requirements for advanced standing consideration here.

Research Study Areas

Throughout the program’s coursework, students engage in current best practices, advanced building science research and applied next-generation emerging building technology. This culminates in a two-semester program at the school’s Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE), located in Brooklyn’s Industry City, one of the largest business incubators in North America. Additionally, there are course offerings in Architectural Acoustics and Lighting for a more interdisciplinary experience.

STEM Designation

The MArch program is now designated as a STEM program in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology (CIP code 04.0902) making international MArch graduates eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years in order to work in the United States.

Digital Preparatory Workshop

Our program offers a ten-day, hybrid Digital Workshop prior to the commencement of the first semester for all incoming students. This workshop takes place before the fall semester and provides a comprehensive introduction to a wide range of software, including Rhino, Grasshopper, V-Ray, and Adobe programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students also gain a working knowledge of digital fabrication technologies, including 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting.

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PROGRAM CIRRICULUM

First Year

Fall (17 credits)

• • ARCH 5200: Graduate Architecture Design 1, 5 cr.
  • ARCH 5160: Digital Constructs 1, 2 cr.
  • ARCH 5100: History, Theory, & Criticism 1, 4 cr.
  • ARCH 5140: Structures 1, 3 cr.
  • ARCH 5300: Material and Construction Systems, 3 cr.

Spring (17 credits)

• • ARCH 5210: Graduate Architecture Design 2, 5 cr.
  • ARCH 5170: Digital Constructs 2, 2 cr.
  • ARCH 5110: History, Theory, & Criticism 2, 4 cr.
  • ARCH 5310: Environmental and Ecological Systems, 4 cr.
  • ARCH 5330: Entrepeneurship and Architecture, 2 cr.

Note: Applicants granted ‘Advance Standing’ start studies with the Second Year Fall Semester.

 

SECOND YEAR

FALL (17 CREDITS)

• • ARCH 6610: Graduate Architecture Design 3, 5 cr.
  • ARCH 5150: Structures 2, 3 cr.
  • ARCH 5320: Building Integration 1 – Design, 3 cr.
  • ARCH 6380: Graduate Environmental Parametrics, 2cr.
  • General Elective(s): 4 cr.

SPRING (18 CREDITS)

• • ARCH 6620: Graduate Architecture Design 4, 5 cr.
  • ARCH 5325: Building Integration 2 – Practice, 3 cr.
  • ARCH 6680: History, Theory, & Criticism 3, 4 cr.
  • ARCH 5390: Professional Practice 2, 2 cr.
  • General Elective: 4 cr.

THIRD YEAR (at CASE NYC)

FALL (16 CREDITS)

• • ARCH 6630: Graduate Architecture Design 5, 5 cr
  • ARCH 5380: Professional Practice 1, 2 cr.
  • ARCH 6750: Final Project Research Seminar, 3 cr.
  • ARCH 6810: Research Design Seminar, 2 cr.
  • Professional Elective: 4 cr.

SPRING (15 CREDITS)

• • ARCH 6948: Graduate Final Project, 6 cr.
  • ARCH 6635: Bridge to Practice, 3cr.
  • General Elective(s): 2 cr.
  • Professional Elective: 4 cr,

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HOW TO APPLY

Admission Requirements

A portfolio of creative works is required and must be submitted digitally using the online graduate application: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/admissions/graduate/index.html

The GRE test is NOT required.

Application deadline is January 1. First consideration will be given to applications received by this date.
Rolling application deadline is March 15. Submissions after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Visit the Office of Admissions website for application instructions and online application procedures: https://admissions.rpi.edu/graduate/masters-and-phd-applicants

Financial Aid

Merit-based scholarships are available to qualified applicants with priority given to applications received by January 1.

Contact

For more information, please contact or 518.276.6466. You may also contact the director of the program directors, Lonn Combs, () and Yael Erel ().

For more information about CASE, please visit https://www.case.rpi.edu/