The faculty in the School of Architecture offer a professional program leading to the Master of Architecture degree.

The faculty in the school also offer a research-based graduate program leading to the M.S. degree in Building Design. See “Building Design” for information on this degree program.

The faculty in the school also participate in offering a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning. See “Environmental Design and Planning” for information on this degree program.

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

The Master of Architecture is the accredited professional degree program at ASU. There are two typical programs of study available: (1) a two-year program for applicants who have completed the four-year Bachelor of Science in Design (with a major in Architectural Studies) at ASU or an equivalent degree from another school that offers an accredited professional degree in architecture, and (2) a three-plus-year program for applicants with an undergraduate degree in a discipline or field other than architecture. Both programs promote broad areas of knowledge, professional skill, and a social awareness that the architect must command if architecture is to enhance contemporary life and remain an enduring and valid expression of society.

The program represents an attempt to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for graduates to achieve future leadership roles in the professional practice of architecture and related environmental design fields.

It is the intention of the faculty that the programs also

1. ensure a basic level of educational experience sufficient to enter the practice of architecture after successfully completing state licensing requirements and examination,
2. encourage the student to develop proficiencies in specific areas compatible with individual interests and university instructional capabilities,
3. provide a breadth of understanding that will encourage and motivate the student to continue learning throughout a professional career, and
4. develop opportunities that combine instruction and research directed toward adding value to the built environment.

Elective foci currently offered in the program include energy-conscious design, computer applications, urban design, architectural history and theory, and architectural administration and management.

In the first year of the two-year program, graduate design studio projects focus on advanced comprehensive problems that require integration of the full range of knowledge and skills from students’ undergraduate education. In the second year, students select design studios and undertake final design projects that complement their areas of interest. Courses in technology, history and theory, and architectural management are structured alongside the studio sequence.

The three-plus-year program begins with an intensive 10-week summer session introducing architecture and design fundamentals and continues with a preparatory year of architectural history, technology, and design. The final two years are similar to the two-year program described above. Students with no work experience in architecture must also complete a summer internship between the first and second years.

Application Requirements. An applicant to the M.Arch. program must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university recognized by ASU and must meet the minimum GPA requirements as established by the Graduate College.

In addition, all applicants are required to submit for review a design portfolio, GRE scores (except for international students), a statement of intent, and letters of reference. Applicants are accepted on a space-available basis only. Students may be admitted to the two-year program with deficiencies if their previous course work is not equivalent to the ASU undergraduate requirements and standards.

Students intending to apply for admission to the professional program in architecture at the graduate level should write to the graduate program coordinator well in advance of the application deadline.

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score of 550 or above. International students should write the Graduate Admissions Office at least one year before the date they plan to begin study.

Application Procedures. Applicants must submit separate application materials to the Graduate College and the School of Architecture.

School of Architecture. In addition to the Graduate College admission requirements, applicants must file all of the following admission materials with

ACADEMIC ADVISOR, MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

PO BOX 871605

TEMPE AZ 85287-1605

Applicants are encouraged to contact the academic advisor to be sure that all materials have been received (480/965-2507, arch.grad@asu.edu).

1. Statement of Intent. A personal narrative (maximum 600 words or two pages typed) indicating the applicant’s interest, previous academic and practical background, and personal and professional educational objectives must be submitted. Students wishing to be considered for a teaching or research assistantship should include an additional one-page statement outlining subject areas in which they feel competent or special skills and qualifications. This statement may be placed at the front of the portfolio.
2. Letters of Recommendation. A minimum of three letters of recommendation in support of the applicant must be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Committee, School of Architecture. The references should be from professionals or educators familiar with the applicant’s experience and capability for graduate work.
3. Portfolio. A portfolio of work is required of all applicants. It is extremely important to the judgment of an applicant’s qualification for admission and in determining advanced standing. Accordingly, applicants should take appropriate care in its preparation. The portfolio must be in a nonzippered presentation binder with acetate sleeves and, for convenience and economy, must be no larger than 9" x 12" (image size). The admissions committee is interested in the quality of the work submitted; applicants are therefore advised not to lavish energy and expense on special or unusual packaging. Loose sheets, original drawings, and 35 mm slides should not be submitted. The portfolio should include at least five projects with a range of complexity and concise explanatory statements for each project. Included should be the dates of execution and a brief analysis of the results.

