An architecture degree can prepare you for a career in a field that demands creativity, critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills. It is also a prerequisite for becoming licensed as an architect.
Students with a pre-professional four-year undergraduate degree in architecture may be admitted to the program with advanced placement, subject to the review of the admissions committee.
This postgraduate degree is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to become an architect. You’ll learn about the design process, construction, and materials and get an in-depth understanding of all aspects of architecture. You’ll also be able to design and build buildings and structures, and you’ll have the ability to work on large projects. The Master of Architecture and Urban Design is a two-year graduate degree program.
This program offers a radically innovative framework for studying cities and urbanization through a design-led, justice-centered approach to urban transformation. It combines architecture, urbanism, ecology, policy, activism, community involvement and design to tackle critical issues of social, economic and environmental injustice within city ecosystems.
The MA in Architecture and Urban Design is a research-oriented, interdisciplinary programme for students with a professional architecture, planning or landscape architecture degree. This program is taught by internationally renowned architects and scholars, and it features studios, theory seminars, fieldwork, master classes, and research-based design projects. It’s a challenging, year-and-a-half-long programme that prepares you for front-edge research and practice in urban thinking.
Prepare for the MArch Master of Architecture exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
When applying to an architecture program or a firm, a portfolio is one of the most important tools you can have. A well-curated portfolio will demonstrate your skills, creativity, and understanding of architectural principles. It will typically contain sketches, technical drawings, and photos of models. Each university may have different requirements, so it is a good idea to contact their admissions office for specific guidelines.
In addition to a strong academic record, firms also value professional experience and effective communication skills. They will often ask for a sample of your previous work. While it is not necessary to include all of your past design projects, it is a good idea to limit the amount of technical work and to clearly identify group or professional projects as such.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in non-architectural fields may be eligible for limited advanced standing in the Path B program, subject to review of their transcripts and portfolios. This will allow them to waive certain required courses and reduce their overall course load by two semesters.
Architecture is a complex field with a unique blend of art and science. This is why architecture thesis topics must be picked carefully. The best architectural thesis topics are those that solve a real-world problem. They should also demonstrate your understanding of the architectural concepts and models. For example, a good topic would be the design of low-cost housing in developing countries.
In addition to studios, master of architecture students take a number of graduate seminars. These are discussion oriented and often feature guest lecturers or prominent scholars. These seminars are designed to complement and reinforce the teaching in studios. They allow students to explore and experiment with different theoretical and technical approaches to the practice of architecture.
The master of architecture program at GSAPP is NAAB-accredited and allows students to earn licensure in the United States. It is also STEM-classified, which means international students on F-1 visas can remain in the US for 24 months of OPT after graduation. This is a great way for students to gain valuable work experience while studying in the USA.