Master of Architecture

First Professional Degree Program

The Master of Architecture degree program provides graduates with the requisite educational background to enter the professional practice of architecture and its numerous variants. The Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), qualifying its recipients to take a state professional licensing examination after a required internship period.

There is a central thrust, related to contemporary practice and the requirements established for legal use of the title, Architect, which focuses on the design of buildings and environments to satisfy stated individual or societal needs.   Integral with this thrust is an examination of the processes of design, systems of construction, relationships to environmental, social, historical and geographical context, and an understanding of behaviorism and symbolism.   This program complements and completes studies begun in the four year undergraduate program.

Within the professional program there is opportunity and encouragement to explore a range of professional directions, related to the expertise and interests of the faculty.   A student may develop their own individual program which may include portions of existing emphasis areas in Architectural design, History and theory, Computer simulation, Interior Architecture or focused certificate programs in: Facility Management; Health Systems and Design; Historic Preservation; Sustainable Urbanism.   The College, with its four related academic departments and five research centers is in a strong position to support such diverse activity and the resources of the University provide additional depth in such areas as engineering, business, management.

      Curriculum

The architecture program at Texas A & M University adopted the " 4+2 " pattern in 1969, with the first professional degree given at the graduate level. The program is built on the undergraduate foundation of a pre-professional degree in architecture, such as the Bachelor of Environmental Design with Option in Architectural Studies. It requires 52 credit hours typically spread over two years. The core curriculum is an examination of the processes of design; systems of construction; relationships to the environmental, social, historical, and geographical context; and an understanding of the behavior and use of symbols in architecture. In all of these areas, the graduate program builds on the foundation of courses taken at the undergraduate level.

Course Descriptions in the Graduate Catalogue

      Specialization

A total of 28 credit hours of specialization courses permit the student to structure a program of study related to an established departmental emphasis area, certificate program or a unique exploration topic that has faculty support.

During the second semester of study, the student will, with advice from the faculty, select an advisory committee and develop a degree plan using one of the patterns of study as a guide. Based on this plan, which may include international opportunities, the student should identify course work that clearly leads to the development of skills and the acquiring of knowledge that will prepare him or her for the final study.

The student and committee should be aware of the importance of the broader educational opportunities available in the university, and include breadth as well as depth in the total preparation for the Master of Architecture degree. A minimum of 12 credit hours including a final study must be taken in the Department of Architecture and a minimum of 6 credit hours should be taken outside of the Department of Architecture.

The field of architecture synthesizes ecological, technological, social, behavioral, and aesthetic contexts and constraints into healthy sustainable human and natural environments. The graduate program provides an opportunity to examine the past, equip for the present, and prepare for future challenges in architecture. Graduate studies in architecture are complemented by programs in other departments in the college offering courses in the fields of construction science, landscape architecture, land development, and urban and regional planning, and supported by College of Architecture research centers.

Recipients of a four-year pre-professional architectural degree may apply for admission directly into this program.

Final Studies (Samples of Student Work 2005-2008)

      Admissions (Application for Graduate Admission)

All applicants for admission into the Master of Architecture program must at least hold a four year pre-professional architectural degree. The preparation each student brings from their pre-professional experience is critical to continued development towards the completion of core courses in advanced architectural knowledge leading to the first professional degree. Each applicant should be able to demonstrate success completion of the following courses or their equivalents as part of their undergraduate pre-professional degree. ”

• 4 sequential architecture design studio courses
• 2 courses in structures
• 2 courses in environment technology
• 2 history of Architecture courses
• 1 course in the Social Behavior sciences
• 1 course in Cultural Diversity

In addition to fulfilling the entrance requirements of the university, the applicant must submit resume, 3 letters of recommendation, and a portfolio to the Department of Architecture for review by the admissions committee.

      Portfolio

The portfolio must include:

• A comprehensive goals statement;
• A one or two-page resume; listing background information such as education, honors and awards, work experience, and relevant interests; and
• Documentation of a minimum of six projects from the design studio sequence, at least four having a strong building design content. In addition to photos of final project drawings and models, the documentation of each project must include a process description including the course title, program statement, and design goals and objectives. Photos of preliminary sketches and models are encouraged. If the project was done by a team, identify your individual role and work.
• In general, the university application deadlines should be observed, however students wishing to be considered for financial assistance should submit all application materials to the university and department by 15 January for fall admissions.

Faculty evaluation of each applicant's portfolio is a major element in the admission process. The portfolio must be concise in style, and bound as a single unit (8 1/2 " X 11 " preferred). If appropriate, additional supporting materials utilizing electronic media may be submitted. The portfolio will be reviewed by the Department of Architecture Master of Architecture program admissions committee. High quality reproductions must be used for drawings; slides are unacceptable. The portfolio must demonstrate abilities and skills in the following:

• Architectural theory and design
• Analytical and programmatic methods
• Proficiency in the use of design media (hand drawing and CAD)
• Clear use of the English language
  
  
  Applicants must include postage (stamps or international coupons) sufficient for the return of their portfolios, or arrange to pick them up at the department. Portfolios remaining in the department more than six months after the review will be discarded.

Your resume, portfolio, and three letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the Graduate Programs Office, College of Architecture and your application should be sent to the Graduate Admissions.   Please note that the application will not be processed by the Admissions Office until the application fee and all requested information (GRE, transcripts, etc.) has been received.

International students : should submit all application to the Admissions and Records Office by 15 January for Fall entry.   With the application, international students must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 400 in Verbal and 1000+ combined (V+Q) score, Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L.) scores of at least 550, the “ Confirmation of Financial Resources ” form, a filing fee of $75 (cannot be waived or paid by the department), and official College Transcripts.

Because of the many international students applying for admission, competition is strong and we cannot admit all who apply.  We do not consider financial aid for international students until after they have completed their first semester.   Unfortunately, we have very limited financial resources for supporting international students.   Therefore, you should be prepared to finance your studies.

Policy on English Proficiency for Graduate Research Students

All curricular inquiries regarding the Master of Architecture program should be directed to:

Prof. Wells, Ward V.
Phone: (979) 847-2787
Email: ward-wells@tamu.edu



All inquiries regarding application or admission to the Master of Architecture program should be directed to:

Jill Raupe, Academic Advisor
Phone: (979) 862-2729
Email: march@archone.tamu.edu

Department of Architecture
Texas A & M University
College Station, Texas 77843-3137

      NAAB Statement on Accreditation:

In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure.   The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees:   the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture.  A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.  
Master ’ s degree programs may consist of a preprofessional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education.  However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.