Academics

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About the M.Arch Program

Program Details
 

Is the M.Arch Program STEM Designated?

  • Yes.  MAAD (one-year post-professional Master of Advanced Architectural Design), the M.Arch Program with Advanced Standing (two-year professional program), the M.Arch Program (three-year professional program), the Concurrent Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture, the Concurrent Master of Architecture and Master of City and Regional Planning, and the Concurrent Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Engineering are all designated as STEM.

Which program is best suited for me?

  • You can find more information here about program paths depending upon previous education and experience.

What should I know about MAAD? Is it an accredited program?

  • MAAD is a one-year post-professional program intended for those who have a professional (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture) degree and who wish to continue to explore current design issues in a stimulating, rigorous, and experimental studio setting. The two-semester studio course is at the core of the program and is integrated with required seminars, lectures, and workshops in design theory, history, urbanism, digital applications, and building technology. Beginning with the 2020-2021 class, students who complete the program will receive a Master of Advanced Architectural Design degree. The MAAD degree is not accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). The degree nomenclature is changed to distinguish it from the accredited M.Arch degree that is used by NAAB only for two-year or three-year architecture programs. 

Am I eligible for the M.Arch Program with Advanced Standing (two-year professional program)?

  • The advanced standing is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. The committee will determine advanced standing individually for each student during the admissions review.

How many students are accepted into MAAD, the M.Arch Program with Advanced Standing(two-year professional program), and the M.Arch Program(three-year professional program)?

  • On average, (10) Students for STUDIO ONE, (24) Students for M.Arch Program with Advanced Standing (two-year professional program), and (36) Students for M.Arch Program (three-year professional program).

Application
 

What should I display in my Portfolio? What is the length?

  • The portfolio may contain up to 20 Screens of design content. File size max 10MB.  Please note that beyond 20 pages, your portfolio may not be reviewed. Title page and/or table of contents may be submitted, and will not count toward the 20 pages of content. The digital portfolio should showcase recent, high-quality work, and will be judged on both content and overall design. Applicants without professional training may submit work that shows other evidence of creativity (studio art, construction/renovation, furniture design, etc.) and clearly demonstrates interest in the proposed subject field. Any material that is not entirely the applicant's own work must be clearly identified.
  • The portfolio provides you the opportunity to show your creative ability. It need not necessarily be all architecture-related. In fact, if you have no experience in this area you would be wise to confine the examples to your best work, regardless of the media. The best results will emerge if you think of your exhibit in its entirety as a design project. The reviewers hope to see your projects displayed in a well-thought-out format, carefully executed. Most importantly, leave yourself plenty of time to think about and develop your creative work.

I am a domestic student. What Standardized Test do I need to take?

  • Domestic applicants and those who attend universities where English is the language of instruction must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (general test) and have their scores reported to the Graduate Division by the Educational Testing Service.

I am an international student. What Standardized Test do I need to take?

  • Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must submit official evidence of English language proficiency in addition to the Graduate Record Examination GRE. For the english language proficiency requirement you have the option between two tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  You can find more information about an exemption here. If you are exempt from TOEFL or IELTS, you are still required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Did you receive my GRE or TOEFL scores?

  • Once your application is submitted, you may check the status of your scores on your online application status page.

I have a question about my visa.

Financial Aid
 

What funding is avaiable for students?

  • M.Arch students fund their education in a variety of ways.  You can find more information here.

Careers / Internship Information

Where can I find information on career advice?

  • CAREER COUNSELING: WHERE TO FIND US 
    • APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE: Career counselors are available for appointments remotely. When booking a slot via Handshake, make your choice between a phone appointment, video appointment (Google Hangout) or written feedback.