Master of Architecture (Professional)

Cornell's professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program uniquely engages global practices through a foundation in making and conceptual thinking. Its close community of talented and dedicated students and faculty work together to push the boundaries of the discipline. The fully accredited M.Arch. program is a three-and-one-half-year course of study dedicated to preparing graduate students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds for careers in architecture. The M.Arch. program is open to applicants possessing a four-year bachelor's degree in any discipline. Students interested in applying from fields outside architecture are encouraged to enroll in Cornell's Intro to Architecture program. Consistent with the broader mission of the Department of Architecture, the M.Arch. program is committed to the view that the nature of contemporary practice must be continually investigated and reassessed in today's globally expansive and technologically dynamic context. The program places questions of practice, design, and fabrication and making at the center of the learning process, and seeks to develop students' sense of inquiry, responsibility, and creativity as they formulate their unique professional trajectories. The program aims to engage the unique strengths and needs of graduate students the variety of academic and life experiences that they bring to the discipline.

The professional Master of Architecture program situates itself internationally, drawing upon distinguished national and international visitors occupying AAP NYC's studio, and traveling to locations worldwide in the studio context. The M.Arch. program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In addition, the M.Arch. program is now designated as a STEM program in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology making international M.Arch. graduates eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years in order to work in the United States.

The Department of Architecture has the following admissions requirements for the professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program:

Individuals must hold a bachelor's degree in any field. Some students may have previous backgrounds in a design discipline or may hold preprofessional undergraduate degrees in a design discipline.
Admission may also be offered to individuals with no previous experience in design, but who exhibit talent and promise in a design-related activity or interest. Individuals who have completed a four-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in a field other than architecture are eligible for admission. Preference for admission is given to individuals who have completed a balanced undergraduate education, including studies in the arts, sciences, and the humanities.
Once admitted into the program, applicants receive a class equivalency information packet. Applicants will have the opportunity to submit class syllabi and transcripts from previous class work for review by a faculty member charged with reviewing that area of study (history, building technology, professional practice, etc.). Faculty members then determine if equivalency credit is appropriate. Please note that for ARCH 5511 Freehand Drawing, and ARCH 5512 Digital Drawing, applicants must submit a portfolio of relevant work done in those classes along with the class syllabi and transcripts. Applicants should prepare these materials in advance so they can be submitted promptly if an offer of admission is made. Only course equivalency materials received before May 7 can be considered. We will not accept course equivalency materials before an offer of admission is made.
Two letters of recommendation
Transcripts from each college or university previously attended
TOEFL exam for non-native English speakers (minimum score of 250 computer-based, or 600 paper-based)
One- or two-page printed statement outlining interests and intents for graduate study in the M.Arch. program. Please relate these intents to previous design and academic experience, and to future goals. The applicant's full name and Master of Architecture (Professional) must be included at the top of each page.
A portfolio of creative work must be submitted online via the CollegeNET application. Portfolios must be no larger than 20 MB or they will not successfully upload. All applicants are required to submit a portfolio that consists of a maximum of 20 pages representing the applicant's best work, including drawings, images of two- or three-dimensional work, and models. The entire portfolio must be uploaded as one PDF file, using a landscape (horizontal) format for each page, to ensure that the width of the screen is maximally used to view each portfolio page (approximately a 4:3 ratio). If any project, drawing, or model has been produced by several designers, or if the design was produced in a professional setting, each drawing must be labeled, clearly stating the number of designers, which drawings were produced by the applicant, and a list of the names of all members of the group project. If the project was produced in an office, an office setting, or as an assistant to an author, the office name, supervisor, and all members of the team must be identified. Please note: The portfolio must be uploaded at the same time as the application (deadline January 3). Please plan your application process accordingly.
The GRE general test is no longer a required component of the application.