Master of Science in Architecture
INTRO
Global urbanization, the proliferation of information technologies, and the anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems are among the most visible trends of the first decades of the twenty-first century. Around the world, habitats continue to evolve into novel “post-city” formations, generating new paradoxes and redefining the role of the architect. As the skilled artificer of the built environment, the architect must come to terms with these new realities. Illinois Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in Architecture program positions its investigations in the space between emerging forms of urbanization and existing concepts of architecture, landscape, and cities. Our goal is to develop new and better models for shaping socially, culturally, and ecologically sustainable environments.
Years of water exploitation, climate change, political conflict, and war reduced the Jordan River to a polluted stream. This thesis aims to highlight regenerative efforts as a driver for integration and points to the Jordan River as a site for socio-cultural and ecological design interventions which challenge a dividing hydro border condition.
Our M.S.ARCH. program extends this tradition through a post-professional degree structured around independent research. Working closely with a faculty adviser, each student develops a research project related to the theme of architecture and urbanism. This theme may be approached via design research, technical research, or history and theory. The curriculum includes a minimum of 32 credit hours and is typically fulfilled in three semesters.
Students and faculty of the M.S.ARCH. program study together with those of our Ph.D. program to establish a foundation for advanced students in the diversity of research methodologies and paradigms in architecture. For both programs, students pursue independent research projects guided by a faculty adviser. Research topics are based on the interests of individual students paired with the expertise of our faculty.
Possibilities include hybrid building typologies, sociocultural phenomena in relation to global urbanization, advanced digital modeling techniques in relation to urgent cultural and disciplinary issues, tall building design and performance, urban water systems, or histories and theories of architecture.
The Chinese Dream is President Xi Jinping’s integrative and transformative vision for China, with the goals to achieve “a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” So, where are the capacities of the Chinese Dream for individuals in these modern times?
Students are able to draw on a wealth of opportunities offered by other Illinois Institute of Technology departments, by our relationships with architecture and engineering firms based in Chicago, and by the rich archival resources located in the city. Partnering with local institutions and figures, students accelerate their research with specificity, an opportunity available only in this context.
ELIGIBILITY
The M.S.ARCH. program is open to applicants holding accredited professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or an allied field. Applicants with a degree earned outside the U.S. must have the equivalent to a first professional degree and be eligible for licensure in their home country. After admission to the program, each student works with their adviser to create a tailor-made curriculum, composed of design based studios, thesis courses, and electives.
The B.ARCH./M.S.ARCH. co-terminal degree offers a combined B.ARCH. in architecture and master of science degree in architecture and urbanism in six years (12 semesters) to students interested in advanced studies. A principal goal of the co-terminal degree program is to increase the range of job opportunities in both the private and academic arenas.
Interested M.S.ARCH. students who demonstrate exceptional performance will be eligible to enter our Ph.D. program upon approval of a review committee and completion of their M.S.ARCH. degree. While these students still need to apply for the Ph.D. program, certain requirements will be waived. Students who enter the Ph.D. program via this option will receive appropriate course credit and will typically be treated as second-year Ph.D. students.
The current urban environment in Bronzeville, Chicago is the product of decades of disinvestment and negligent development policies which encourage rethinking of contemporary city-building models. The success of radical urban strategies in Latin America to improve marginalized urban landscapes envisions the numerous possibilities these may ha
EMPLOYMENT/STEM DESIGNATION
Our M.S.ARCH. program is officially approved as a STEM-designated field of study in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology within the United States Department of Homeland Security’s STEM-designated fields list. International students who have earned degrees in STEM fields in the U.S. may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion Optional Practical Training employment for a total of 36 months, a significant benefit for international students who wish to stay and work in the U.S. post-graduation.
Former students continued exploring their research topics, pursued further studies, assumed teaching positions, or contributed to internationally renowned offices and practices.
CONTACT
For further information, please contact the M.S. program director,
Vedran Mimica.
For graduate admission inquiries, please contact Hashika Nekkanti.