Contact

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

Chair

Julie Larsen, 225 Slocum Hall

Faculty

Amber Bartosh, Jean-François Bédard, Kathleen Brandt, Lawrence Chua, Junho Chun, Roger Hubeli, Bess Krietemeyer, Julie Larsen, Mark Linder, Brian Lonsway, Kirk Narburgh, Hannibal Newsom, Emily Pellicano, Nina Sharifi, Michael Speaks, Fei Wang, Abingo Wu

Description

The Syracuse Architecture MArch 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. The integration of research with design 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 core studio courses is led by faculty members who regularly bring in faculty from across the curriculum with differing expertise and approaches, encouraging 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, media, research, 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, history, and research; and courses in structures and technology constitute the “core” of the MArch program. In the summer after the first year, students may choose to study at a summer intensive program in New York City or in our “Three Cities” global study program.

The studio sequence moves progressively through a series of discursive frames, from ‘The Material Project of Architecture’ to ‘The Social and Political Project of Architecture’ in the first year for students without prior architectural study, to our ‘Design Futuring’ and ‘Integrative Design’ studios in subsequent years.  Students also have an opportunity for a Visiting Critic studio taught by preeminent designers and architects, as well as their summer studio in either New York or abroad.

The Master’s Thesis builds on all of a student’s coursework, particularly leveraging an array of innovative and future-oriented research practices, building skills in scholarly and applied approaches relevant to an array of disciplinary trajectories, from the academy to the profession.

Complementing these, 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 as little as two to two-and-a-half 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 some professional opportunities, including our rich Teaching Assistantship program requires the extension of the program by one additional term.

Degree Awarded

This is a 110 credit program leading to a Master of Architecture degree.

Prerequisites for Admission into the MArch Program

The program is open to students with an undergraduate degree in any field. 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.