Master of Architecture Program

The Master of Architecture degree is a first professional degree intended for individuals who have completed a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture or architectural studies. The program requires a minimum of 42 credit hours that can be completed over a 15-month period, including a summer, fall, spring, and summer semester sequence.

Program Overview

The core of the architecture program is the design studio. In the Graduate program, students are exposed to community and regional design, technology, theory, and building design. Students are required to take advanced courses in research methods, programming, and professional practice. The program provides a rigorous and demanding education that will prepare students for a variety of architectural intern positions.

Focus Areas

The focus of the program will develop through:

• Traditional program strength in technological innovation and practice connected to architectural theory
• Service and discovery related to the regional and global culture and environment as a unique model and framework for the study of architecture
• Practice of Architectural design with full awareness of user needs, utilizing energy efficiency principles, using appropriate materials and technologies, and analyzing appropriate precedents

Accreditation

The entire undergraduate and graduate curriculum is designed to fulfill National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) requirements and conditions for a professional degree in architecture. The Master of Architecture degree is fully accredited by the NAAB and meets educational requirements for licensure in Illinois and other states, as well as National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certification requirements.

Vision and Mission

The SIUC architecture graduate program invites students to unleash their potential and join in the exploration, development, and creation of architecture in the heartland of America. The vision is to be an architectural program of excellence built upon the cultural and environmental heritage of the Southern Illinois region, providing a superior education and producing the highest quality architectural scholarship and research to serve global communities.

Goals

• Our graduates are lifelong learners, leading citizens, and professionals in communities throughout the world
• We provide for the development of individual creativity through the expression of human, social, and environmental values
• We serve our communities through problem-solving and creative efforts in addressing regional issues
• We seek to fulfill the vision expressed by Ernest Boyer and Lee Mitgang in Building Community to produce architecture that enhances the quality of life of our communities, serves the needs of clients, uplifts the human spirit, preserves the environment, provides social justice, and expands aesthetic frontiers

Admission

A complete application consists of:

1. The Master of Architecture application form
2. Graduate School application
3. Application fee
4. Portfolio
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
7. Statement of purpose expressing academic and professional career goals and plans

Requirements

The SIUC School of Architecture Master's of Architecture program curriculum has been created to provide a superior architectural education and satisfy the NAAB "Student Performance Requirements". The program offers multiple tracks (on-campus and online/hybrid delivery options) toward degree completion, depending on entry qualifications and degree needs.

Path A - 15-Month Curriculum

For candidates with a 4-year pre-professional degree in architecture, the program consists of 42 total credit hours, completed over four continuous, intensive study semesters.

Summer I Semester

• ARC 550: Regional Architecture Studio (6 CH)

Fall I Semester

• ARC 500: Research Methods and Programming (3 CH)
• ARC 541: Architectural Systems and the Environment (3 CH)
• ARC 551: Comprehensive Architecture Design Studio (6 CH)
• ARC 591: Architectural Professional Practice I (3 CH)

Spring I Semester

• ARC 532: Global Traditions in Architecture (3 CH)
• ARC 552: Graduate Architectural Design Thesis I (6 CH)
• ARC 592: Architectural Professional Practice II (3 CH)
• Elective (3 CH)

Summer II Semester

• ARC 554: Graduate Architectural Design/Thesis II (6 CH) -OR-
• ARC 593: Architectural Research Paper (6 CH) -OR-
• ARC 599: Thesis (6 CH)

Path B - 27-Month Curriculum

For candidates with a 4-year degree in interior design or an allied area of practice.

