Degree Overview: Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Architecture
Majors Overview April 24, 2015Get information about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Architecture and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Programs in Architecture
Individuals enrolled in a Master of Science (M.S.) in Architecture degree program do not have the education for licensure. Holding of a professional architecture degree from an accredited program, completion of the internship, and passage of an architecture examination are the requirements for licensure. Online programs have the same prerequisites as the standard master’s program admissions requirements, which include holding a bachelor’s degree.
Students in master’s-level programs gain skills in collaboration and research simultaneously with participation in assistantships and thesis work. Students enrolled in some programs have the choice of individualizing their coursework through a specialization area in the field, including sustainable architecture, preservation, community planning, urban design, digital design, and history.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field. Coursework in computer-aided design may be required to be completed by individuals without a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Graduate test scores, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and letters of recommendation may be additional requirements.
Coursework
Coursework in a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Architecture involves enrolled students in the examination of trends, challenges, and issues in architecture. Extensive research is included in the program that may have a comprehensive exam in the end. Core coursework may include topic areas such as the following:
•Structures
•Developing countries
•Architecture history
•Criticism
•Design themes
•Urbanization
•Building
Career Choices
Armed with skills in research, communication, and design, graduates from the M.S. in Architecture program can seek research-based careers in the field. They may seek job positions such as:
•Urban planner
•Research-based designer
•Project manager
•Facility manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, job growth rate of ten percent have been predicted for urban and regional planners (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $65,230.
Continuing Education Choices
Licensure is compulsory for those aspiring to work as professional architects. Obtaining a professional degree, such as a D.Arch, M.Arch, or B.Arch, from an accredited architecture program will be needed in order to earn licensure. Qualifying exams, such as the Architect Registration Examination, can be taken by these professionals after they obtain a professional degree. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards has information about specific licensure requirements for each. Architects are expected to see a seventeen percent job growth rate between 2012 and 2022 (BLS). In May 2012, the average annual wage of architects was $73,090.
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