When the work is not completely original, the sources must be given. When the work is of a team nature, the applicant’s role and contribution to the project should be clearly indicated. Additional examples of self-directed skills and creative endeavors may also be included. Applicants who have professional experience and wish to submit examples of work done professionally may do so. Of greatest interest are projects in which the applicant has played a principal role in design. The applicant’s contributions to professional projects must be clearly described.

The portfolio is returned after final admission procedures provided the applicant encloses a self-addressed return mailer with sufficient prepaid postage or appears in person to claim the materials within one year of submission. Unclaimed portfolios are retained for only one year. The School of Architecture assumes no liability for lost or damaged materials.

Because of space limitations, not all qualified applicants can be accommodated and the admission process is necessarily selective.

Students should indicate for which program of study they are applying. Those with a four-year degree equivalent to the B.S.D. in Architectural Studies should apply for the two-year program. Those with an undergraduate degree not in architecture should apply for the three-plus-year program. Students who are uncertain about which program suits them should write to the graduate program coordinator for determination of appropriate application. Students must have their name clearly visible on all parts of application; portfolio, statement of intent, etc.

Students with a previous professional degree in architecture (five or six years) who wish to pursue advanced study in climate responsive architecture, building energy performance, computer-aided design, energy simulation and analysis, and facilities development and management should apply to the Master of Science in Building Design program. See “Building Design.”

Application Deadline. Priority consideration is given to completed applications received on or before January 15. All fellowship and scholarship appointments for entering students are normally made from applicants in this group. Applications for admission received after January 15 can be considered only for remaining vacancies and “alternate” placement. Students are not admitted to the two-year Master of Architecture program at any time other than the beginning of the fall semester. Students are not admitted to the three-plus-year Master of Architecture program at any time other than the beginning of the first summer session.

Personal Interview. A personal interview is not required. However, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting the Graduate Programs Coordinator in the School of Architecture.

Requirements for the Two-Year Program. The two-year graduate program requires a minimum of 56 semester hours of approved courses and electives and a comprehensive examination. For most students, this program involves an average of 14 semester hours per semester. An internship may be offered as an elective to be taken in the summer before the final year of study. The internship is an honors program individually arranged and approved by the Master of Architecture Committee. Students electing to take a summer internship normally take 12–13 hours per semester during the second year.

Students who can adequately demonstrate competence through experience or previous academic course work for any of the specific requirements outlined below are encouraged to petition the graduate advisor for a course substitution.

Fall
ADE 521	Advanced Architectural Studio I (5)
APH 505	Foundation Theory Seminar (3)
ATE 553	Building Systems III (3)
ATE 563	Building Structures III (3)
	Total: 14

Spring
AAD 551	Architectural Management I (3)
ADE 522	Advanced Architectural Studio II (5)
APH 515	Current Issues and Topics (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14

Fall
ADE 621	Advanced Architectural Studio III (5)
ANP 681	Project Development (3)
ATE 556	Building Development (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14

Spring
AAD 552	Architectural Management II (3)
ADE 622	Advanced Architectural Studio IV (5)
Approved elective (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14
	Master of Architecture total: 56

Requirements for the Three-Plus-Year Program. The three-plus-year graduate program requires a minimum of 99 semester hours of approved courses and electives and a comprehensive examination. For most students, this program involves 12 semester hours in the first summer and 14–15 semester hours in each of the subsequent six semesters. A summer internship is also required after the first full year of study unless the student has work experience in an architectural office. A second internship may be offered as an elective to be taken in the summer before the final year of study. The second internship is an honors program individually arranged and approved by the Master of Architecture Committee. Those electing to take a summer internship normally take 12–13 hours per semester during the final year.

Students who can adequately demonstrate competence through experience or previous academic course work for any of the specific requirements outlined below are encouraged to petition the graduate advisor for a course substitution.

Summer
ADE 510	Foundation Architectural Studio (6)
APH 200	Introduction to Architecture HU, G (3)
APH 509	Foundation Seminar (3)
	Total: 12

Fall
ADE 511	Core Architectural Studio I (6)
APH 313	History of Western Architecture I L2/HU (3)
ATE 353	Architectural Construction (3)
ATE 521	Building Environmental Science (3)
	Total: 15

Spring
ADE 512	Core Architectural Studio II (6)
APH 314	History of Western Architecture II L2/HU (3)
ATE 361	Building Structures I (3)
ATE 452	Building Systems II (3)
	Total: 15

Summer
ARP 584	Clinical Internship (1)
	Total: 1

Fall
ADE 521	Advanced Architectural Studio I (5)
APH 505	Foundation Theory Seminar (3)
ATE 462	Building Structures II (3)
ATE 553	Building Systems III (3)
	Total: 14

