Program Overview

MA in Design Criticism

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the program requirements as listed below.

• Baccalaureate Field of Study: No restrictions. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in any field may apply.
• Grade Point Average: 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study
• Tests Required: None; GRE General Test optional. If an applicant feels that GRE scores represent their readiness for graduate study, they are encouraged to submit them.
• English Proficiency: Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:
  • Minimum English Competency Test Scores
    • Exam | Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing
      ---|---|---|---|---|---
      TOEFL iBT | 80 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 21
      IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0
      PTE Academic | 54 | 51 | 47 | 53 | 56
• Letters of Recommendation: Three required, preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s recent academic, professional, or creative work. Letters from professors who can assess the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for graduate school are the most useful. Letters from employers are also acceptable.
• Statement of Purpose: The statement should address the reasons for applying to a graduate program in design criticism, particularly at the UIC School of Architecture.
• Other Requirements: An additional short essay and a written portfolio are required as a part of the application process for the Master of Arts in Design Criticism program. Portfolio content is not restricted to any particular subject area, but the material should be representative of the applicant’s previous experience and creative ability.
• Deadlines: The application deadline for this program is earlier than the Graduate College deadline.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 56
• Coursework: At least 44 hours must be at the 500 level in architecture
  • Course List
    • Code | Title | Hours
      ---|---|---
      Required Courses
      • ARCH 566 | Research Seminar |
      • ARCH 585 | Architectural Theory and History III |
      • ARCH 587 | Pro-seminar I: Design Criticism |
      • ARCH 588 | Pro-seminar II: Publication and Graphic Argumentation |
      • ARCH 589 | Writing Tutorial I |
      • ARCH 590 | Writing Tutorial II | Electives
      • Select 32 hours from the following:
        • ARCH 520 | Topics in Architectural Theory and History |
        • ARCH 531 | Architectural Theory and History I |
        • ARCH 532 | Architectural Theory and History II |
        • ARCH 586 | Architectural Theory and History IV |
        • Art History (AH) 400- or 500-level course |
        • Elective approved by the advisor |
• Portfolio Submission: An annual portfolio review occurs during the spring semester of each academic year. The submission of a satisfactory portfolio in each year is a degree requirement.
• Comprehensive Examination: None
• Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Coursework only