Program Overview
Through co-op experiences, students gain hands-on experience while a dedicated faculty guides their intellectual and professional growth. Graduates pursue careers in architecture and related fields, utilizing their creative and technical skills in a range of roles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
University of Cincinnati's School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID) offers a graduate degree in architecture, the Master of Architecture (M.Arch), for students with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture (M-Arch II) and those with an undergraduate degree in a different field (M-Arch I). The program is committed to designing and producing buildings that are functional, durable, meaningful, inspiring, and responsibly integrated with their physical, cultural, and social contexts. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of architecture, encompassing art, technical craft, and ethical practice. The program's professional, design-centered approach prepares graduates for licensure and a critical engagement with the world of architectural practice. It encourages students to question assumptions and practices, examining their origins and consequences with a critical eye and an open mind. A key feature of the program is its emphasis on co-op (professional practice or cooperative education), which provides students with practical experience in the field through several co-op experiences.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a passionate faculty who interact with students on a daily basis, guiding them in their intellectual and professional growth. Students learn creative and technical skills in a studio environment. The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in interdisciplinary studios and special projects.
Careers:
Most graduates work in architectural firms, assuming a wide range of responsibilities. Architects in larger firms may specialize in areas such as design, technical support, business management and marketing, facility programming, or historic preservation. An architectural degree can also lead to careers in interior design, urban design and planning, engineering, construction, real estate development, or university teaching.
Other:
The program offers organized student exchange programs in England, Germany, and Denmark. Students can also pursue joint degrees and certificate programs within the college and the university. The DAAP college library has a comprehensive collection of books, periodicals, and visual resources supporting architecture, planning, design, art history, and related subjects. The Computer Graphics Center provides students with access to state-of-the-art hardware and software, including PCs, Macs, scanners, plotters, and digital video-editing suites. The college also supports a Rapid Prototyping Center, equipped with 3-D printing, large format laser-cutting, and CNC devices, allowing students to create physical models for their design projects.
University of Cincinnati Summary
Overview:
The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public research university founded in 1819. It is known for its vibrant campus culture, innovative spirit, and commitment to academic excellence. With over 50,000 students, UC is a hub of energy and growth, consistently ranked as a top destination for new college graduates.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UC offers a unique blend of big-city adventure and small-town charm. Students can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, immerse themselves in the vibrant campus culture, and explore the city of Cincinnati's diverse attractions, including professional sports, parks, and art scene.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Award-winning urban campus:
Forbes has recognized UC as one of the world's most beautiful campuses.Academic excellence:
UC thrives on academic excellence and offers a wide range of programs.Cooperative education:
UC is ranked fifth in the nation for co-op and internships, providing students with valuable real-world experience and earning potential.Thriving professional landscape:
Cincinnati is home to five Fortune 500 companies, offering graduates ample opportunities for career growth.Community impact:
UC is deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community and actively contributes to its development.Academic Programs:
Other:
- UC is committed to a future that integrates outstanding academics with a dynamic campus atmosphere.
- The university is actively involved in innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of experiential learning and transforming ideas into impact.
- UC has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Entry Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university: This is a general requirement for all applicants, regardless of their background.
- Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended: Applicants must provide transcripts from all institutions they have attended, even if they did not complete a degree at those institutions.
- A portfolio of creative work: This is an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their imaginative and critical thinking talents. The content does not have to be architectural if the applicant's background is in another discipline. Written project statements to accompany visual work are usually very helpful. Portfolios are submitted through the online graduate admissions application.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to evaluate your abilities and your potential for success as a graduate student: These letters should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's skills and potential for success in a graduate architecture program.
- A brief resume of your academic and professional experiences: This should indicate both educational and professional accomplishments.
- A two-page statement of your interest in graduate study in architecture: This should be a concise, articulate presentation of the applicant's academic and career goals, and any specific interests they have in architectural topics for graduate research and design. It should reflect their prior intellectual and professional engagement with these issues, and may also provide some additional perspective on the work illustrated in the portfolio.
- Writing sample of your best professional and/or academic writing: This is an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their writing skills.
Advanced Standing:
- A BSArch degree is required for advanced standing. All other degrees place students in the M1 track.
- Number of credit hours for studio
- Degree of complexity of the studio problems
- Work experience
- High GPA
- Experience with digital tools
- Credit in introductory structures
- Credit in introductory building science
- Credit in introductory building construction
- Credit in a Modern Architecture History class
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 100 iBT (600 paper) is common, although not a strict requirement.
- The university also accepts test results from the IELTS with scores of at least 7.0 overall band score.
