2017-2018 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Oct 15, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Architecture First-Professional, M.Arch


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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.

Student Learning Outcomes


As a professional architecture program, the M.Arch degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and is required to deliver the learning objectives identified in their Student Performance Criteria.  Please visit this link to view these learning outcomes: http://soa.syr.edu/school/student-learning-outcomes/index.php.

Major Requirements


Professional Core Courses in media, history, theory, structures and technology


History Electives


Six credits of History Electives are required for graduation.

The following courses are listed in the catalog, but the school also offers a variety of Selected Topics (ARC 500) courses each term.  The descriptions of recent offerings can be found on the School of Architecture website, under the M.Arch and M.S. in Architecture curriculum pages.

Professional Electives


Fifteen credits of professional electives are required for graduation.  The following courses are listed in the catalog, but the school also offers a variety of Selected Topics (ARC 500) courses each term.  The descriptions of recent offerings can be found on the School of Architecture website, under the M.Arch and M.S. in Architecture curriculum pages.

Other Electives


Open to all students in good academic standing.

Additional Information


An additional six credits of open elective courses, offered by schools and colleges other than the School of Architecture, are required.

Advanced Standing


M.Arch applicants who have completed or are about to complete an undergraduate degree in a non-professional program in architecture or environmental studies may apply for advanced standing in design. Advanced standing is determined at the time of admission after a complete review of the applicant’s portfolio by representatives of the faculty.  Students who are admitted with advanced standing will receive credit for ARC 604, ARC 605, ARC 681, and ARC 650.3, along with 1 history elective, 1 technology elective, 2 professional electives, and 2 open electives.

All admitted students are eligible to sit for equivalency exams in the areas of Architectural History, Building Technology, and Structures.  These are offered during the orientation week prior to the first week of classes.  Students who receive a grade of “B” or better on these exams will receive equivalency credits in these subject areas that can be applied to the total number of credits required to graduate.  Students entering with advanced standing who receive a grade of “B” or better will be able to waive specific courses in these subject areas, but will need to substitute elective credits, as they will still be required to complete 76 credits at Syracuse University to meet the degree requirements.

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