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Although an undergraduate degree in architecture fulfills the educational requirement to become a licensed architect, many people opt to pursue a Master’s in Architecture (M. Arch) for a variety of reasons. The professional M. Arch degree program available at many highly ranked universities is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in another discipline but want to transition into a design career. Other advanced degree programs in architecture are for students who want to enhance their knowledge of the subject or pursue an architecture teaching career. The admission requirements to enter a graduate level architecture program vary by school. However, here are some common prerequisites that students can expect to fulfill before entering most M. Arch programs as well as tips for identifying a good academic program that supports one’s professional goals.
Portfolio Of Creative Work
Even though some degree programs do not require students to have a bachelor’s degree in Architecture to gain admittance, it is common practice for students to submit a portfolio of designs as part of the admissions process. The portfolio pieces often include an assorted mix of drawings and three-dimensional models that are professionally labeled and categorized. This portfolio of creative work helps admissions staff assess students’ interests and skill levels for program admission, placement and guidance. For example, admissions staff who discover that a student has a particular talent in a niche category of the architecture discipline can pass that information along to academic and career advisors who recommend classes, fellowship opportunities and internship possibilities.
Personal Statement And Letters Of Recommendation
Since many M. Arch degree programs are competitive, admission staff often require that prospective students communicate their interest in the discipline and state their career goals. Also, at least three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources are usually needed prior to admittance. These items demonstrate to admission staff a student’s passion for the discipline as well as their potential to succeed in the program as determined by their professional references.
Standardized Test Scores
Nearly all M. Arch programs require students to take the Graduate Record Examination and submit test scores. Most programs do not have a stated minimum score for prospective students. However, programs that are well-recognized and respected within the industry admit students with the most competitive test scores. Additionally, international students from non-English speaking countries usually have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language and demonstrate a minimum passing score for entrance into architecture degree programs in the United States.
Tips For Finding The Right M. Arch Program
While there are numerous M. Arch degree programs, they are not all created equally. The ones that will likely propel one’s career forward are those that are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The NAAB is the sole accrediting agency for architecture programs in the United States, and programs that have this accreditation credential have met certain academic quality standards to which employers and licensing boards pay attention. Students must also assess whether a program is designed to help them gain their professional architecture license which is a key credential for employment. Licensing requirements include work experience, and good academic programs help place students into valuable internships that help them gain that experience.
Conclusion
The architecture discipline is usually characterized by a rigorous design program that seamlessly blends art and technical elements to support the skills needed to create structures that are aesthetically pleasing, safe and functional. A professional Master’s in Architecture usually provides students of various undergraduate academic backgrounds with the foundation needed to enter the architecture field.
