Architecture and Design

Program | Faculty | Master's | Courses

At the graduate level, the Architecture and Design program offers Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Design degrees. The Master of Science degree was established in 1976. The Master of Architecture degree program is in candidacy for full accreditation with the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB).

In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure to practice architecture. The NAAB, which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the bachelor, master, and doctor of architecture. A program may be granted a six-, three- or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Master's degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

The NAAB grants candidacy status to new programs that have developed viable plans for achieving initial accreditation. Candidacy status indicates that a program should be accredited within six years of achieving candidacy, if its plan is properly implemented. The Master of Architecture degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst received candidacy status in 2002 and will undergo accreditation review in 2008. Assuming that the program receives accreditation, all students graduating before 2008 will be grandfathered as fully accredited degree holders.

The Architecture and Design program does not espouse an overriding stylistic philosophy but rather works to create a learning environment in which all students can discover and develop their own design process and professional potential. Students in the Design program are encouraged to critique the work of fellow students as a way to develop their analytic skills and establish ongoing working relationships.

Financial Assistance

The Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Design degree programs offer to selected qualified students teaching and research assistance that carries a semester stipend and a waiver of tuition, the Curriculum Fee, and most of the Health Fee in accordance with University guidelines (see the Fellowships and Assistantships section elsewhere in this  Bulletin).

Admission

In addition to the University graduate application requirements, applicants to the Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Design degree programs must submit a portfolio or representations of their work with a maximum of 20 pages illustrating the ability to see and think in two and three dimensions, to compose, and to experiment. Applicants without a portfolio may submit evidence of research or other scholarly activity. Applicants to the Master of Architecture degree program are required to submit GRE scores and three letters of recommendation. All application materials must be received by January 1 for fall admission only.