Architecture Master of Architecture Degree

A NAAB-accredited master of architecture program that provides a well-balanced education that integrates design, technology, and research with sustainability to prepare graduates to enter the modern field of architecture.


100%

Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree

$54.6K

Average First-Year Salary of RIT Graduates from this degree

#1

10 Best Master’s in Architecture Programs in the US (Based on National Exam rates)

College Gazette, 2021

Overview for Architecture M.Arch.

Why Study RIT's Master of Architecture Program?


  • STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

  • An emphasis on design: The program’s studio curriculum integrates construction technologies, material science, and mechanics into design.

  • Gain hands-on career experience: A professional co-op helps you build your resume before you graduate.

  • On campus or online options: study in a traditional on-campus experience and through a 100% online setting.

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.

RIT's Master of Architecture Program: What Sets Us Apart

  1. Design matters: As a program emphasizing design, the program’s core education takes place in the studio. Our studio curriculum integrates construction technologies, material science, and mechanics into design.
  2. Hands-on education: Expect a hands-on learning environment, working on real-world projects and utilizing our 75,000-square-foot, LEED Platinum-certified building to observe and test building efficiency. The City of Rochester and the western New York region also serve as an active learning environment for our students.
  3. Work experience: A professional co-op will help you build your resume before you graduate. RIT’s cooperative education program lets you work in the field with local architects and present neighborhood improvement ideas to planning boards.
  4. Global experience: Our global experience requirement lets you experience new cultures, settings, and contexts to expand your understanding of diverse architectural interests and needs.
  5. STEM-designated: Our program is STEM-designated, which increases scholarship and research opportunities for students, and offers up to two additional years of work/study for international students.
  6. NAAB-accredited: We’re one of the few master of architecture degree programs in the U.S. to be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)—that means you’re getting one of the best architecture educations in the country.
  7. Thesis: Our thesis option allows you to integrate everything you learn into a comprehensive project. Past student theses include designs for an urban master plan for Rochester’s downtown, a net-zero or positive energy building, and a turbine system to harvest rainwater for energy.
  8. On-campus or online: Our program is offered in both a traditional on-campus experience and through a 100% online setting.

M.Arch. Courses: What You'll Learn

In RIT's M.Arch. degree, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of courses in areas as diverse as:

  • 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.

Program Settings

RIT's 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 tracks for both the on-campus and online settings. We work with each student individually to determine the best setting and track and can customize course requirements based on levels of prior experience.

  1. 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 Tracks

  1. Advanced Standing Track: For students with previous experience and an undergraduate degree in architecture, the advanced standing track requires you to complete a two-year, 60- or 63-credit curriculum starting in a fall term. Campus students complete this in four semesters (two fall; two spring). Online students typically complete this in six semesters (two fall; two spring; two summer). Both campus and online students must start this program in the fall term in order to complete it in two years.
  2. Standard Admission Pathway: For those students with no prior experience or background in architecture, the standard track requires you to complete a three-year, 90-credit curriculum. Campus students typically complete this in six semesters (three fall; three spring). Online students typically complete this track in nine semesters (three fall; three springs three summer). Both campus and online students must start this program in the fall term in order to complete it in three years.

Architecture Careers 

RIT’s master of architecture program has a 100 percent job placement rate among our graduates. Our alumni are employed in architectural firms around the world and are working in diverse fields, from community development to smart growth to green building materials. Within firms and elsewhere, they serve as architectural designers, research scientists, sustainability consultants, planning engineers, start-up entrepreneurs, and more. Plus, our professional co-ops are a compelling program requirement that often leads to employment offers from architects and other firms working in construction, urban design, and facilities management.

Innovation Through Diversity

Enhancing the value of design requires constructive collaboration and a breadth of skills and viewpoints, interwoven in a way that elevates and celebrates everyone’s differences and strengths at RIT. Behind our focus on creativity and innovation is a dedication to diversity and inclusion that is fundamental to our mission. The master of architecture degree is suited for students with or without a background in the architecture or sustainability fields. Many of our students have been former art teachers, film students, engineers, interior designers, lawyers, and more before beginning their studies. They bring these backgrounds to the program in ways that enriched conversations and perspectives about design and human needs. Plus, approximately one-third of our students are international students, bringing cultural experiences and architectural design concepts from every continent.

