Overview

The College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology began more than 125 years ago, but began an entirely new era with the arrival of Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) in 1938. His revolutionary architectural and educational philosophies transformed the school—and much of Western architecture. In many ways, Mies predicted the contemporary understanding of architecture as a seamless merging of cutting-edge technology and timeless understandings of art.

The era of universal architectural models and totalizing utopian visions may be over, but the need for new urban strategies is no less acute. The next generation of architects will face changes in climate, the rise of new technologies which may improve or harm the human condition, rapid urbanization and resource allocation. This is precisely why in 2012, Wiel Arets and Vedran Mimica began the project of “Nowness” at IIT, which investigated the theme “Rethinking Metropolis.” Building upon that research, today’s Master of Science in Architecture program, under Mimica’s direction, provides a forum for students and post-professionals to critically engage changes in the architectural landscape, with an emphasis on critical discourse, collaboration, applied research and design innovation.

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Open house exhibition at the end of the academic year

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Architecture (MS Arch) program uses Chicago as an active laboratory, engaging students with the city’s architectural heritage, diverse urban fabric, and complex contemporary challenges. Through collaboration with industry partners and interdisciplinary fields, students develop research grounded in real-world context and informed by pragmatism.

Architecture research at IIT extends beyond observation: It questions data, explores emerging technologies, and reimagines how cities function. Inspired by Saskia Sassen’s idea of “counter-projects,” the program encourages alternative models that promote equity and sustainability over mere efficiency or profit.

We seek to understand how our discipline relates to the Anthropocene, and how humans operate as the primary shapers of Earth’s environment. The Anthropocene should not be understood as a literal geological era, but as a construct that provides context for ecological and urbanistic inquiry. It’s a lens for focusing on the outcome of long-standing global political and socio-economic inequalities. Focusing our research, design and creativity through this lens of the Anthropocene will help humans adapt to a dynamic, evolving planet.

Open House Exhibition of Master of Science thesis

Degree Sequence Overview

Our Master of Science program extends the tradition of architectural innovation through a post-professional degree structured around independent research. Working closely with a faculty advisor, each student develops a research project related to the theme: Architecture and Urbanism in the Age of the Anthropocene. This theme may be approached via technical research, applied research (including design) or history and theory.

An overview of the non-thesis design curriculum of the Master of Science in Architecture program.
Fall	Spring
Advanced Studios engage both IIT architecture faculty and a select group of visiting studio professors noted for their outstanding professional experience in contemporary practice. The focus of each studio is strong design experimentation that is implemented in highly resolved, complex architectural design projects. Studios work on sites within Chicago, explore urban areas around the globe, and/or focus on hypothetical or technological challenges that shape the built environment. Students design structural and material systems that recognize issues of ecology as well as the broader, integrated concerns of climate, energy and natural resource use, and sustainability. Uniting the diverse strands of urban place making, economic diversity, social equity and environmental stewardship, Advanced Studios promote the design of places that reflect the values of their inhabitants, and create a lasting sense of community with meaningful identity. The studios are formed in thematic clusters that complement each other or serve as dialectical opposites. Each studio explores a variety of techniques from parametric design, digital fabrication, model making, and advanced geospatial software to cultural and theoretical explorations. Students will be able to select from a variety of studio topics. The vertical studio integrates advanced B.Arch., M.Arch., M.S.Arch., and Ph.D. students. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisites: ARCH 544 with min. grade of C	The aim of the design studio is to develop formal solutions which address the complexities of modern metropolis and advance disciplinary knowledge at large. The Advanced Studio program provides the intellectual climate as well as material infrastructure to explore the larger forces that influence the growth of cities. In the contemporary world, developing alternative models of design are necessary to make a transformative impact on the built environment. Design work in Advanced Studios at IIT directly engages real-life challenges and design-based solutions. As they seek to synthesize and impart principles and knowledge, to advance aesthetic and analytical skills, and to creatively expand upon given cultural norms, the Advanced Studios offer students the means to leverage their intuitions and insights to find better ways to enhance the built environment. The studios are formed in thematic clusters that complement each other or serve as dialectical opposites. Each studio explores a variety of techniques from parametric design, digital fabrication, model making, and advanced geospatial software to cultural and theoretical explorations. The vertical studio integrates advanced B.Arch., M.Arch., M.S.Arch., and Ph.D. students. Open only to Architecture majors. Prerequisites: ARCH 545 with min. grade of C
The Master of Science program seeks to be synthetic and inter-disciplinary in its approach. Specialized research is designed to demonstrate an intellectual objective for an in-depth study that will contribute to the practice of architecture. The seminar is focused on the general development of the research problem, its structure, and objectives. Specialized research leads toward the final acceptance of the Masters Project that may take the form of a written document of publishable quality, or an exhibition and accompanying catalog.	ARCH 999 (9 Credits) Architecture Electives
This course provides a foundation for advanced students in the diversity of research paradigms in architecture. The first component is an introduction to philosophy of knowledge with an emphasis on architecture. The second component entails a critical review and evaluation of diverse research methodologies in current architectural research. It is intended to provide substantial information on advanced research methodologies. In this course students will write a series of papers that critically review the course readings and discussions.
ARCH 999 (6 Credits) Architecture Electives

