Master of Science in Architecture

The Master of Science in Architecture (MS in Arch) is a 30-credit research degree with a required graduate thesis. The priority application submission date is January 4 annually. View application requirements. Applications received after the priority application date will be reviewed only as program resources permit.

Degree Program

This degree program is open to applicants who hold a professional degree in architecture or other related design fields. Applicants are required to submit a research proposal that lies within one of the following study areas:

• Intersections of Architecture, Aesthetics & Technology
• Social Formations of Architecture and Urbanization: Histories and Theories
• Theories and Practices for Sustainable Architecture

The degree is also open to applicants with non-professional degrees in various fields depending on the study area proposed by the applicant.

Once accepted, an MS in Arch student designates a professor to supervise her/his studies and to advise her/him in formulating her/his course of study in accordance with her/his research proposal. The course requirements are distributed as follows:

• 6 credits – two history/theory seminars (ARCH 597 & ARCH 598)
• 9 credits – courses within the study area
• 6 credits – electives
• 3 credits – thesis preparation (ARCH 699) – 1st semester
• 6 credits – graduate thesis (ARCH 699) – 2nd semester

Application Requirements

Anyone applying for admission to the Master of Science in Architecture program must meet the following requirements.

• ISU Graduate College Application
  • US citizen
  • International
• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Portfolio
• English Proficiency Exam (international applicants only)
• Financial statement (international applicants only)

Download a PDF file detailing these requirements.

STEM Designation

Our graduate programs in architecture (Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture) have been officially designated as STEM degree programs (CIP code 04.0902). With this new designation — which refers to the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) — international MArch and MS in Architecture graduates are eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years after graduation in order to work in the United States.

Ready to take the next step?

Please review our frequently asked questions and then contact Melissa Stenstrom, Graduate Student Recruiter for more information or to set up your visit.

Contact

For more information on our graduate programs in architecture, please contact:
Melissa Stenstrom, Graduate Student Recruiter
Dr. Doug Spencer, Director of Graduate Education

In the first instance, you should send a 500-1000 word outline of your research proposal to the Director of Graduate Education, Dr. Doug Spencer who will then advice in due course of any faculty suitable and potentially available to undertake supervision for the proposed topic prior to the formal application procedure. The outline should include reference to the research question to be addressed, the methods, means and goals of the research to be undertaken, identification of existing literature, agenda and timeline of research, applicants record of previous study, work, research and publication in the area, supervisory faculty you are interested in working with. Please do not contact faculty directly with your inquiry before undertaking this process.