The core of the Master of Science in Architecture program, in which all students participate, consists of the study of architectural theory and its relations to practice. This is the grounding for all of the more specialized research areas described below. By "theory" we refer to the conscious intellectual and critical engagement with the ways in which socio-cultural and philosophical values and presuppositions influence the production of architecture, its research, or its discourse. These perspectives, covered in the core courses, will account for the understanding of theory as explanatory generalizations, as speculative propositions, as epistemological frameworks, as disciplinary knowledge bases, and as certain specific architectural texts. Specific areas of research include:

• Architectural Theory: This involves understanding the discipline of architecture, its role in society and culture, the nature of its knowledge and practice, its relationships to philosophy or other humanities, or the study of particular texts and treatises on architecture.
• Historical Interpretation: Besides documentary scholarship in particular topic areas, reflective attention is given to theories of history and interpretation, with emphasis on the interpretive process, including attention to diverse contexts and methodologies. Special opportunities exist for studies of virtual heritage and electronic reconstruction of past environments.
• Human-Environment Studies: This area explores the perceptual, behavioral, cognitive, and cultural dimensions of the relations between persons and the built world, such as behavioral or ritual settings, ethnic or group identity, post-occupancy evaluation, or programming.
• Interior Design: Investigations into the discipline of interior design emphasize teaching, research, or scholarship, and are oriented toward careers in interior design teaching, advanced graduate study, or more theoretically reflective practice.
• Urban Design Studies: This area concerns itself with the study and application of new techniques and methodologies within rapidly changing urban societies, from social, economic, ecological, and design standpoints, and with attention to the broad cultural meanings of the city and of civic life.