Master of Science in Architecture

The Master of Science in Architecture is a post-professional degree, usually best suited to those who have completed a professional bachelor's degree, or those who have strong backgrounds in other fields and whose interest in architecture is of a theoretical or investigative nature. The program's broadly intellectual emphasis enables in-depth critical involvement and methodological acuity. The small program, with fewer than 20 students, enjoys the advantages of low student-faculty ratios and informality with most courses following the seminar format.

Attractions of the Program

While concentrating on the specific areas of research, the Master of Science in Architecture degree encourages students to explore rich possibilities in:

Theoretical Explorations
Explore the world of architecture through the major ideas that have motivated its makers and critics.

Interdisciplinary Studies
Use generous open electives to connect your understanding of the built environment with other discourses and methods

Intensive Mentoring in Research and Publication
Prepare an ambitious written thesis on an aspect of architecture or design and submit is for grants or publications.

Diverse Specialization Opportunities
Work with School faculty to develop advanced research in architectural theory or history, cultural and environmental studies, urban design, interior design, or other areas.

Historic Preservation Track
Get a specialization in historic preservation including an additional certificate in historic preservation through a specialized curriculum.

Dual Degree Possibilities
Get a comprehensive education by combining theoretical and research approaches with professional training in Architecture at SAID.

Program Mission, Goals and Context

The Mission of the Master of Science in architecture Program is to advance theoretical understanding of the discipline of architecture (and the allied fields of interior design) and to encourage diverse forms of research and inquiry in pursuit of that understanding.

The emphasis on research and theory primarily supports students who wish to prepare for careers in scholarship, research or education, or who wish to establish a more intellectually reflective basis or a more specialized direction for their professional work.

The core of the program is an examination of the nature of architecture and interior design (as professional endeavors and as artifacts), their relationships with society and culture, and the forms of knowledge and interpretation on which they depend.

Specific Areas of Research Include:

Master of Science in Architecture: History, Theory and Criticism
This program contains an emphasis on culture and socio-philosophical subject matters that engage current debates on urbanism, conservation and 'virtual heritage', the role of design in society, and architecture in multi-cultural contexts. Students benefit from well-established research, funding and publication record in the Center for Electronic Reconstruction of Historical and Archaeological Sites (CERHAS) and the Center for the Study of Practice (CSP).

Master of Science in Architecture: Interior Design
This program focuses on the theoretical foundations and emergence of Interior Design as a discipline and a profession. It looks at history, theory and criticism in Interior Design and is developing further opportunities to study educational approaches and develop pedagogy in the discipline. There are few opportunities for preparing for a teaching career in Interior Design. Our profession program in Interior Design has been ranked first nationally for the past eight years; therefore we are uniquely positioned to train future faculty in interior design.

Master of Science in Architecture: Historic Preservation
This program develops an appreciation for the issues involved in historic preservation and focuses on its techniques and theories. It gives a multidisciplinary outlook and spans the departments of architecture & interior design, planning, history, anthropology, and geography. Students will get a certificate in historic preservation in addition to the M.S. Arch. degree on the successful completion of the program.

Master of Science in Architecture: Urban Design and Community Development
This program is a collaboration of Architecture, Planning, and Community Design in the exploration of urban issues in the tri-state region (Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky) and other urban areas. It looks at theories of urban cultural change and power relating to politics in developing world cities. We have students in our program who are enrolled in dual degrees with the School of Planning. We currently have funded research projects in designing for community and aging. This area of focus builds upon existing initiatives in the Niehoff Urban Studio and the Center for Design Research and Innovation (CDRI), as well as growing faculty interest and expertise.