Masters in Architecture in USA

Looking for Masters in Architecture in USA? The US architecture services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2030. The United States alone accounts for around 19.4% of the global architectural services market. From the above stats it clearly defines that more and more students are now opting for masters in architecture courses from US universities. This degree not only enhances one’s design and technical skills but also opens up global career opportunities.

When one talks about the architecture style in the USA, they can clearly observe the blend of modernity and tradition in architectural styles, providing a unique learning environment. In this article you will get to know about the various aspects of pursuing a master’s in Architecture in the USA which includes program structures, top universities, admission requirements, financial considerations and post graduation opportunities in the same field.

Turn your architectural dreams into reality in the USA. Contact with experienced overseas education consultants to navigate the competitive application process, secure funding for your studies, and ensure a smooth transition to studying abroad.

Overview of Masters in Architecture in the USA

The course duration of masters in Architecture program typically spans two to three years. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience covering areas such as architectural design, building technology, history , theory of architecture, urban planning and sustainable design. The program usually leads up to a thesis or capstone project , which further allows students to showcase their potential of design and research skills. A brief breakup of course structure includes:

Core Courses

The core courses provide foundational knowledge in architectural design, history and theory. Some of the core course offering includes Architectural design studios, advanced building systems, and Architectural history which are commonly included.

Electives

The electives are offered as specializations to students to specialize in their various areas of interest such as digital fabrication, urban design and landscape architecture. This flexibility further enables students to tailor their education to their career goals.

Studio Work (Can be part of Capstone)

Studio courses are a significant component of the masters in architecture program. These courses provide hands-on experience in designing architectural projects which are often included with real world applications.

Admission Requirements: Masters in Architecture in the USA

The admission requirements for applying to masters in architecture in the USA varies from one university to another. The admission requirements can also be competitive and requires a strong academic background with a well prepared portfolio with a good proficiency in english. Some of the general admission requirements includes:

Academic Transcripts

Applicants must submit official transcripts from their undergraduate institutions. These academic transcripts generally include a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field.

Portfolio

A strong portfolio showcasing the applicant’s design work which is a critical component of the application. The portfolio should largely demonstrate the clear cut technical skills, creativity and a clear design process.

English Proficiency

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS or PTE and minimum score requirements acceptance vary by institution.

SOP (Statement of Purpose)

An SOP is generally provided in the form of an essay,
A statement of purpose explains the students motivation for pursuing a masters in Architecture course and how they will add value to the graduate programs they are applying to.

Top Universities: Masters in Architecture in the USA

Kent State University

The Kent State University was established in the year 1910 as a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. The University already has a rich history and is reowned for its college of Architecture and Environmental design. Kent State University’s Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program is professionally accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This accreditation is a significant mark of quality and ensures that the program meets rigorous standards for architectural education.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 1.5 Yr
• Application Fees: USD$ 70
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 22522/ Yr
• IELTS Overall: 6.5
• TOEFL: 79

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University was founded in the year 1824 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. The university has since evolved into a comprehensive academic health center. While primarily known for its medical programs, the university also offers a robust program in architecture which is the master of Architecture course. The acceptance rate of Thomas Jefferson university is 80 to 90% for international students.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 2 Yr
• Application Fees: Nil
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 1441/credit hours
• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL: 80

Tulane University

The Tulane University was established in the year 1834 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a private research university which has a strong focus on liberal arts and professional education. The University’s school of Architecture is also particularly known for its Master of Architecture program which is offered through the school of Architecture (a NAAB accredited program), ensuring high standards of Architectural education.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 3 Yr
• Application Fees: Nil
• Tuition Fees: USD $55000/Yr
• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL: 80

The Catholic University of America

The Catholic university of America is one of America’s reowned private Catholic university, that was established in the year 1997. The university is located in Washington, DC & it is the only institution of higher education that was founded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Talking about the course offering the University’s school of Architecture and Planning offers a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree which is focussed on comprehensive education in Architecture, focussing on design, technology and professional practise.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 2 Yr
• Application Fees: USD$ 60
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 1650/credit hours
• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL: 80

The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona was established in the year 1885. It’s a public research university that is located in Tucson, Arizona. The University which is already known for its excellent program offering also offers a strong program in Architecture. The university also offers a Masters of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree through its college of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. In addition to this the course is also accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, which ensures rigorous academic standards.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 1 Yr
• Application Fees: USD$ 90
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 34000/credit hours
• IELTS: 7
• TOEFL: 79

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts is a public land grant university that is located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The university was established in the year 1863 and is known for its strong academic programs and also offers a comprehensive Master of Architecture program within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. The program is designed to provide students rigorous education in architectural design, theory, and practice.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 2 Yr
• Application Fees: USD $85
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 42000/Yr
• IELTS Overall: 6.5
• TOEFL Overall: 80

Woodbury University

The Woodbury university was founded in the year 1884 is a private university which has its campuses in Burbank, San Diego, California. Woodbury university is already known for its strong program offering in architecture. The university already has a strong acceptance rate of 63% with minimum GPA requirement of 2.75 & above. The Master of Architecture program offered by the Woodbury university is a STEM designated program that allows international students to apply for a 24 month STEM OPT extension.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 2 Yr
• Application Fees: USD $85
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 1413/ Credit Hours
• IELTS Overall: 6.5
• TOEFL Overall: 80

