Architecture
Associate Director for Graduate Studies: Robert I. Selby, FAIA
117 Temple Hoyne Buell Hall
611 Taft Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 244-4723
E-Mail: arch-grad@illinois.edu
Major: Architecture
Degrees Offered: M. Arch, Ph. D.
Graduate Concentration: Medieval Studies (M. Arch and Ph. D.)
Major: Architectural Studies
Degrees Offered: M.S.
Joint Degree Program: the Master of Architecture can be earned jointly with the following
Degrees Offered:
M.B.A. in Business Administration
M.C.S. in Computer Science
M.U.P. in Urban Planning
M.S. in Civil Engineering(Construction Engineering and Management) or (Structures)
Graduate Degree Programs
The School of Architecture offers two graduate programs, leading to a Masters degree: 1) a two-year Master of Architecture (Professional Degree) and 2) a one-year Master of Science in Architectural Studies (Post-professional Degree).
The Master of Architecture program is for students holding a four-year Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (or similar degree in architecture). One may be admitted to the Master of Architecture program with Limited Standing if the student holds a bachelor's degree (or higher) in any field other than architecture. Student in M. Arch (Limited Standing) typically take two years to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses to attain full standing in the M. Arch program. The Master of Architecture degree is a professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB).
The Master of Science in Architectural Studies (Post-professional Degree) program is for students holding a five-year Bachelor of Architecture professional degree. The MSAS degree is not accredited by NAAB.
The School of Architecture, together with the graduate programs of business administration, computer science, urban and regional planning, and civil and environmental engineering, offers graduate programs leading to the following joint degrees: Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration, Master of Architecture and Master of Computer Science, Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning, and Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management) (Structures).
The School of Architecture, together with the Department of Landscape Architecture, offers a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Admission
The admission grade point average for full standing in the Graduate College and the school must be at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). For applicants who meet the other requirements but have an admission GPA under 3.0, admission with limited standing may be permitted if evidence of exceptional qualification is presented.
Applicants are selected for admission on the basis of undergraduate academic performance and profession-related experience. Application material is evaluated by faculty members. The faculty's recommendations are based upon an appraisal of the admission grade point average determined from official transcripts, a portfolio or brochure of applicant's past work in architecture, a statement of objectives, three letters of recommendation, and relevant professional work experience.
Application forms for graduate admission and financial aid may be obtained from the Web site above. Application may be made on-line. Completed applications for the Masters or Doctoral programs must reach the Graduate Programs Office by January 15; students are admitted in the fall semester only. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for School of Architecture Masters Degree applicants; the GRE is required for all Doctor of Philosophy applicants.
All applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. A minimum score of 590 on the paper-based test or 243 on the computer-based test or 96 on the internet-based test is required. The University of Illinois also accepts IELTS (academic exam) score in lieu of TOEFL, with a minimum score of 6.5 and 6 in all sub-sections required.
Degree Requirements
*For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Degree Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
Master of Architecture (Professional Degree)
| Required Courses | Thesis Option-Required Hours | Non-thesis Option-Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One course in architectural practice | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in architectural thought | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in professional practice | ||
| Four studios including two semesters of comprehensive design | ||
| One course in structural planning | ||
| Thesis Hours Required–ARCH 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 0 min | |
| Total Hours | 62 | 62 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| Candidates must spend at least four semesters and earn at least half of the required graduate hours in residence | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 |
The two-year professional degree program, intended for students entering with a four-year baccalaureate in architectural studies, emphasizes further study in architectural disciplines, study in depth in one optional area of specialization, and/or participation in research.
The two-year graduate program is comprised of advanced study in architectural disciplines, building upon the fundamentals established in a four-year undergraduate study program.
Students may elect to concentrate in any one of the areas of specialization including Design, Structures, Technology, History and Preservation as well as newly developing areas of research by taking additional courses in those areas.
Candidates admitted with full or limited status to the two-year professional degree program must complete at least 62 hours of graduate work. Candidates admitted with full status may complete the program in two years of full-time academic study.
(Limited Standing)
| Required Courses | Thesis Option-Required Hours | Non-thesis Option-Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One course in architectural practice | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in architectural thought | ||
| One core elective each from a select list of courses in professional practice | ||
| Four studios including two semesters of comprehensive design | ||
| One course in structural planning | ||
| Students must also complete prerequisites, which are determined individually and do not count toward the required number of hours required | ||
| Thesis Hours Required–ARCH 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 0 min | |
| Total Hours | 54 | 54 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements: | ||
| Candidates must spend at least four semesters and earn at least half of the required graduate hours in residence. | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 |
The variable-length professional degree program has been designed for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in any field other than architecture. Emphasis is placed on the development of sufficient background in introductory architectural studies so that the applicants may successfully complete the equivalent of the two-year graduate program described above.
