About the Architecture Master’s Program
The Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.) is a research-based academic degree for students interested in advanced architectural studies. This degree does not prepare students to receive an architecture licensure. It is for students with an accredited professional B.Arch. or M.Arch. degree, or an approved bachelor’s degree in architecture or in a related discipline (e.g., art, interior design, engineering, archaeology). Students who have non-architecture degrees and wish to enter the program may be required to complete leveling work that will not accrue graduate credit toward their degree. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 28 credit hours of graduate study and write and defend a thesis (6 hours). Students requesting admission into the Master of Science in Architecture program must meet the entrance standards of the Graduate School and the College of Architecture. The admission application includes a portfolio of creative work (writing, design, drawing, photography, etc.) that reflects the student’s level of design interest, intellectual inquiry, and communication skills, GRE scores, GPA, Statement of Intent/Purpose and three letters of recommendation. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS score.
There are four options for Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.) students:
- Master of Science in Architecture with concentration in Design, Computation and Fabrication
- Master of Science in Architecture with concentration in Design and Health
- Master of Science in Architecture with concentration in Urban and Community Design
- Master of Science in Architecture with concentration in Historic Preservation (El Paso)
Academic requirements vary depending on the option chosen. Candidates for the Master of Science in Architecture must specify the option in which they are interested by selecting that option on the Graduate School admission application. After the first semester, students will be matched with a faculty member who will serve as their academic advisor and the chair of their thesis committee. The advisor will be responsible for guiding the student concerning electives, developing a thesis proposal, and selecting thesis committee members. All students seeking a degree must complete the program in residency, including the thesis.
