Contact

Lauren Mintier, Graduate Program Manager
225 Slocum Hall
ph. (315) 443-1041
e.lmintier@syr.edu

Chair

Brian Lonsway, 225 Slocum Hall

Faculty

Maya Alam, Amber Bartosh, Jean-François Bédard, Lori Brown, Junho Chun, Mitesh Dixit, Britt Eversole, Joseph Godlewski, Henderson, Roger Hubeli, Lawrence Liberatore, Mark Linder, Brian Lonsway, Nicole McIntosh, Marcos Parga, Daniele Profeta, David Shanks, Yutaka Sho, Michael Speaks, Fei Wang

Description

The Syracuse Architecture M.Arch. is a fully accredited professional degree that aims to produce architects who not only provide leadership and vision in the construction of the physical environment, but collaboratively draw upon and organize diverse professions and multiple technologies to expand the field of architectural design. Research is an integral part of the course of study, from the first year of courses in design, theory, history, representation, and technology, to the final semester’s thesis project.

Because the architect’s role in society is complex and changing, students approach the study of architecture as a transdisciplinary enterprise. The program places equal importance on the acquisition of professional skills, knowledge, and expertise, as on the necessity for versatility and innovation in the application of design.

Toward that end, the graduate program has developed the “discursive studio.” Each of the first four semesters of design is team-taught by faculty members with differing expertise and approaches, who conduct the studio as a site of debate, exchange, and possibility. Students actively contribute to the conversations and criticism through their design work. This work is informed by seminars, collaborations, and technical and speculative exercises. Studio work is also coordinated with other core courses in theory, history, representation, and technology so that design is pursued as inseparable from other aspects of the discipline as well as the complexities of the broader culture.

Studios in design and media, lecture courses and seminars in theory and history, and courses in structures and technology during the first three semesters of the M.Arch curriculum constitute the “core” of the program.

The final four semesters, including a summer intensive term, each offer distinct experiences. In the fourth semester, all students have the option to select from a range of studios taught by distinguished visiting critics. In the summer of the second year, students may choose to study at a summer intensive program in New York City or in one of our “Three Cities” global study programs. Students also have the option of studying abroad at the university’s centers in Florence and London in the spring of their second or third years by extending their study into an additional fall term.

The design focus of the final year is structured around our Integrative Studio, designed to synthesize knowledge garnered across the curriculum in a highly detailed building design, and a faculty-directed research project defined and developed by the student in tandem with faculty advisors.

A rich array of professional and history electives allows students to study specific topics in seminars and lecture courses.

Completion of the degree typically requires three academic years and one summer. Students with four-year baccalaureate degrees in architecture, architectural engineering, or related fields may qualify for advanced standing in the program, which could shorten the program to two years (including full-time study in the summer between the first and second year). Determination of qualification for advanced study is made at the time of admission.  Participation in the Teaching Assistantship program or study abroad in our London or Florence programs requires the extension of the program by one additional term.

Degree Awarded

This is a 110 credit program leading to an M.Arch degree.

Prerequisites for Admission into the M.Arch Program

The program is open to students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture, or with a non-professional degree in architecture or environmental studies. The program seeks students with a wide range of experiences. The completed application form must be accompanied by an official copy of prior academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a portfolio of academic and professional work, and a brief statement of interests and objectives. GRE scores are required. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English.