Applicants accepted into this program will initially be admitted with limited status. Full status may be attained by completion of introductory architectural studies. Once full status is attained, a minimum of 54 hours of graduate work is required for completion.
The time necessary to complete the program will depend on the nature of undergraduate coursework completed by the applicant.
Candidates attaining full standing may complete the program in two years of full-time academic study.
Master of Science, Architectural Studies (Post-professional Degree)
| Required Courses | Thesis Option-Required Hours | Non-thesis Option-Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Electives from dept. list | ||
| Electives | 16 | 16 |
| Thesis Hours Required–ARCH 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 0 min | |
| Total Hours | 32 | 32 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements: | ||
| Candidates must spend at least two semesters and earn at least half of the required graduate hours in residence. | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 |
Applicants who hold the five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree are considered to have earned the first professional degree. For those applicants, a one-year degree program has been developed emphasizing further study in depth of one optional area of concentration and/or participation in research, which is similar to the final year of the professional degree program.
Candidates admitted with full status may complete the program in one year of full-time academic study.
Doctor of Philosophy
| Required Courses | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Elective coursework in major field | 28 |
| ARCH 589 (twice) | 2 |
| Outside study (courses outside of Landscape Architecture and Architecture) | 8 |
| All students are required to enroll in the PhD colloquium during the fall of their first year of course work. | |
| Language Requirement: Required for all students in the History/Theory option and for some Social and Cultural Factors students | |
| Thesis Hours Required– ARCH 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 32 |
| Total Hours | 96 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
24 (not including 599) |
| Other Requirements: | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
| Professional Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | No |
| Qualifying Exam Required | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
This program offers advanced, rigorous education for those students whose goal is the advancement of the intellectual base of the discipline through a career of research and scholarship. Three areas of concentration are offered: history and theory, environment and technology, and behavioral and cultural factors in design. The program is administered jointly with the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Joint Degree Programs
Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning
This joint degree program offers an opportunity to obtain an education for a career that combines the disciplines of architecture and urban planning. For entry into this program, applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of each academic unit. Application for admission may be made either simultaneously to both units or in sequence.
Candidates entering the program with a four-year baccalaureate in architectural studies must complete at least 86 hours of graduate work (54 in Architecture and 32 in Urban Planning) and, if admitted with full status, may complete the program in six semesters and one summer session. Candidates entering the program with a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree must complete at least 64 hours of graduate work (32 in Architecture and 32 in Urban Planning) and, if admitted with full status, may complete the program in four semesters and a summer session.
Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration, or Master of Computer Science
Two joint master’s degree programs prepare graduate degree candidates for the broad range of management activity now developing in architectural practice. Work in the architectural degree programs can lead to one of the following joint master’s degree combinations: Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration or Master of Architecture and Master of Computer Science.
For entry into one of these programs, applicants must satisfy the admission and performance requirements of each academic unit. Application for admission may be made simultaneously to both units or admission to one unit may be sought after gaining entry to the other.
Candidates entering the Master of Architecture/Master of Business Administration joint degree program with a four-year baccalaureate in architectural studies must complete 110 hours of graduate work, 50 hours in Architecture and 60 hours for the M.B.A.
The combination of Master of Architecture and Master of Computer Science degrees requires 74 graduate hours if no prerequisites are needed in computer science. Candidates entering either of these programs with a five-year bachelor of architecture degree must complete at least 64 hours of graduate work and, if admitted with full status, may complete the program in four semesters.
Master of Architecture and Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Construction Management) or (Structures)
This joint degree program offers qualified applicants the opportunity to develop competence in a career that combines the disciplines of architecture and civil engineering (construction management) or (structures). For entry into these programs, applicants must satisfy the admission and performance requirements of each academic unit. Application for admission should be made to the School of Architecture. Admission to the other unit may be sought after the first semester of graduate study in architecture.
Candidates entering the program with a four-year baccalaureate in architectural studies must complete at least 78 (32 in Civil Engineering and 46 in Architecture) hours of graduate work and, if admitted with full status, may complete the program in five semesters. Candidates entering the program with a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree must complete 64 hours of graduate work and, if admitted with full status, may complete the program in four semesters.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for graduate students in architecture is available in the form of fellowships and assistantships (teaching, research, and graduate or resource). Qualified candidates are considered for financial support upon application and in subsequent years of study.