Architecture

Admission Requirements Degree Requirements

Mailing Address:
School of Architecture (MC 030)
845 West Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60607-7024

Campus Location: 3100 A&A
Program Codes: 20FS0249MARC (MArch); 20FS5046MS (MS in Architecture); 20FS5127MS (MS in Architecture in Health Design); 20FS5245MA (MAD-Crit)

Telephone: (312) 996-3335
E-mail: archadmissions@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.arch.uic.edu/index.php
Director, School of Architecture: Robert Somol
Director of Graduate Studies: David Brown

The School of Architecture offers four graduate degrees: an NAAB-accredited* professional Master of Architecture degree (MArch), a post-professional Master of Science in Architecture degree (MS), a post-professional Master of Science in Health Design degree (MSAHD), and an academic Master of Arts in Design Criticism (MAD-Crit).

The three-year MArch program, for those holding a bachelors degree in any field, provides a studio-centered curriculum supported by required and elective course work in architectural technology and theory. Applicants to the MArch program must have completed a calculus course with analytical geometry, as well as a year-long survey in architectural history or art history, prior to enrolling in the program. Advanced standing into the second year of the MArch program is considered for those who hold a recognized four-year, preprofessional degree in architecture and whose design and technical skills are demonstrated to be at a level commensurate with accelerated placement in the program.

The one-year MS program, starting with a summer term, is designed for holders of a first professional degree in architecture, or its international equivalent, and consists of studio-centered work in architecture and urbanism supported by elective course work in advanced technology and contemporary theory and criticism.

The two-year MSAHD program, including a required summer preceptorship, immerses the student in this rapidly evolving field through design-centered studios and related technical and research seminars. Given the school’s larger focus and expertise, the program is especially concerned with the reinvention of the design of health delivery systems in an age of globalization and pandemics. In order to accommodate design professionals who may already be working in this area, the program may be taken part-time.

MAD-Crit is a two-year program that develops textual and visual argumentation in the areas of architecture, urbanism, landscape, and allied design practices. The program, open to those holding a bachelors degree in any field, is intended for students, including postgraduate and mid-career professionals, who are interested in re-focusing on research, writing, and publication. In addition to those with architectural backgrounds, the program is also suitable for those from other fields who are already practicing as critics, journalists, or curators but who want to develop expertise in the design areas considered; or those who would like a terminal, graduate degree in order to pursue an academic career. Revolving around intensive writing seminars and publication workshops, the MAD-Crit program aims to solicit and expand the audience for design criticism and reposition the significance of design in public discourse.

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 following program requirements:

Master of Architecture

  • Baccalaureate Field No restrictions. A year-long, university-level survey in art history or architectural history and a university-level course in calculus with analytical geometry offered through a mathematics department are required. Applicants must have a basic understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
  • Tests Required GRE General.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required, preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s recent academic, professional, or creative work.
  • Personal / Research Statement A 500-word statement should discuss the applicant's academic interests and objectives, how they can be pursued through study at UIC, and what the applicant would contribute to the program's environment. Applicants should also explain how their architectural interests have been shaped by significant past experiences.
  • Other Requirements Portfolio review and evaluation of previous course work are required for all applicants. As a designed book, the portfolio indicates an individual’s aesthetic sensibility and intellectual curiosity. It may include any visual, design, or creative work, such as paintings, collages, freehand drawings, sketches, photographs, sculpture, furniture design, etc. Both in the works themselves and in the inquiry or argument framed through their presentation, applicants should exhibit their potential to develop original design work. Individual work is preferred, but when including group work the applicant’s role and contribution should be carefully noted. The portfolio should not document CAD drafting skills or technical course work that is independent from design work. Work from an architecture office, such as construction drawings or renderings, should not be included unless the applicant had a significant role in the design process. Portfolios should not exceed 8.5” by 11” in size, must be bound, and should not be on slides or CDs. Craft of the cover and binding should be kept to a minimum.
  • Advanced Standing: Applicants seeking advanced standing in the program must submit a portfolio with examples of their creative and/or professional work and must also meet the following additional requirements: prior completion of one year of history of architecture; 6 semesters in undergraduate design studio that the admissions committee deems equivalent to one year of graduate design studio at UIC; upper-level course work in theory and history equivalent to ARCH 531/532; and at least one year of architectural and environmental technology OR one year of structures.
  • Deadlines The application deadline for this program is earlier than the Graduate College deadline; contact the program for information on current deadlines.

