Doctoral Studies / Master of Science
Description and Objectives
The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Architecture is an advanced, post-professional degree in architectural research. It introduces students to knowledge in a specialized area as well as to modes of research/scholarship in architecture and related disciplines. Although students are typically recent recipients of a professional architecture degree, the M.Sc. also provides midcareer professionals, as well as graduates with degrees in fields related to architecture (such as art history or engineering), the opportunity to pursue architectural research in ways that will challenge and enrich their understanding of the discipline. The M.Sc. provides an additional credential that enables its graduates to pursue research-based practices, teach in schools of architecture, and/or pursue doctoral studies.
The degree is a two and one-half term, intensive course of study culminating in an independent research-based master’s thesis. Each student elects one of three major areas of specialization offered by Doctoral Studies, or one of possibly several M.Sc. design research options offered during a particular year. He/she is guided by a faculty advisor affiliated with that area or option.
A student who elects the Building Technology, Design Studies, or History and Theory area pursues a course of study that includes Ph.D. core courses and does not include design studio courses. Elective and cognate courses are related to the area of specialization. The master’s thesis, developed under the student’s advisor, is typically based on archival, qualitative, or quantitative research and is primarily written in form.
A student who elects a M.Sc. design research option pursues a thematically based course of study that includes design work in a studio setting as well as related seminars. Elective and cognate courses, which can be selected from Ph.D. courses, are related to the option and to the student’s particular research and design interests. The master’s thesis, developed under the student’s advisor, is based on a broad range of research and creative modalities and includes a design component. It is both graphic and written in form. Only students who will hold the M.Arch. degree at the time of enrollment into the M.Sc. can elect a design research option.
Note: Building Technology, Design Studies, and History and Theory are called “subplans” in the Rackham online application.
Currently enrolled UM M.Arch. students who, prior to graduation, wish to begin M.Sc. studies in Building Technology, Design Studies, or History and Theory, can pursue the dual M.Arch./M.Sc. degree and double-count up to 15 credit hours of coursework. UM M.Arch. graduates who enroll for the M.Sc. may be able to apply up to 15 credit hours from their M.Arch. coursework towards the M.Sc. and accelerate their time to degree.
In contrast to the Master of Architecture, the Master of Science is a non-professional, non-terminal degree. Those who hold only the M.Sc. are not eligible to apply for professional registration.
Visit How To Apply for information on the application process and online forms.
