Master of Science in Architecture
This one-year program, two or three semesters in duration, typically lasts a full calendar year. The program is open to applicants holding accredited Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degrees as first professional degrees from NAAB-accredited institutions. The IIT Architecture Thesis offers advanced architectural study that builds upon knowledge acquired from the Bachelor of Architecture degree; it combines courses and in-depth research concerning a specific area of concentration. The program pursues a high level of architectural research, analysis and synthesis through Thesis work in design, structures, systems, digital media and other topics. Areas of faculty excellence in the IIT Architecture Thesis program include a) hi- rise and long-span design, b) environmentally conscious design, c) advanced information systems, d) innovative design methodologies and architecture, and e) advanced programming issues in housing, sustainable new cities, airport design, etc., along with f) critical and theoretical assessments.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the standard requirements for graduate admission, applicants for this program must submit a Statement of Purpose describing their professional goals for graduate study in architecture. A personal interview with the director of the degree program is highly recommended.
Curriculum
The program of study includes a minimum of 32 credit hours, of which at least eight are in ARCH 591 - Research and Thesis. Students entering the Second Professional Degree program should develop a detailed outline of their thesis project for approval by the Director of Thesis Programs and their thesis adviser. The program of each student is developed individually with the thesis adviser. Study begins with investigation and analysis for the thesis under the direction of the adviser. By the second semester, a thesis committee of three faculty oversee the work being produced. Students are required to take advanced courses related to their specialized areas of interest.
The final semester of study concludes the entire Thesis project of writing, analysis, programming and design. Thesis studies should offer the graduate a higher level of professionalism, significantly evolving one's career and the ability to make special contributions to the field.