IPERC Savannah College of Arts and Design

The IPERC Savannah College of Arts and Design is a private university which has its campuses in Savannah, Atlanta and Hong Kong. The university was founded in 1978 with its majority of program offerings in the art and design stream. Along with this the university also offers a Masters of Architecture program which is one of the first programs which is accepted into NCARB’s IPAL initiative, providing architectural licensure for graduates.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 1 Yr
• Application Fees: Nil
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 40050/ Year
• IELTS Overall: 6.5
• TOEFL Overall: 85

University of Tennessee Knoxville

It is a public research university which is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The university was established in the year 1794 and the university’s College of Architecture and Design offers the Master of Architecture program which is a NAAB accredited course. The best part about its Master of Architecture course is that it prepares students for licensure and professional practice which opens fantastic opportunities for bidding graduates.

Program Details:

• Course: Master of Architecture
• Duration: 1 Yr
• Application Fees: Nil
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 32752/ Year
• IELTS Overall: 6.5
• TOEFL Overall: 80

The University of Arizona

As a public research university located in Tucson, Arizona. The University of Arizona was established in the year 1885. The University’s College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture offers the Bachelors of Architecture/Masters of Architecture program which is quite popular among the international students, besides this its (M.Arch) course offering is a NAAB Accredited course which ensures high standards of architectural education and providing opportunities for practical experience through design studios and real-world projects.

Program Details:

• Course: Bachelor of Architecture/Master of Architecture
• Duration: 5 Yr
• Application Fees: Nil
• Tuition Fees: USD$ 34100/ Year
• IELTS Overall: 6.5
• TOEFL Overall: 80

Student Visa: Masters in Architecture in the USA

To study masters in architecture in the USA generally a student visa (F-1 visa) is required. The following steps to meet these main requirements are:

• Valid F-1 visa application: A valid F-1 student visa application is mandatory to be submitted to the department of state which can be done by navigating to travel.state.gov
• Acceptance letter: An acceptance letter from the SEVP (Student exchange visitors program) certified university with your Masters in architecture details. The acceptance letter is one of the core aspects of the student visa application to study masters in architecture in the USA.
• Passport Validity: It is very important for students to check if their passport is valid for six months or beyond their intended program application date. If a passport is not renewed on time then it could lead to complexities in the visa application process.
• Financial Support Documentation: Students definitely need to show sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses for the entire duration of their study. This can include bank statements, scholarships, awards or financial sponsorships.
• Visa Interview: As a final visa process, students need to attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. During this interview, be prepared to discuss your study plans, financial resources, and future career goals.

Scholarships: Study Masters in Architecture in USA

Studying in the USA for Indian students, especially from asian countries can be an expensive matter. To tackle the same there are various scholarships to study masters in architecture in the USA for international students:

• University-specific scholarships: Many universities in the USA offer their own merit based and need based scholarships for international students in architecture programs. Some of the famous US universities like the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Illinois school of Architecture, University of Nebraska (Lincoln College of Architecture) and various other universities.
• Fulbright Scholarships: The Fulbright scholarships is considered one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs which is generally sponsored by the US government. The eligibility requirements and application procedures vary by country, so students need to check with the Fulbright commission in their home country.
• The American Institute of Architecture Scholarships: The AIA offers a number of scholarships for Architecture students, including some specifically for international students. These scholarships are typically merit based and can vary in amount.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing to pursue a masters in Architecture in the USA offers international students a unique blend of academic excellence, innovative research opportunities and exposure to diverse architectural styles and practices. Some of the renowned Architectural schools in the USA like the University of California, Berkele, & Notre Dame university, etc. provide cutting edge curricula and access to state of the art facilities that fosters creativity and technical proficiency.

A masters in architecture in the US gives international students the chance to engage with leading professionals and participate in significant architectural projects equipping students with practical skills and a competitive edge in their careers. Overall, a Master’s in Architecture from the USA is a transformative experience that combines rigorous education, professional development, and cultural enrichment, making it a compelling choice for aspiring architects worldwide.

Expand your skillset beyond design with a specialized MIS course in the USA for Indian students. Our guide explores programs designed for Indian students that can equip you with valuable tech skills for a diverse range of careers.

FAQs

What is the scope of masters in Architecture in the USA?

The employment for Architects is expected to grow by almost 5% till 2032 in the USA. A minimum GMAT score of 650 is required for a Masters in Architecture in the USA and fresh graduates who have just recently completed their masters in Architecture earns a significantly handsome salary.

Which is the GRE required for a Masters in Architecture?

Students who are looking for a Masters in Architecture degree are required to appear for the GRE exam which is considered by most US universities.

How much does a Masters in Architecture in the USA cost?

Tuition Fee is one factor which varies significantly for students who want to pursue Masters in Architecture programs in the USA. Getting into a public university in the USA generally means a comparatively lower tuition fees to private universities. The tuition fees can range from $30,000 to $70,000 per year which is excluding living expenses. It is best to research about various scholarships, opportunities, assistantships and fellowships which can offset these costs.