The duration of the RIT Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program 105 credit hours which are completed over 3.5 years. The program has been designed as a full-time program, courses are offered on the RIT campus, throughout the day and evening. Below is a sample course matrix that shows the typical course load per semester.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course ID | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ARCH-611 | Architectural Representation I | 3 |
| ARCH-621 | Architectural History I | 3 |
| ARCH-631 | Architectural Design I | 6 |
| ARCH-761 | Understanding Sustainability | 3 |
| ARCH-612 | Architectural Representation II | 3 |
| ARCH-622 | Architectural History II | 3 |
| ARCH-632 | Architectural Design II | 6 |
| ARCH-741 | Integrated Building Systems I | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| ARCH-731 | Architectural Studio I: Site | 6 |
| ARCH-742 | Integrated Building Systems II | 3 |
| ARCH-751 | Architectural Theory | 3 |
| ARCH-732 | Architectural Studio II: Tectonic | 6 |
| ARCH-743 | Integrated Building Systems III | 3 |
| ARCH-752 | Urban and Regional Planning | 3 |
| ARCH-762 | Industrial Ecology Fundamentals | 3 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| ARCH-733 | Architectural Studio III: Adaptive | 6 |
| ARCH-744 | Integrated Building Systems IV | 3 |
| ARCH-753 | Research Seminar | 3 |
| ARCH-763 | Sustainable Building Metrics | 3 |
| ARCH-734 | Architectural Studio IV: Urban | 6 |
| ARCH-745 | Integrated Building Systems V | 3 |
| ARCH-771 | Professional Practice and Thesis Preparation | 3 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| ARCH-790 | Thesis Studio | 6 |
| ARCH-772 | Innovative Architecture | 3 |
| Sustainability Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| ARCH-699 | Cooperative Education | Co-op |
| Global Experience | 0 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 105 | |
Studio Culture Overview
Studio culture is an integral part of the RIT Architecture experience.
Enrollment in the Master of Architecture Program and studio environment is a privilege granted to students majoring in Architecture at RIT. As such, each student is bound to uphold this standard, through personnel performance as well as in concert with others. The term “studio” refers to a series of specific, uniquely structured courses as well as a physical place founded on the educational ideals and the belief in an environment that fosters critical thinking, explorative forming and testing of ideas, and professional development. Overall, the Architecture program at RIT is grounded in the following essential values:
- A Culture of Optimism – Hopeful that architecture will make a difference to society, and confident that success within the profession or related discipline is possible.
- A Culture of Respect – Respect for the individual, the community, ideas, diversity and the physical space.
- A Culture of Sharing – Collaboration, interdisciplinary connections and successful oral and written communication are embraced.
- A Culture of Engagement – Promoting leadership to foster engagement within communities, among clients and users, and around social issues.
- A Culture of Innovation – Encouraging critical thinking, fostering risk taking, and promoting creativity.
The ideal studio goes much further than merely to establish a place of inspiration and collegiality. It upholds a mutual attitude of respect and tolerance among faculty and students, understanding that cooperation between, and discourse among diverse perspectives within the stakeholders in our program is our greatest asset. Our working model asserts a culture of respect and innovation within the RIT Architecture program by allowing ideas, processes, and products to develop freely in a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment. Find Out More.