Fall I Semester

• ARC 341: Building Technology II (4 CH)
• ARC 361: Architectural Structures I (3 CH)
• ARC 381: Environmental Design I (2 CH)
• ARC 451: Design V - Urban Design (6 CH)

Spring I Semester

• ARC 342: Building Technology III (4 CH)
• ARC 362: Structures II: Wood and Concrete (3 CH)
• ARC 452: Design VI - Integration (6 CH)
• ARC 462: Architectural Structures III (3 CH)

Summer I Semester

• ARC 550: Regional Architecture Studio (6 CH)

Fall II Semester

• ARC 500: Research Methods and Programming (3 CH)
• ARC 541: Architectural Systems and the Environment (3 CH)
• ARC 551: Comprehensive Architectural Design Studio (6 CH)
• ARC 591: Architectural Professional Practice I (3 CH)

Spring II Semester

• ARC 532: Global Traditions in Architecture (3 CH)
• ARC 552: Graduate Architectural Design Thesis I (6 CH)
• ARC 592: Architectural Professional Practice II (3 CH)
• Graduate Elective (3 CH)

Summer II Semester

• ARC 554: Graduate Architectural Design/Thesis II (6 CH) -OR-
• ARC 593: Architectural Research Paper (6 CH) -OR-
• ARC 599: Thesis (6 CH)

Path C - 39-Month Curriculum

For candidates with a 4-year degree in other fields of study.

Summer I Semester

• ARC 121: Arch. Communication I (4 CH)
• ARC 122: Arch. Communication II (4 CH)

Fall I Semester

• ARC 231: Architectural History I (3 CH)
• ARC 251: Design I: Concept (4 CH)
• ARC 271: Computers in Architecture (3 CH)
• ARC 361: Architectural Structures I (3 CH)
• ARC 381: Environmental Design I (2 CH)

Spring I Semester

• ARC 532: Global Traditions in Architecture (3 CH)
• ARC 552: Graduate Architectural Design Thesis I (6 CH)
• ARC 592: Architectural Professional Practice II (3 CH)
• ARC 362: Structures II: Wood and Concrete (3 CH)

Summer II Semester

No courses required

Fall II Semester

• ARC 341: Building Technology II (4 CH)
• ARC 451: Design V - Urban Design (6 CH)
• ARC 481: Environmental Design II (3 CH)
• ARC 591: Architectural Professional Practice I (3 CH)

Spring II Semester

• ARC 342: Building Technology III (4 CH)
• ARC 452: Design VI - Integration (6 CH)
• ARC 462: Architectural Structures III (3 CH)
• ARC 482: Environmental Design III (3 CH)

Summer III Semester

• ARC 550: Regional Architectural Studio (6 CH)

Fall III Semester

• ARC 500: Research Methods and Programming (3 CH)
• ARC 541: Architectural Systems and the Environment (3 CH)
• ARC 551: Comprehensive Architecture Design Studio (6 CH)
• ARC 591: Architectural Professional Practice I (3 CH)

Spring III Semester

• ARC 532: Global Traditions in Architecture (3 CH)
• ARC 552: Graduate Architectural Design Thesis I (6 CH)
• ARC 592: Architectural Professional Practice II (3 CH)
• Elective (3 CH)

Summer III Semester

• ARC 554: Design/Thesis II (6 CH) -OR-
• ARC 593: Architectural Research Paper (6 CH) -OR-
• ARC 599: Thesis (6 CH)

Southern Illinois University

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Overview:

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and off-campus options. SIU is known for its commitment to access and opportunity, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

SIU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in outdoor adventures, explore the university's 3,000 acres of hills and forests, and engage in various recreational activities. The university also boasts a strong athletic program, with the Salukis competing in NCAA Division I athletics.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

SIU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of their residency.

Small Class Sizes:

The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and smaller class sizes.

Diverse Academic Programs:

SIU offers over 200 majors, minors, and specializations, providing students with a wide range of academic options.

Research Opportunities:

SIU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Strong Alumni Network:

SIU has a large and active alumni network, offering support and connections to students after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A variety of undergraduate majors are available, including engineering, business, education, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees in various fields.

Online Programs:

SIU offers a variety of online programs, allowing students to pursue their education from anywhere in the world.

Off-Campus Programs:

SIU offers off-campus programs at various locations, providing students with opportunities to study and learn in different environments.

Simmons Law School:

SIU's law school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

School of Medicine:

SIU's medical school offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

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Other:

SIU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students. The university offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.