OVERVIEW

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Architecture offers an advanced, specialized degree, with research concentrations in Design Computing and History and Theory. Candidates from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. (Please note: candidates seeking to pursue careers in the professional practice of architecture who do not already hold a professionally accredited degree in architecture should apply to the Two+ or Three+Year Master of Architecture Program.)

Students in the History and Theory stream examine the architectural, cultural, and political forces that have shaped the continuing discourse of modernity in architecture. Students follow a curriculum that builds research skills, preparing them to do advanced scholarly work in the field. They work closely with faculty advisors to select courses that best suit their research interests and to prepare a clear and focused thesis topic.

ADMISSIONS

Candidates for admission to the Master of Science in Architecture program must apply to both the MS in Architecture program and the Graduate School of the University of Washington.

Admission to the MS in Architecture Program is a competitive process. The Department of Architecture's MS Program Admissions Committee gives priority to applicants whose demonstrated abilities will enable them to complete the program expeditiously and with a high level of achievement. In evaluating applicants, the committee considers the following materials:

• The MS in Architecture application form. This form must clearly indicate the degree program for which the applicant wishes to be considered. Click here for an application form.
• All applicants to the Master of Science in Architecture program must also apply online to the Graduate School of the University of Washington. For more information and instructions please go to the Graduate School application website.
• The applicant's statement of purpose. This statement should clearly articulate the candidate's goals and the extent to which the MS in Architecture program can be expected to prepare him/her for those objectives. The statement should also describe the applicant's background and experience in architecture or an allied discipline (or related experience appropriate to the program), as well as preparation for advanced work in the history and theory of architecture. This statement must also include a proposed research focus.
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
• Official GRE test scores. The institutional code for the Department of Architecture is 4401.
• Applicants required by the Graduate School to demonstrate English language proficiency must submit evidence of this with their application. Applicants must score at least 580 on the TOEFL, 230 on the TOEFLC, or 88 on the TOEFLiBT for admission to the MS in Architecture.
• A portfolio of work in design and/or research in architecture or an allied discipline (or similar work appropriate to the program). The portfolio should include evidence of the applicant's preparation for study in the history and theory of architecture. In addition to drawings, models, and/or other examples of design work, and other similar projects, all applicants to the history and theory stream must submit a 10-15 page writing sample (usually a research paper).
• Written recommendations from three people who can evaluate the applicant's past record and future promise of success in the MS in Architecture program. Click here for a letter of recommendation form.

The application form, along with supporting materials—including official transcripts, official GRE scores, official TOEFL scores (if required), a portfolio of work, a statement of purpose and at least three letters of recommendation—must be sent to the following address:

MS Graduate Admissions Committee
University of Washington
Department of Architecture
Box 355720
208 Gould Hall
Seattle, WA 98195-5720

The application deadline is February 15th for the following autumn quarter. (If you would like to apply for the winter, spring, or summer quarters—with deadlines of September 15, December 15, and January 15, respectively—you must first contact the MS in Architecture, History and Theory stream coordinator, Brian McLaren: bmclaren@u.washington.edu)

Applicant files will be retained for one year. Reapplication for the following year requires the submission of a new application to the Graduate School, along with the application fee. When reapplying, candidates should also consider updating the portfolio as well as transcripts or other application materials to reflect current activity or coursework.

CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Architecture curriculum includes a total of 45 course credits. Generally, the requirements for this degree, including thesis, can be fulfilled in 4 or 5 quarters. The degree must be completed on the University of Washington's Seattle campus.

The core curriculum of the History and Theory Concentration includes a sequence of three courses designed to build research skills; Graduate Seminar in Architectural Theory (Arch 560), Theories of Knowledge in the Built Environment (BE 552), and Research Practicum (Arch 597). The other core curriculum requirements are the Thesis Proposal (Arch 599), and the Masters Thesis (Arch 700). The remaining 22 credits can be drawn from History and Theory seminars related to the student's research interests or any other relevant courses (400 level and above) in the CAUP or other Departments in the University.

The remaining 22 credits can selected (as approved by faculty advisor) from History and Theory seminars, or any other relevant courses in the CAUP or other Departments in the University.

TOTAL 45 credits

APPLICATION FORMS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Click on the links below to download additional information and admission forms

APPLICATION FORM FOR THE MS IN ARCHITECTURE
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORM

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION