The Master of Architecture is the accredited professional degree program at ASU. There are two typical programs of study available: (1) a two-year program for applicants who have completed the four-year Bachelor of Science in Design (with a major in Architectural Studies) at ASU or an equivalent degree from another school that offers an accredited professional degree in architecture, and (2) a three-plus-year program for applicants with an undergraduate degree in a discipline or field other than architecture. Both programs promote broad areas of knowledge, professional skill, and a social awareness that the architect must command if architecture is to enhance contemporary life and remain an enduring and valid expression of society.

The program represents an attempt to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for graduates to achieve future leadership roles in the professional practice of architecture and related environmental design fields.

It is the intention of the faculty that the programs also

1. ensure a basic level of educational experience sufficient to enter the practice of architecture after successfully completing state licensing requirements and examination,
2. encourage the student to develop proficiencies in specific areas compatible with individual interests and university instructional capabilities,
3. provide a breadth of understanding that will encourage and motivate the student to continue learning throughout a professional career, and
4. develop opportunities that combine instruction and research directed toward adding value to the built environment.

Elective foci currently offered in the program include energy-conscious design, computer applications, urban design, architectural history and theory, and architectural administration and management.

In the first year of the two-year program, graduate design studio projects focus on advanced comprehensive problems that require integration of the full range of knowledge and skills from students’ undergraduate education. In the second year, students select design studios and undertake final design projects that complement their areas of interest. Courses in technology, history and theory, and architectural management are structured alongside the studio sequence.

The three-plus-year program begins with an intensive 10-week summer session introducing architecture and design fundamentals and continues with a preparatory year of architectural history, technology, and design. The final two years are similar to the two-year program described above. Students with no work experience in architecture must also complete a summer internship between the first and second years.

Application Requirements. An applicant to the M.Arch. program must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university recognized by ASU and must meet the minimum GPA requirements as established by the Graduate College.

In addition, all applicants are required to submit for review a design portfolio, GRE scores (except for international students), a statement of intent, and letters of reference. Applicants are accepted on a space-available basis only. Students may be admitted to the two-year program with deficiencies if their previous course work is not equivalent to the ASU undergraduate requirements and standards.

Students intending to apply for admission to the professional program in architecture at the graduate level should write the graduate program coordinator well in advance of the application deadline.

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score of 550 or above. International students should write the Graduate Admissions Office at least one year before the date they plan to begin study.

Application Procedures. Applicants must submit separate application materials to the Graduate College and the School of Architecture.

School of Architecture. In addition to the Graduate College admission requirements, applicants must file all of the following admission materials with

Graduate Secretary, Master of Architecture Program

School of Architecture

Arizona State University

PO Box 871605

Tempe AZ 85287–1605

Applicants are encouraged to contact the graduate secretary to be sure that all materials have been received (602/965–2507, arch.grad@asu.edu).

1. Statement of Intent. A personal narrative (maximum 600 words or two pages typed) indicating the applicant’s interest, previous academic and practical background, and personal and professional educational objectives must be submitted. Students wishing to be considered for a teaching or research assistantship should include an additional one-page statement outlining subject areas in which they feel competent or special skills and qualifications. This statement may be placed at the front of the portfolio.
2. Letters of Recommendation. A minimum of three letters of recommendation in support of the applicant must be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Committee, School of Architecture. The references should be from professionals or educators familiar with the applicant’s experience and capability for graduate work.
3. Portfolio. A portfolio of work is required of all applicants. It is extremely important to the judgment of an applicant’s qualification for admission and in determining advanced standing. Accordingly, applicants should take appropriate care in its preparation. The portfolio must be in a nonzippered presentation binder with acetate sleeves and, for convenience and economy, must be no larger than 9" x 12" (image size). The admissions committee is interested in the quality of the work submitted; applicants are therefore advised not to lavish energy and expense on special or unusual packaging. Loose sheets, original drawings, and 35 mm slides should not be submitted. The portfolio should include at least five projects with a range of complexity and concise explanatory statements for each project. Included should be the dates of execution and a brief analysis of the results.

   When the work is not completely original, the sources must be given. When the work is of a team nature, the applicant’s role and contribution to the project should be clearly indicated. Additional examples of self-directed skills and creative endeavors may also be included. Applicants who have professional experience and wish to submit examples of work done professionally may do so. Of greatest interest are projects in which the applicant has played a principal role in design. The applicant’s contributions to professional projects must be clearly described.

   The portfolio is returned after final admission procedures provided the applicant encloses a self-addressed return mailer with sufficient prepaid postage or appears in person to claim the materials within one year of submission. Unclaimed portfolios are retained for only one year. The School of Architecture assumes no liability for lost or damaged materials.

Because of space limitations, not all qualified applicants can be accommodated and the admission process is necessarily selective.

Students should indicate for which program of study they are applying. Those with a four-year degree equivalent to the B.S.D. in Architectural Studies should apply for the two-year program. Those with an undergraduate degree not in architecture should apply for the three-plus-year program. Students who are uncertain about which program suits them should write to the graduate program coordinator for determination of appropriate application. Students must have their name clearly visible on all parts of application; portfolio, statement of intent, etc.

Students with a previous professional degree in architecture (five or six years) who wish to pursue advanced study in climate responsive architecture, building energy performance, computer-aided design, energy simulation and analysis, and facilities development and management should apply to the Master of Science program. See “Building Design.”

Application Deadline. Priority consideration is given to completed applications received on or before January 15. All fellowship and scholarship appointments for entering students are normally made from applicants in this group. Applications for admission received after January 15 can be considered only for remaining vacancies and “alternate” placement. Students are not admitted to the two-year Master of Architecture program at any time other than the beginning of the fall semester. Students are not admitted to the three-plus-year Master of Architecture program at any time other than the beginning of the first summer session.

Personal Interview. A personal interview is not required. However, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting the Graduate Programs Coordinator in the School of Architecture.

Requirements for the Two-Year Program. The two-year graduate program requires a minimum of 56 semester hours of approved courses and electives and a comprehensive examination. For most students, this program involves an average of 14 semester hours per semester. An internship may be offered as an elective to be taken in the summer before the final year of study. The internship is an honors program individually arranged and approved by the Master of Architecture Committee. Students electing to take a summer internship normally take 12–13 hours per semester during the second year.

Students who can adequately demonstrate competence through experience or previous academic course work for any of the specific requirements outlined below are encouraged to petition the graduate advisor for a course substitution.

Fall

ADE 521	Advanced Architectural Studio I (5)
ATE 553	Building Systems III (3)
ATE 563	Building Structures III (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14

Spring

AAD 551	Architectural Management I (3)
ADE 522	Advanced Architectural Studio II (5)
APH 681	Architectural Theory (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14

Fall

AAD 552	Architectural Management II (3)
ADE 621	Advanced Architectural Studio III (5)
ANP 681	Project Development (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14

Spring

AAD 681	Professional Seminar: Capstone (3)
ADE 622	Advanced Architectural Studio IV (5)
Approved elective (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14
	Master of Architecture total: 56

__________________

*	Professional electives are individually approved by the graduate advisor based on the selected elective focus, other approved interests, and previous academic and professional experience.

Requirements for the Three-Plus-Year Program. The three-plus-year graduate program requires a minimum of 99 semester hours of approved courses and electives and a comprehensive examination. For most students, this program involves 12 semester hours in the first summer and 14–15 semester hours in each of the subsequent six semesters. A summer internship is also required after the first full year of study unless the student has work experience in an architectural office. A second internship may be offered as an elective to be taken in the summer before the final year of study. The second internship is an honors program individually arranged and approved by the Master of Architecture Committee. Those electing to take a summer internship normally take 12–13 hours per semester during the final year.

Students who can adequately demonstrate competence through experience or previous academic course work for any of the specific requirements outlined below are encouraged to petition the graduate advisor for a course substitution.

Summer

ADE 510	Foundation Architectural Studio (6)
APH 200	Introduction to Architecture (3)
APH 509	Foundation Seminar (3)
	Total: 12

Fall

ADE 511	Core Architectural Studio I (6)
APH 313	History of Western Architecture I (3)
ATE 353	Architectural Construction (3)
ATE 521	Building Environmental Science (3)
	Total: 15

Spring

ADE 512	Core Architectural Studio II (6)
APH 314	History of Western Architecture II (3)
ATE 361	Building Structures I (3)
ATE 452	Building Systems II (3)
	Total: 15

Summer

ARP 584	Clinical Internship (1)
	Total: 1

Fall

ADE 521	Advanced Architectural Studio I (5)
ATE 462	Building Structures II (3)
ATE 553	Building Systems III (3)
History elective (3)
	Total: 14

Spring

AAD 551	Architectural Management I (3)
ADE 522	Advanced Architectural Studio II (5)
APH 681	Architectural Theory (3)
Professional elective* (3)
	Total: 14

Fall

AAD 552	Architectural Management II (3)
ADE 621	Advanced Architectural Studio III (5)
ANP 681	Project Development (3)
ATE 563	Building Structures III (3)
	Total: 14

Spring

AAD 681	Professional Seminar: Capstone (3)
ADE 622	Advanced Architectural Studio IV (5)
Professional electives* (6)
	Total: 14
	Total hours in program: 99

__________________

*	Professional electives are individually approved by the graduate advisor based on the selected elective focus, other approved interests, and previous academic and professional experience.

Comprehensive Examinations. The faculty require that all students pass an oral comprehensive examination based, in part, on a defense of their final design project in ADE 622. Each student is required to undertake an independent design project in ADE 622, based on an approved proposal completed the previous semester in ANP 681. Examiners typically include members of the Architecture faculty and may include distinguished practitioners not on the faculty.

M.Arch./M.B.A. Concurrent Degree Program. A Master of Architecture/Master of Business Administration concurrent degree program is offered through cooperative arrangement between the faculty of the College of Business and the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Students may obtain both degrees in approximately three years of study by concurrently meeting the requirements for each degree program. Separate applications are required by the respective units.

This program requires a minimum of 88 semester hours. Once admitted, in consultation with their respective advisors, students develop programs of study that meet degree requirements of both programs and their particular interests. Students interested in this offering should request further information from the School of Architecture graduate advisor.

1998–99 Graduate Catalog Table of Contents

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