This program is also offered online. View Online Option.
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Careers and Salary Info

Typical Job Titles

Architect (upon licensure) Project Designer Project Manager
Intern Architect Sustainable Design Specialist Building Science Specialist/Technician
Assistant Professor

Post-Graduation Salary and Career Info for Architecture M.Arch.
Co-op and Experiential Learning Options for Architecture M.Arch.

Featured Work and Profiles

Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Architecture M.Arch.

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Architecture, M.Arch. degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ARCH-611
Architectural Representation I
Introduction to the range of architectural representation skills necessary to effectively document basic architectural form and space. Skill development will be both manual and digital. Class 2, Studio 4, Credit 3 (F) (This class is restricted to students in the ARCH-MARCH program.) Studio 2 (Fall).
3
ARCH-612
Architectural Representation II
Introduction to the range of architectural communication skills necessary to effectively document basic architectural form and space. The focus will be on digital skill development. Studio 4 (Spring).
3
ARCH-621
Architectural History I
Students study global architecture from pre-history to the 10th century, including form, technology, urban context, and how architecture reflects social, cultural, and political concerns. (This class is restricted to students in the ARCH-MARCH program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
ARCH-622
Architectural History II
Students study global architecture from the 15th to the 21st century, including form, technology, urban context, and how architecture reflects social, cultural, and political concerns. (This class is restricted to students in the ARCH-MARCH program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
ARCH-631
Architectural Design I
Exploration of basic architectural space and form through studio design problems. Problems require understanding of elements such as spatial relationships, circulation, light, and orientation. (Co-requisite, ARCH-611 Architectural Representation I). Classroom 3, Studio 9, Credit 6 (F) (Co-requisites: ARCH-611 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Fall).
6
ARCH-632
Architectural Design II
Students will analyze and solve building based architectural design problems with a focus on residential design and other wood based structures. (Pre-requisite, ARCH-631 Architectural Design I, Corequisite, ARCH-621 Architectural Representation II). Classroom 3, Studio 9, Credit 6 (S) ARCH- (Co-requisites: ARCH-641 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Spring).
6
ARCH-641
Fundamentals of Building Systems
Students will receive an overview of the various passive and active architectural and engineering systems that comprise a building project while focusing on wood frame construction. (Co-requisite ARCH- 632 Architectural Design II) Class 3, Credit 3 (S) (Co-requisites: ARCH-632 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
ARCH-662
Sustainable Built Environment
Students will study the interaction between industrial, environmental/ecological and social systems in the built environment by introduction of life cycle and systems thinking and the multiple disciplines comprising sustainability in the built environment. Methods of measuring sustainability will also be studied, including life cycle analysis. Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
Second Year
ARCH-699
Coop Architecture (summer)
ARCH-699 Co-op Architecture This course provides a ten-week (350 hour min.) work experience in the field. (Second year program status) Credit 0 (Su) (This class is restricted to students in the ARCH-MARCH program.) CO OP (Summer).
0
ARCH-731
Architectural Studio I: Site
Building on the 1st year studios that explored basic communications between form and space this introduction to the 2nd year will investigate in greater depth the complexity and integrated nature of the architectural object and design process. Students will explore the artistic, conceptual, creative, and experiential side of architecture as a way of developing a rigorous process of architectural form-making. By developing methods, parameters, and alternatives of form-making, issues such as expression, perception, and representation will be explored. Although site design will be the focus of the course, full building designs will be examined in response to site parameters. Students will be expected to work in teams to explore communally a broad spectrum of design strategies at every opportunity. (Prerequisites: ARCH-632 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: ARCH-741 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Fall).
6
ARCH-734
Architectural Studio II: Urban
Investigation of architectural design as a response to the modern urban context. This includes an understanding of urban design and planning, as well as community involvement. (Prerequisites: ARCH-731 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: ARCH-742 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Spring).
6
ARCH-741
Integrated Bldg Systems I
This course presents the various systems that comprise a project’s site work; architectural materials/methods, civil engineering, and landscaping architecture as well as site constraints. (Prerequisites: ARCH-641 or equivalent course. Co-requisite: ARCH-731 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
ARCH-742
Integrated Building Systems II
The major tectonic components of a building will be studied in this course focusing on the building envelope and typical structural configurations. Structural inquiry will fully cover the field of statics. (Prerequisites: ARCH-741 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: ARCH-734 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
ARCH-763
Sustainable Building Metrics
The measurement science, performance metrics, assessment tools, and fundamental data critical for the development and implementation of building systems associated with life-cycle operation of buildings while maintaining a healthy indoor environment. (This class is restricted to graduate students in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (ARCH-MARCH, SUSTSY-MS, SUST-PHD).) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
ARCH-771
Professional Practice
Students will study the roles of stakeholders involved in architecture within the context of project management and business practices including legal responsibilities, and professional ethics. (Second year courses) Class 3, Credit 3 (S) (This class is restricted to students in the ARCH-MARCH program.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
GRCS-701
Research Methods
Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
3
 
