The three-semester Master of Science in Architectural Studies (MSAS) program leads to a non-professional degree in a specialized field of architectural study. Open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field, it is an excellent opportunity for enhancing your educational background, professional qualifications or teaching credentials through individualized, in-depth and interdisciplinary research in specific areas under the guidance of faculty specialists.
Work Required. Curricula for this program are tailored on a case-by-case basis to accommodate your particular interests. Each curriculum includes a minimum of 35 credits of course work, with up to six applied toward the required Master’s Thesis. While a majority of the course work should be within the School of Architecture, multidisciplinary electives in planning, history, law, engineering, art history and real estate are encouraged. It is also anticipated that students will enroll in one or more of the school’s off-campus programs, in Nantucket, in the Caribbean or in Italy. A thesis is required.
Potential Areas of Specialization
Architectural Preservation. Architectural preservation involves the analysis, maintenance, design and appropriate development of culturally significant structures, urban spaces, communities and landscapes. The school offers studios, coursework, research opportunities and hands-on field experiences in preservation history, theory, and practice. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged in all the academic units, as well as in other campus disciplines such as law, business, history, museum studies and archaeology.
Architectural Pedagogy. Architectural pedagogy emphasizes the development of a critical understanding of the theory and practice of architectural design education, while mentoring students in the development of their teaching and their own area of research. Linkages to the College of Education provide ongoing opportunities for advanced degrees (Ph.D.) and cross disciplinary research in pedagogical theory and curriculum development. Our program provides the opportunity for focused study of Educational Theory, History and Theory of Architectural Education, Architectural Research Methodologies, Design Positions and Practices and other topics related to a students declared interests. The program aims to prepare candidates to be effective candidates for an academic career as Studio Teacher/Researcher in a School of Architectural Design.
Architectural Acoustics.
Architectural History and Theory. This speacialization focuses on the interpretation of architecture as historical artifact and cultural product. Students can combine architecture courses with courses in art, English, film studies, foreign language, history and philosophy to arrive at highly original conclusions about the reasons, motivations and meanings behind the human act of making architecture. A passion for ideas, an assertive curiosity and a voracious reading appetite are particularly well suited to this specialization.
Building Technologies. This specialization deals with applied science and technology as determining factors in architecture. Students can expand their theoretical understanding and practical experience in acoustics, construction materials and methods, energy conservation, life safety and security, lighting and structures through a combination of advanced seminars, design projects and individual studies. Access to extensive laboratory and computer facilities, as well as to elective courses in allied fields outside of architecture, add to the manifold possibilities of this specialization.
