Sustainability concerns are changing how we think about architecture. Buildings account for a large percentage of the world’s energy expenditures and carbon emissions, which has driven demand for more sustainable architecture. In RIT’s accredited master of architecture program, we’re moving sustainability forward to elevate the value of architectural design. As a student here, you’ll learn how to design with context and substance in areas such as positive energy, performance building, climate-responsive designs, passive resiliency, and more.

Our accredited architecture program offers an immersive program focused on investigating the complexity of designing buildings with people, space, and the environment in mind. Whether you have a background in the building design sector or are new to the field, the program will prepare you for a path to positively contribute to the design of tomorrow’s buildings, neighborhoods, and communities.

Our program offers foundation courses as well as more in-depth classes exploring integrated building systems, urban planning, industrial ecology, and more. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose electives in other subject areas based on your unique talents and career goals, such as business, engineering, energy, or additional design skills.

Plan of Study

The RIT master of architecture program is available in a traditional on-campus setting or through a fully online format. The program also provides advanced standing or standard admission pathways for both the on-campus and online settings. We work with each student individually to determine the best setting and pathways and can customize course requirements based on levels of prior experience.

Program Settings

1. On-campus: Designed as a full-time in-person program, courses are offered on campus in the fall and spring semesters, primarily during the day, and often include open periods between classes to allow time for students to gain work experience with an architectural firm while they complete their degree.
2. Online: Designed as a flexible and remote program, courses are offered through 100% online instruction during the fall, spring, and summer semesters using both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. This flexible format allows time for students to gain work experience with an architectural firm while they complete their degree from any location.

Program Pathways

1. Advanced Standing Pathway: For those with previous experience and an undergraduate degree in architecture, the Advanced Standing track provides a two- to two-and-a-half year (5 semester) path.
2. Standard Admission Pathway: For those with no prior experience or background in architecture, the Standard Admission track is available and provides a three and half year (7-semester) path.

Curriculum

• Sustainability: With a global need for a more sustainable world, including buildings and their impact on energy consumption and carbon footprints, the focus of many courses reflect the conditions of sustainable design and practice.
• Technology: Design exploration is enhanced through the understanding of the implication of technology on both design process and product. The program enables students to focus and collaborate in many specialized areas of technology, including engineering, computer science, imaging science, materials and construction, and products and remanufacturing.
• Urbanism: The complexity of the urban environment requires an interdisciplinary approach to architecture education—one that references economics, public policy, sociology, and regional culture. With this in mind, the program also focuses on the practices and principles of preservation and adaptive reuse.
• Integrated learning/practice: From the outset, students often approach design problems within teams, learning to value and leverage collective and collaborative participation. Through integrated learning and evidenced-based models, we prepare students for the increasingly integrated practice of architecture, where architects are orchestrating teams of professionals from a variety of fields, including engineering, management, science, and computer science.

Architecture, M.Arch. degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ARCH-611    Architectural Representation I    3
ARCH-612    Architectural Representation II    3
ARCH-621    Architectural History I    3
ARCH-622    Architectural History II    3
ARCH-631    Architectural Design I    6
ARCH-632    Architectural Design II    6
ARCH-641    Fundamentals of Building Systems    3
ARCH-761    Understanding Sustainability    3
Second Year
ARCH-699    Coop Architecture (summer)    0
ARCH-731    Architectural Studio I: Site    6
ARCH-734    Architectural Studio II: Urban    6
ARCH-741    Integrated Bldg Systems I    3
ARCH-742    Integrated Building Systems II    3
ARCH-751    Architectural Theory    3
ARCH-752    Urban and Regional Planning    3
ARCH-762    Industrial Ecology Fundm    3
ARCH-763    Sustainable Building Metrics    3
Third Year
ARCH-698    Global Experience (summer)    0
ARCH-733    Architectural Studio III: Adaptive    6
ARCH-735    Architecture Studio IV: Integrative    6
ARCH-743    Integrated Building Systems III    3
ARCH-744    Integrated Building Systems IV    3
ARCH-753    Research Seminar/Thesis Prep    3
     
Open Graduate Sustainability Elective
3
     
Open Graduate Electives
6
Fourth Year (fall only)
ARCH-771    Professional Practice    3
ARCH-790    Thesis     6
     
Open Graduate Electives 6
Total Semester Credit Hours    105

Admission Requirements

We encourage applicants to demonstrate creative curiosity along with an interest in collaboration and leadership. We value applicants who can show an eagerness to contribute to the built environment and a sustainable future. To be considered for admission to the M.Arch. program, candidates must:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a portfolio. Refer to Graduate Portfolio Requirements for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

We encourage applicants to demonstrate creative curiosity along with an interest in collaboration and leadership. We value applicants who can show an eagerness to contribute to the built environment and a sustainable future.

Tuition fee-3.5 years-1,86,000