Post Professional and Academic Tracks

The Master of Science in Architecture has two distinct tracks, one post-professional and one academic. The former is a 30-credit design studio based degree program that fulfills the NCARB IDP requirements for post-professional study. The latter is a 30-credit academic degree program for career specialization or preparation for advanced architectural research and scholarship; this academic track degree does not include any design studio coursework.  Each of these  programs can be completed in a single academic year. Either can also can be pursued on a part-time basis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the post-professional MS Arch are expected to have an NAAB-accredited B.Arch or equivalent degree. International B.Arch degree holders who seek professional licensure in the United States should apply for admission to the M.Arch Program with advanced standing.  All applications to NJSOA require the inclusion of all prior post-secondary transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, GRE results, and a statement of purpose. Applicants to either the Professional M.Arch or post-professional MS Arch Programs must also submit a portfolio with their applications.

Prospective applicants to the academic MS Arch should consult with the NJSOA Graduate Program Office regarding appropriate preparation for the degree they seek. Available concentrations in the MS Arch currently include sustainable design, digital design, advanced structural design, and history and theory of architecture. Customized programs of study are available for exceptionally well-motivated and self-directed students.

Post-Professional Track Degree Requirements

• ARCH 505G    (6 credits) Advanced Options Design Studio I
• ARCH 506G    (6 credits) Advanced Options Design Studio II
• Eighteen elective credits chosen in consultation with Graduate Architecture Program Director.

Academic Track Degree Requirements

The articulated MS Arch in Sustainable Architecture program, which extends the four-course Certificate in Sustainable Architecture Program into a full 30-credit Masters degree, is shown below. Students with other areas of interest may design their individual programs in consultation with the Graduate Architecture Program Director. Our general guidelines are that any such program of study should be composed of a four-course twelve-credit core, a two-course six-credit extension of that core including one research methods course appropriate to the student's area of focus, six credits of independent study, including the Master's Project, and two additional electives.As noted above, available concentrations include digital design, advanced structural design, history and theory of architecture, and urban systems.

Required Courses for M.S. Arch in Sustainable Architecture

• ARCH 663 (3 credits) Introduction to Sustainable Architecture
• ARCH 664 (3 credits) Indoor Environmental Quality in Sustainably Designed Buildings
• ARCH 665 (3 credits) Sustainable Design of Energy Efficient Buildings
• ARCH 666 (3 credits) Sustainable Design with Efficient Materials and Resources
• ARCH 662 (3 credits) Special Topics: Integrated Building Systems I (or ARCH 546G or other substitute approved by Director)
• ARCH 662 (3 credits) Special Topics: Integrated Building Systems II (or substitute approved by Director)
• ARCH 700 (3 credits) Master's Project

ELECTIVE COURSES (9 credits): Selected in consultation with the Graduate Architecture Program Director.