Professional Elective
3
Third Year
ARCH-698
Global Experience (summer)
An immersive experience outside the student’s home culture whereby architecture is studied as the outcome of historic, social, cultural, religious, and physical factors. Study Abrd 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
0
ARCH-733
Architectural Studio III: Adaptive
This course examines the adaptive reuse of existing spaces, with implicit exposure to the basics of historic preservation. Students will examine and document an existing “real” space within the region, and propose coherent and rational architectural interventions for that space. (Prerequisites: ARCH-734 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: ARCH-743 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Fall).
6
ARCH-735
Architecture Studio IV: Integrative
This studio provides the opportunity for students to execute a comprehensive and integrative project from schematic design through design development. (Prerequisites: ARCH-733 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: ARCH-744 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Spring).
6
ARCH-743
Integrated Building Systems III
Typical interior building components will be studied in this course from subdivision of space down to selection of material finishes as they relate to building code regulations. Structural inquiry will continue with full coverage of strength of materials. (Prerequisites: ARCH-742 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: ARCH-733 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
ARCH-744
Integrated Building Systems IV
In conjunction with the co-requisite course, students will document a building design with design development drawings, including MEP with a focus on environmental systems and lighting. (Pre-requisite ARCH-743 Integrated Building Systems III, Co-requisite ARCH-733 Architectural Studio IV: Comprehensive) Class 3, Credit 3 (S) (Prerequisites: ARCH-743 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: ARCH-733 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
ARCH-753
Thesis Preparation
Students frame individual thesis proposals by using various research tools, accessing the literature, and creating a proposal. They then develop a thesis plan and begin to execute it. (This class is restricted to students in the ARCH-MARCH program.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
ARCH-790
Thesis
Students continue work on the thesis begun previously. They execute a methods and procedures plan, analyze the data, arrive at a conclusion and successfully defend it. (Prerequisites: ARCH-753 or equivalent course.) Thesis 3 (Fall).
3
 
Professional Elective
3
 
Open Graduate Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours
90

Numerous courses in the architecture curriculum require students to purchase supplies for use in class. Please review the Supply List for required supplies prior to starting the Master of Architecture program. For additional information, visit our Accreditation and Support page.

Note for online students

The frequency of required and elective course offerings in the online program will vary, semester by semester, and will not always match the information presented here. Online students are advised to seek guidance from the listed program contact when developing their individual program course schedule.

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Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus or online.

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full‑time Fall; Spring considered with advanced standing Fall - February 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter; Spring - rolling Yes
Part‑time Fall or Spring Rolling No

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Architecture M.Arch. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL IELTS PTE Academic
88 6.5 60

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Additional Information

Prerequisites

Applicants are expected to have successfully completed one semester of a college-level math course.

Advanced Standing Track for Spring Admit Term

The Advanced Standing track provides an option for students to start in the spring term; however, due to course sequencing, spring start students must take courses over 5 semesters (3 Spring & 2 Fall). The Spring admit term is only available for applicants pursuing the Advanced Standing Track. To qualify for advanced standing, applicants must have previous experience and an undergraduate degree in architecture.

Online Study Restrictions for Some International Students

Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under US Export Controls, which prohibit virtually ALL exports, imports, and other transactions without a license or other US Government authorization. Learners from the Crimea region of the Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria may not register for RIT online courses. Nor may individuals on the United States Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the United States Commerce Department’s table of Deny Orders. By registering for RIT online courses, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

Accreditation

The master of architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In addition, the program is now designated as a STEM program in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology (CIP code 04.0902) making international graduates eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years in order to work in the United States.

Learn more about our program advisory council.

See who has made our program possible.

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Contact

Admissions Contact
  • Karen Palmer
  • Associate Director Combined Accelerated Programs
  • Office of Graduate and Part-Time Enrollment Services
  • Enrollment Management
  • 585‑475‑5656
  • kbpges@rit.edu
Program Contact
Seth Holmes Headshot
  • Seth Holmes
  • Associate Professor
  • Department of Architecture
  • Golisano Institute for Sustainability
  • archdept@rit.edu