A diverse group of people engaged in a discussion, seated in a circle in a modern, open space. A man holds a camera, capturing the event. Bookshelves and glass walls are visible in the background, suggesting a library or community center setting.

Core Courses

ARCH 590: Specialized Research

Instructor: Vedran Mimica, Others

Course Description: A weekly seminar where MS.Arch students present design-based research to peers and faculty. The course bridges the gap between theoretical inquiry and practical application, emphasizing critical thinking and big-picture visualization. Students identify specific research methods to fuel the design process.

• Requirement: Mandatory for first-semester MS.Arch and Co-Terminal students; runs parallel to ARCH 545.

Electives

As an independent research program, the Master of Science in Architecture program encourages students to explore topics of their own interests. Elective courses provide students an opportunity to hone their skills and supplement their research. The number of required electives varies with the degree track chosen, and are tailored to the students' particular area of research. Working with their advisor, students may choose from 400-level or above ARCH, AURB, or LA courses, as well as courses from other university departments.

Advising

Advising provides students with academic guidance as they fulfill their degree program requirements. Each student in the M.S.Arch. program will be guided by a primary advisor chosen from among the faculty who helps them in selecting coursework, as well as shaping, refining and directing the students' choice of research topic. New graduate students will be required to meet with their primary advisor prior to registering for the following semester

For more information, please visit Student Resources

The GP Graduate (Program) Advising Hold becomes active before the next semester of registration opens for the following:

Co-Terminal students in the first semester of graduate co-terminal enrollment. Traditional masters students at 9 earned or enrolled credits .Doctoral students at 18 earned or enrolled credits. The GP Hold prevents registration before the following semester until lifted by the advisor. The mandatory advising session is required for the student to clear the advising registration hold.

Students will be notified by their primary advisor how to best schedule their required advising appointment. In general, students may begin scheduling their advising appointments two weeks prior to the first day of registration for the following semester.

At this advising appointment, students will receive a Registration PIN (also referred to as an alternate PIN) and the registration block, which is placed on a student’s record by the Graduate College, will be removed. This will be the only required advising appointment for Graduate students. After their first semester, Graduate student Registration PINs will be visible in the Illinois Tech Portal (under IIT Personal ID numbers).

All graduate students registering for research courses numbered 591, 594, 597, and 691 must receive approval from their faculty advisor, in the form of an electronic permit, before registration.

Faculty

Recognized as leaders in their field, the M.S.Arch. faculty work closely with students to prepare them for changes in the architectural profession with an emphasis on critical discourse, collaboration, practical/applied research and creative design innovation