Master of Science in Architecture
The Master of Science in Architecture at Texas A&M University advances your knowledge of environmental design through theoretical concepts and research methods. In this program, you’ll explore and expand the field of architecture through multidisciplinary study and a final thesis.
Our program provides an opportunity to examine the past, be equipped for the present, and prepared for future challenges in architecture. We will challenge you to think creatively and critically as you address design problems on various scales.
About the Program
The Master of Science in Architecture is a non-professional degree with a focus on research. It can lead to pursuing a Ph.D. in architecture.
Our M.S. in architecture program lets students explore topics related to faculty expertise, departmental emphasis areas, and research centers within the school.
Areas of Emphasis
- Design for health
- Architectural theory
- Architectural education
- Sustainability/building energy system
- Heritage conservation
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)/simulation
- Interior architecture
- Product design
- API and software development
- Fabrication
- Robotics
- Artificial intelligence
Careers
Multidisciplinary training in research, design thinking, and specialized skills gives our graduates a wide range of career options. Our graduates have entered fields in:
- Architectural research
- University teaching
- Specialized practice and consulting
Curriculum
The M.S. requires a minimum of 32 credit hours. Students who lack the appropriate academic preparation may need to take additional coursework at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Any such deficiencies will be identified by the degree coordinator, the student’s advisory committee chair, and/or the advisory committee. To maintain the full-time student status, a student must take at least nine credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.
Year 1 19 credit hours
Fall Semester – 10 credit hours
ARCH 681 Graduate Seminar 1 credit hour
ARCH 669 Foundations of Research 3 credit hours
ARCH 690 Research Ideologies for Architecture 3 credit hours
ARCH 645 or ARCH 644 Seminar in Architectural Theory or Seminar in Art and Architectural History 3 credit hours
Spring Semester – 9 credit hours
CARC 698 Writing for Publication 3 credit hours
ARCH 645 or ARCH 644 Seminar in Architectural Theory or Seminar in Art and Architectural History 3 credit hours
ARCH 685 Directed Elective (major, minor or free elective) 3 credit hours
Second Year
Following semesters will be ARCH 685 Directed Electives (major, minor or free elective — in consultation with faculty advisor or committee chair) or ARCH 691 Research hours. Total hours for the Master of Science in Architecture is 32 hours.
Representative M.S. in Architecture Thesis Abstracts
Specialization
We encourage our M.S. students to develop an area of specialization. Through our pattern study courses, students can structure their program of study to include:
- Studying within an established departmental emphasis area
- Pursuing a graduate certificate
- Exploring a unique topic with faculty support
- Taking complementary courses throughout the school in construction science, landscape architecture, land development, or urban and regional planning
- Participating in research supported by school research centers
- Engaging in interdisciplinary experiences in engineering, business, management, and leadership
Advisory Committee
You’ll be assigned a temporary academic advisor upon admission to the program. The advisor will help choose your first-year courses. You will be responsible for selecting a faculty member to chair your advisory committee who has expertise in your chosen focus area. You and your committee chair will locate two or more graduate faculty members (at least one member outside the architecture faculty) to join your committee. Once your committee is in place, they will guide and assist with graduate degree planning, research methods, and thesis work.
FAQ about the M.S. program
What’s the difference between the Master of Architecture and M.S. in Architecture programs?
The Master of Architecture is an accredited degree that fulfills the educational component of professional licensure as an architect. The M.S. degree enhances your design and research skills and can lead to pursuing a Ph.D.
Do you offer the program online?
No, our masters programs are offered face-to-face only.
How long will this program take to complete?
This program requires 32 credit hours and is typically completed in less than two years. You must enroll in at least nine hours a semester to be considered a full-time student.
Who will be part of my advisory committee?
Your advisory committee is composed of a chair and at least two additional graduate faculty members. The chair and one of the members must be architecture faculty. The third member must be from outside the architecture faculty. Committee chairs assist in finding graduate faculty members to join the committee.
How to Apply
Admission to our M.S. program is offered to students with a bachelor’s degree and an interest in architectural research. Applicants are selected based on their chosen area of research and the availability of qualified faculty who specialize in the applicant’s area of interest.
Learn more about the M.S. admissions requirements
What do we look for in an applicant?
We look for applicants that are passionate and curious about architectural research, and committed to advancing knowledge in the built environment, humanity or technology.
Can you start the M.S. program in the spring?
No, successful applicants will only be admitted in the fall semester. The M.S. in Architecture does not accept admission for spring or summer.
How does the admission process work?
Submit your application at Texas A&M GradCas along with a non-refundable application fee. The fee may be waived only in exceptional cases for low-income applicants and McNair Scholars.
Your application should include the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended
- 3 letters of recommendation (academic references preferred)
- one-to-two page statement of purpose essay
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Read more about the Master of Science application requirements
Are there specific requirements for international students?
International students should follow the university application process for international students, including passing an English proficiency test.
We also require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 146 in Verbal and 295+ combined (V+Q) score.
What are the admissions deadlines?
Program admission deadline: Applications must be submitted in full by December 15.
Financial assistance deadline: Applicants should submit financial assistance application materials to the university and department by January 15.
What kinds of financial aid does the program offer?
Though a number of teaching and research assistantships, as well as competitive, merit-based scholarships and fellowships, may be available for Master of Science students, no guaranteed funding is provided. All students entering the M.S. program should plan to be fully self-supporting through personal funds and/or student loans. International students must provide verification of financial status.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements to be eligible for a graduate teaching position.
Who can I go to for questions?
Inquiries regarding the Master of Science in Architecture English language certification, application requirements and admission details related to the M.S. in Architecture program should be directed to march@arch.tamu.edu or 979.458.3042.
Inquiries regarding coursework, graduate faculty, and research focus for the M.S. in Architecture should be directed to Stephen Caffey, Associate Department Head for M.S. and Ph.D. Programs, at stephencaffey@tamu.edu.