Spring
AAD 551	Architectural Management I (3)
ADE 522	Advanced Architectural Studio II (5)
APH 515	Current Issues and Topics (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14

Fall
ADE 621	Advanced Architectural Studio III (5)
ANP 681	Project Development (3)
ATE 556	Building Development (3)
ATE 563	Building Structures III (3)
	Total: 14

Spring
AAD 552	Architectural Management II (3)
ADE 622	Advanced Architectural Studio IV (5)
Approved elective (3)
Professional electives* (3)
	Total: 14
	Total hours in program: 99

Comprehensive Examinations. The faculty require that all students pass an oral comprehensive examination based, in part, on a defense of their final design project in ADE 622. Each student is required to undertake an independent design project in ADE 622, based on an approved proposal completed the previous semester in ANP 681. Examiners typically include members of the Architecture faculty and may include distinguished practitioners not on the faculty.

M.Arch./M.B.A. Concurrent Degree Program. A Master of Architecture/Master of Business Administration concurrent degree program is offered through cooperative arrangement between the faculty of the College of Business and the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Students may obtain both degrees in approximately three years of study by concurrently meeting the requirements for each degree program. Separate applications are required by the respective units.

This program requires a minimum of 88 semester hours. Once admitted, in consultation with their respective advisors, students develop programs of study that meet degree requirements of both programs and their particular interests. Students interested in this offering should request further information from the School of Architecture graduate advisor.

RESEARCH ACTIVITY

Faculty and students in the graduate programs of the School of Architecture are involved in the following areas of research: energy-conscious design, computer graphics, housing, urban design, building technology, environmental analysis, arid region design, and architectural history and theory.

The School of Architecture maintains laboratories for solar, structural, and materials testing, including a 1,500-square-foot rooftop testing laboratory for solar research.

Facilities for basic research activities and community service oriented programs in energy technology, design, real estate development, and planning are also provided by the College of Architecture and Environmental Design through the Herberger Center for Design Excellence and the joint urban design program.

Courses offered by the faculty of the School of Architecture are categorized in the instructional areas described below.

Architectural Administration and Management (AAD). AAD courses investigate the organization and managerial aspects of contemporary architectural practice. These studies examine the overall processes relative to management coordination, administration procedures, ethics, legal constraints, and the financial controls and measures of contemporary architectural practice.

Architectural Design and Technology Studios (ADE). ADE encourage synthesis of the knowledge and understanding the student has gained from previous and parallel course work, and from other sources, toward the comprehensive design of architectural projects. The laboratories integrate the needs, limitations, and determinants of design problems while applying analytical methods and technical skills in seeking and comparing alternative solutions for assigned problems.

Architectural Philosophy and History (APH). APH develops an understanding of architecture as both a determinant and a consequence of man’s culture, technology, human needs, and behavior in the past and present. These studies are concerned with the rationale for the methods and results of design and construction.

Architectural Technology (ATE). ATE develops knowledge of the technical determinants, resources, and processes of architecture. These studies are concerned primarily with the science and technology of design and construction, including materials, structural systems, construction systems, environmental control systems, active and passive solar systems, acoustics and lighting.

Architecture Professional Studies (ARP). ARP provides students with residency and off-campus opportunities and educational experience in group and individual studies relative to specific student interests and faculty expertise.

The program also offers several opportunities to study abroad. In addition, various required and optional field trips are undertaken in course work. (Supplemental fees are assessed for these offerings.)

Environmental Analysis and Programming (ANP). ANP develops capabilities to analyze and program environmental and human factors as preconditions for architectural design. These studies are concerned with the existing and emerging methods used by the profession to evaluate and analyze. A variety of courses on computer utilization is included in this area.

Graduate Credit Courses Courses at the 500, 600, and 700 levels are graduate credit courses. Courses at the 400 level apply to graduate degree requirements when appearing on an approved program of study. However, 400-level courses are not graduate courses by definition and cannot be certified as such for purposes of employment or transferring to other institutions.

Architectural Administration and Management (AAD) Courses Architectural Design and Technology Studios (ADE) Courses Environmental Analysis and Programming (ANP) Courses Architectural Philosophy and History (APH) Courses Architectural Technology (ATE) Courses Architecture Professional Studies (ARP) Courses

Omnibus Graduate Courses: See omnibus graduate courses that may be offered.

Page last updated: Friday, September 7, 2007


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