Master of Science in Architecture
Master of Science in Architecture - Understanding the Process
The MISSION of the M.S. in Architecture:
To MASTER intellectual/professional information that will support specialization
in the practice of ARCHITECTURE.
To MASTER the basics of Quasi-Empirical Research.
To encourage further extensive and creative research in preparation for life
long learning and for those who wish to pursue a Ph.D.
CONTENT:
The Master of Science serves two purposes:
Professional
for people who want to utilize the University to study in an emphasis
area in order to return to professional practice to SPECIALIZE or CONSULT.
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Academic
for people who want to learn to do RESEARCH in a specialized area of
emphasis possibly leading to further involvement in the Ph.D. program.
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Types of Students who enter the Master of Science program in Architecture:
| With a four-year degree in environmental
design. |
With a five-year professional Bach. Architecture
degree. |
With a 4+2 professional Master of Architecture. |
With a four-year degree in a related discipline. |
Current Emphasis Areas Three of which award certificates:
The certificate in Health Systems and Design is offered in addition
to the Master of Science Degree.
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The certificate in Historic Preservation is offered in addition to
the Master of Science Degree.
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The certificate in Facility Management is offered in addition to the
Master of Science Degree.
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ADMISSION
CLARIFYING the steps in the admission process:
Upon request (by email, telephone, or hard copy) the graduate office in the
College of Architecture will send a catalogue that outlines the various degrees
in the Department of Architecture. The information in this pamphlet will also
be included for those who specifically ask about the Master of Science Degree.
The obvious parts of admission include records from degrees earned, test scores,
references, et cetera. One of the most important elements of the application
is the "Statement of Intent." Through this statement the department
coordinator for the M.S. degree programs will make assumptions about the interest
area pursued and if the department has an available Professor in the stated
area upon which admittance is dependent. The following issues should be a
part of the Statement of Interest.
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State clearly an interest in a particular emphasis area.
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Express the reasons this emphasis area is of critical concern.
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Discuss any past education or experience that relates to the emphasis
area chosen.
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If there is a particular professor under whose guidance you wish to work,
state the professor's name.
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Master of Science students "master" the current information
that is available in the emphasis area. This "mastering" of the
information is followed by a modest research project that leads to a Thesis
in the emphasis area. As best you can at this point, state clearly:
- the objectives of the study;
- how you, as a researcher, would proceed
- of what consequence is the study; - the
- goals to which you aspire.
For instance:
Are you seeking to advance knowledge in a certain area?
Are you seeking to actively or passively change a situation? Do you want to
create design responses to new research in an emphasis area?
Do you want to understand a dynamic complex system through various perspectives?
Do you want to do objective research?
Do you seek an underlying pattern that explains complex systems?
Do not create an extensive document, state your interests succinctly - there
should be no more than two pages of text for the Statement of Intent.
The statement of intent is a crucial document. It allows us to find a good
"fit" between student and professor. Most likely your interests
will undergo change and adjustment as you work your way through the program
- it usually does. This is a natural process so we do not imagine that you
will do exactly what you initially state in your statement of intent. The
statement simply gives us a picture of whom you are and what you want to achieve.
Remember, this is a 32 hr. program - you cannot conquer the subject of your
interests but you can master the current knowledge that has been generated
and contribute your own research.
THE FILE
Upon Application two files are created. The College of Architecture
graduate office creates a file under your name and identification number that
initially is comprised of references. All other information goes to the University
Office of Graduate Studies (this office collects all information on all
graduate students applying to the University). When your file is complete
- that is, all records, transcripts, test scores have been reported - your
"file" is forwarded to the College of Architecture graduate office.
At this point, the file along with references is forwarded to the program
coordinator of the Master of Science Degree, a faculty member responsible
for checking the appropriateness of your statement of interest and its viability
at the department level. If it is a viable application the file is passed
to a professor with expertise in the emphasis area you have stated as your
interest.
At this point, the file is in the hands of a professor and expert. The professor
may accept or deny. Denial is based on several interactive variables, how
many current students the professor has, whether your proposal is plausible
for the 32 hr. degree option, and if you are a viable student who would complete
a Master of Science degree.
The file is returned to the Program Coordinator who makes a recommendation
to the Department Head that is mostly dependent on the Professor's comments.
The file is returned to the College of Architecture graduate office, which
in turn notifies the University Office of Graduate Studies of its decision.
The University Office of Graduate Studies then sends a letter to the applicant
stating acceptance or denial (and any reasons for denial).
UPON ARRIVAL
When you arrive at TAMU you need to make an appointment with the M.S.
Coordinator, Professor Frances Downing, and the professor that has been assigned
to you. Between us we will organize an initial course of study. We will identify
an informal space for the M.S. students to meet. We will also encourage you
to interact with the Master of Architecture students and the Ph.D. students
with whom you will share some coursework.
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