RIT launches online Master of Architecture degree

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) today announced the official launch of its online Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree. RIT’s new online degree is accredited by NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) and is being offered in partnership with 2U Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), the parent company of global online learning platform edX.

This educational partnership will bring RIT’s highly regarded campus-based program to life in a dynamic digital environment that will serve learners across the United States and beyond who are seeking professional education in architecture. Enrollment is now open for classes beginning in August 2022.

RIT’s Master of Architecture was established in 2011 and is offered through the university’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability. The program is a unique global offering for aspiring architects and field leaders looking to establish a career rooted in environmental sustainability and equitable urban design. RIT’s curriculum infuses these principles with the use of cutting-edge technology and functional design to optimize building performance and create healthy communities. 

“The intersection of global sustainability and social justice issues in the architecture field has never been more urgent, and our graduates are uniquely equipped to create architectural solutions that address the pressing issues of our time,” said Ellen Granberg, RIT provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “By creating this rich and immersive online learning experience, we are bringing the best of RIT’s program off campus and into the world at a critical time.” 

RIT Architecture Online is designed to match the rigor and reputation of the on-campus program and will have the same degree requirements, program focus, direction, and strengths. RIT faculty will develop and deliver the curriculum through a combination of live and on-demand classes, which can be accessed globally. Students also will complete paid, immersive in-person cooperative education experiences in their local communities that supplement their classroom learning with hands-on, applied experience.

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Dennis A. Andrejko, head of RIT’s Department of Architecture, said RIT’s online Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program is one-of-a-kind in that it takes RIT’s world-class curriculum and brings it to learners around the world in a fully online environment.

“We’ve built a dynamic, engaging, and deeply immersive virtual learning experience that will give the architectural leaders of tomorrow greater opportunities to explore and develop sustainable and resilient built environments in myriad contexts, climates, and settings,” said Dennis A. Andrejko, head of RIT’s Department of Architecture. “This program is one-of-a-kind in that it takes RIT’s world-class curriculum and brings it to learners around the world in a fully online environment, giving more students an opportunity to pursue a compelling and fulfilling career in architecture.”

Luyen Chou, chief learning officer at 2U, said his team of online learning designers worked collaboratively with RIT to ensure the richness of the campus curriculum is thoughtfully and effectively translated to the digital environment, with an emphasis on inclusion and support for non-traditional and adult learners. 

“Online learning design requires precision, expertise, and a fundamental understanding of what creates and sustains an incredible digital and hybrid learning experience,” Chou said. “Working together with the RIT team, we’ve taken the best of their current program and brought it to life on edX.org for the next generation of environmental and globally minded architectural designers.”