Master of Science in Architecture

  • Baccalaureate Field Applicants must have an accredited professional degree in architecture or its international equivalent.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
  • Tests Required: GRE General.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required, preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s recent academic, professional, or creative work.
  • Personal / Research Statement A 500-word statement should address the reasons for applying to a graduate program in architecture, particularly the UIC School of Architecture; outline current or previous work as it relates to the applicant’s plans and objectives for advanced study; include a description of professional goals and how these goals are to be realized, as well as areas of research or design inquiry the applicant is interested in pursuing.
  • Other Requirements Portfolio review and evaluation of previous academic, creative, and professional work is required for all applicants. As a designed book, the portfolio indicates an individual’s aesthetic sensibility and intellectual curiosity. Both in the works themselves and in the inquiry or argument framed through their presentation, applicants should exhibit their potential to develop original design work. Individual work is preferred, but when including group work the applicant’s role and contribution should be carefully noted. The portfolio should not document CAD drafting skills or technical course work that is independent from design work. Work from an architecture office, such as construction drawings or renderings, should not be included unless the applicant had a significant role in the design process. Portfolios should not exceed 8.5” by 11” in size, must be bound, and should not be on slides or CDs. Craft of the cover and binding should be kept to a minimum.
  • Deadlines The application deadline for this program is earlier than the Graduate College deadline; contact the program for information on current deadlines.

Master of Science in Architecture in Health Design

Please note: The Master of Architecture in Heath Design has been suspended effective for the Fall 2010 term. Contact the department for more information.

  • Academic Degree Required The MS in Architecture in Health Design is designed for holders of a first professional degree in architecture (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture) seeking a postprofessional degree.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Tests Required GRE General.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required, preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s recent academic, professional, or creative work.
  • Personal Statement A 500-word statement should address the relationship of this advanced training to the applicant’s personal and professional objectives.
  • Other Requirements Applicants for admission to the two-year MS in Architecture in Health Design program must submit a portfolio with examples of their creative work. Professional work should be separated from creative work.
  • Deadlines The application deadline for this program is earlier than the Graduate College deadline; contact the program for information on current deadlines.

Master of Arts in Design Criticism

  • Baccalaureate Field Applicants may have an undergraduate degree in any field.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Tests Required GRE General.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required, preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s recent academic, professional, or creative work.
  • Personal / Research Statement A 500-word statement should address the reasons for applying to a graduate program in design criticism, particularly the UIC School of Architecture; outline current or previous work as it relates to the applicant’s plans and objectives for advanced study; include a description of professional goals and how these goals are to be realized, as well as areas of research or design inquiry the applicant is interested in pursuing.
  • Other Requirements A written portfolio is required as a part of the application process for the Master of Arts in Design Criticism program. 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; contact the program for information on current deadlines.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the degree vary according to the student’s previous studies and level of preparation. The Graduate Admissions Committee of the school will specify, at the time of admission, the program to which each student has been accepted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Architecture

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 68–104, depending on the student’s level of preparation.
  • Course Work At least 24 hours must be at the 500-level in architecture.
  • Required Courses: ARCH 531, 532, 544, 551, 552, 553, 554, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 573, 574, 585, 586; 4 hours in each of the following: 520, 522, and an approved AH course; 4 hours of an approved elective; one research sequence either 566 + 567 or, by approval, 595 + 598. An annual portfolio review occurs during the first week of the spring term.
  • MArch with Advanced Standing: From the above curriculum, full advanced standing students will be waived from the following course work: ARCH 531, 532, 551, 552, 561, 562, 573, and 4 hours of the required course work from 520, 522 or an approved AH course. Exact advanced standing placement will be determined by the school at the time of admission. An annual portfolio review occurs during the first week of the spring term.
  • Comprehensive Examination None.
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis or course work only. No other options are available. Thesis is an option but not a requirement for graduation.

Master of Science in Architecture

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 46.
  • Course Work At least 24 hours must be at the 500-level in architecture.
  • Required Courses: ARCH 521, 524, 565, 566, 567, and 568; 4 hours from ARCH 520 or 522; 4 hours from ARCH 520 or 586; and 4 hours from ARCH 522 or 564. Portfolio review occurs during the first week of the spring term.
  • Comprehensive Examination None.
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Course work only.

Master of Science in Architecture Health Design

Please note: The Master of Architecture in Heath Design has been suspended effective for the Fall 2010 term. Contact the department for more information.

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 53 hours.
  • Course Work Required Core Courses (29 hours): ARCH 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 579. 7 hours of ARCH 577 taken over 5 terms.
    • 4 hours of ARCH 535 (Research Track students) OR 4 hours of ARCH 536 (Design Track students)
    • 8 hours of ARCH 597, focused on evidence-based research or design
    • 12 hours of electives
  • Comprehensive Examination None.
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Capstone project required.

Master of Arts in Design Criticism

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 56.
  • Course Work At least 44 hours must be at the 500-level in architecture.
  • Required Courses: ARCH 566, 585, 587, 588, 589, and 590.
  • Electives: A total of 32 hours selected from ARCH 520, 531, 532, 586, or an Art History (AH) 400- or 500-level course, or an elective approved by the advisor.
  • Comprehensive Examination None.
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Course work only.

 

*Required text from National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB): “In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards. Master’s degree programs may consist of a preprofessional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.”

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