Master of Science in Architecture

Jeff Haberl , Ph.D., P.E. Professor of Architecture and Associate Department Head of Research
Jill Raupe, Academic Advisor

The Master of Science in Architecture is an advanced, multidisciplinary, 32-credit hour thesis degree program designed to provide highly qualified students with a traditional academic foundation in theoretical concepts and research methods in Architecture. In this program, students develop support courses and a thesis topic in an emphasis area offered by the department or research centers associated with the college.

The Master of Science, a thesis program administered through the Department of Architecture, has been in existence since 1991, evolving from a post-professional degree offering. The degree is a non-professional degree at the master's level for those seeking advanced knowledge in preparation for careers in architectural research, university teaching, or specialized practice and consulting. The degree may also act as a milestone toward a Ph.D. in architecture.

The student can focus his or her studies within the emphasis areas and exploration topics formally identified by the Department of Architecture. Applicants are invited to inquire about topics outside of those areas, providing they can identify a core of available faculty and support resources, and submit a clearly defined plan of study.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Architecture degree requires the completion of a minimum of 32 credit hours as outlined by the course work listed below. Students who lack proficiencies appropriate to their chosen area of study may require course work beyond the basic 32 hours. Specific deficiencies will be identified by the degree coordinator, the student's advisory committee chair, and/or the advisory committee. To maintain the full-time student status, a student must take at least 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semester.

All students will be assigned an advisor upon admittance to the program. The student is responsible for selecting a faculty member with expertise in the chosen focus area to chair the student's advisory committee. The student and the committee chair will locate two or more graduate faculty members to join the committee. The role of the advisory committee is to provide guidance, advice, and critical judgment for the student in matters of degree planning, research methods, and the thesis. Faculty and Research Interests

Master of Science in Architecture Curriculum
Core Courses
CARC 601		Foundation of Research	3 hours
CARC 698		Writing for Publications	3 hours
			6 hours
Pattern of Study Courses
Electives		Major area of emphasis	9 hours
Electives		Minor or supporting area of study	6 hours
Electives		Free	3 hours
			18 hours
Thesis
ARCH 685		Thesis Proposal Preparations	2 hours
ARCH 691		Thesis Research	6 hours
			8 hours
Total Course Work			32 hours

The College of Architecture, in conjunction with its five research centers and laboratories, offers six advanced certificate programs. The details of these programs are here.

Representative M.S. in Architecture Thesis Abstracts

Admissions (Application for Graduate Admission)

Applicants to the Master of Science in Architecture program should be persons who, as a result of their academic and professional experiences, seek advanced knowledge in preparation for careers in Architectural research, university teaching , or specialized practice and consulting.They will be expected to enter the program with a clear idea of the concentration for their study. Students will determine a specific course of study and thesis topic in consultation with the faculty.

Admission to the Master of Science in Architecture program is offered to those students possessing professional degrees in architecture as well as to those possessing undergraduate degrees in related disciplines. Applicants must meet general university standards. Persons in fields other than Architecture may be admitted conditionally and may be required to take additional course work. Admission is also dependent upon the availability of appropriate faculty in emphasis areas identified by applicants. Besides completing the standard university graduate application, the applicant must also:

• Provide a one page resume giving an educational and work history.
• Provide a one to two page statement of purpose and outline of a proposed study program.
• Provide three letters of Recommendation.

In some cases the applicant may also be asked to participate in an onsite interview.

International Students

International students should submit all applications to the Admissions and Records Office by 15 January for Fall entry. With the application, international students must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 400 in Verbal and 1000+ combined (V+Q) score, Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L.) scores of at least 550, the “Confirmation of Financial Resources” form, a filing fee of $75 (cannot be waived or paid by the department), and official College Transcripts.

Because of the many international students applying for admission, competition is strong and we cannot admit all who apply. We do not consider financial aid for international students until after they have completed their first semester. Unfortunately, we have very limited financial resources for supporting international students. Therefore, you should be prepared to finance your studies. All international students from non-English speaking countries must take and pass the English proficiency test. Please refer to the following policy.

Policy on English Proficiency for Graduate Students ( 79.4 KB)

Deadlines

In general, the university application deadlines should be observed; however, students wishing to be considered for financial assistance should submit all application materials to the university and department by December 15th for the fall admission period in the following year. Students can apply electronically on the following website: http://admissions.tamu.edu/

Spring and Summer admissions are not considered for the M.S. Arch Program.

Contacts

All curricular inquiries regarding the Master of Science in Architecture program should be directed to:

Dr. Jeff Haberl, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor and Associate Department Head of Research
Phone: (979) 845-6065
Email: jhaberl@tamu.edu

All inquiries regarding application or admission to the M. S. in Architecture program should be directed to:

Jill Raupe, Academic Advisor
Phone: (979) 862-2729
Email: msarch@archone.tamu.edu

Department of Architecture
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-3137