Admissions2023-09-27T17:52:11+00:00

Admissions

Interested in applying?

The Department of Architecture offers the Master of Architecture degree and the Master of Arts in Architecture degree. Whether you are a high school graduate, possess a 2- or 4-year college degree, or have a professional degree in architecture, our architecture program offers customizable tracks that range from 1 year to 6 years.

We look forward to having you join our exciting program! Anyone, from freshmen applicants, to students with AA degrees, to students who have baccalaureate degrees in any field can enter the Master of Architecture program.

Here is how to apply:

GRADUATE APPLICANTS

  • Three-Year Track: Candidates with Bachelor degrees in non-architectural design fields or candidates with foreign degrees.
  • Two-Year Track: Candidates who possess a four-year non-professional baccalaureate degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited institution (the Bachelor of Arts in Architecture or the Bachelor of Science in Architecture).

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

  • History, Theory and Criticism Graduate Certificate:  The Graduate Certificate in the History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture offers exceptional students enrolled in degree programs in the School of Architecture and the university community a chance to follow a rigorous course of study in history, theory and criticism, including a required seminar devoted to research methodologies.

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Degree Tracks

The three-year Master of Architecture program (M.Arch) is for applicants with no background in architecture, and who possess a four-year undergraduate degree in any area other than architecture. The three-year Master of Architecture program is also for applicants with foreign degrees, including foreign degrees in architecture.

The program consists of 105 credit hours and is usually completed in three and one-half years. The course of study consists of six semesters of design studio course work followed by a semester-long Master’s project. Supporting courses in history and theory, building technology, sustainability practices, digital technology, professional business practices as well as cross-disciplinary electives complete the course of study. Students are eligible to spend their sixth semester studying in Genoa, Italy.

For a more in-depth look at the three-year Master of Architecture program, check out the Master of Architecture (3-Year) Application + Curriculum.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1

Application to the M.Arch 3-year track begins with an online application to the University Graduate School at https://admissions.fiu.edu/how-to-apply/graduate-applicant/index.html. Successful candidates will have earned a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate degree. The GRE exam is not required. Please review the Graduate School website, as well as, the link below for assistance with this portion of the process. GRADUATE CHECKLIST

Step 2

Portfolio of creative work that demonstrates creative abilities as well as visual and written communication skills to the department for review.

A portfolio MUST contain:

  • A one-page (maximum) statement describing the candidate’s intentions, aspirations, and purpose in pursuing a professional degree in Architecture.
  • A copy of the candidate’s most current transcript.
  • Examples of creative work (painting, drawings, photographs, prints, sculpture, mixed media, videos, or graphics design).

A portfolio MAY also contain:

  • Studies of buildings that demonstrate your analytical ability.

Formatting Submission Guidelines for Uploading

  • Image File Size: Minimum of 500 KB / Maximum 5 MB.
  • Image File Format: JPEG (JPG), 72dpi
  • Convert images to color profiles RGB.
  • Do not submit slideshows, PowerPoint presentations, animations, movies, audio with images or embed images into Microsoft Word.

Deadlines
The deadline for portfolios is January 15th.

Submit portfolio to: Get Acceptd

The two-year Master of Architecture program (M.Arch) is for applicants who have earned the pre-professional four-year undergraduate degree in architecture as part of the 4+2 combined degree path. Students in this path continue their architectural education by following a course of 60 graduate credit hours in a professional program. Students are given the appropriate level of advanced standing for professional course content already taken as part of their pre-professional four-year degree. The course of study consists of three semesters of design studio course work followed by a semester long Master’s project.

Supporting courses in history and theory, building technology, sustainability practices, digital technology, professional business practices as well as cross-disciplinary electives complete the degree program. Students are eligible to spend a semester studying in Genoa, Italy.

For a more in-depth look at the two-year Master of Architecture program, check out the Master of Architecture (2-Year) Application + Curriculum.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1

Application to the M.Arch 2-year track begins with an online application to the University Graduate School at https://admissions.fiu.edu/how-to-apply/graduate-applicant/index.html. Successful candidates will have earned a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate degree. The GRE exam is not required. Please review the Graduate School website, as well as, the following link for assistance with this portion of the process. GRADUATE CHECKLIST

Step 2

Portfolio of creative work that demonstrates creative abilities as well as visual and written communication skills to the department for review.

A portfolio MUST contain:

  • A one-page (maximum) statement outlining the student’s  intentions, aspirations and purpose in pursuing a professional degree in Architecture.
  • A copy of your most current transcript.
  • Selection of your design and or architecture projects produced in studio over the last 3 years.

A portfolio MAY contain:

  • Examples of recent art and/or design projects that you have completed on your own or in collaboration with others.   (Please explain what your role was in the work.)

Formatting Submission Guidelines for Uploading

  • Image File Size: Minimum of 500 KB / Maximum 5 MB.
  • Image File Format: JPEG (JPG), 72dpi
  • Convert images to color profiles RGB.
  • Do not submit slideshows, PowerPoint presentations, animations, movies, audio with images or embed images into Microsoft Word.

Deadlines
The deadline for portfolios is January 15th.

Submit portfolio to: Get Acceptd

The Master of Arts in Architecture is a 36-credit post- professional degree program that enables students to pursue advanced studies in three areas: theory, applied research and special topics in practice. Individual areas of concentration are pursued through course work and independent study and may include the philosophy and history of design, digital technologies and visualization, mapping, technology, sustainability, neuroscience and architecture, furniture and industrial design, advanced topics in design and sustainable development. These concentration areas are supported by focus topics in the FIU SOA curriculum and allow students to pursue advanced research combining cross-disciplinary course work with faculty areas of specialization.

Research Options

Students seeking to conduct non studio-based research have the option to complete either a thesis or a research project. Students opting to complete a thesis must submit a thesis proposal prior to their final semester. Students seeking to conduct studio-based research must complete a master’s project.

Areas of Specialization

Students may choose a course of study that is either studio-based or non-studio-based. Any of the following areas of specialization may be chosen for either a studio-based or non-studio-based course of study.

  • Healthcare Design Track: Individuals with an architecture degree from an accredited professional program are eligible for admission to the program provided University requirements are met. This 36 credit hour degree prepares students who wish to conduct research, teach and undertake advanced studies in Healthcare design. One year of full-time study in residency is normally required. However, a part-time study option is available subject to the review and approval of the Program.
  • Theoretical Research: Aesthetics and Politics, History and Philosophy of Design.
  • Applied Research: Digital Technologies and Visualization, Mapping with a GIS Certificate Option, Technology and Sustainability, Furniture and Industrial Design, Neuroscience and Architecture, Advanced Design Studies.
  • Advanced Topics in Design.

For more information about the program, you may visit our Facebook page and blog.

Step 1

Application begins with an online application to the University Graduate School at https://admissions.fiu.edu/how-to-apply/graduate-applicant/index.html.  The GRE exam is not required. Please review the Graduate School website, as well as, the link below for assistance with this portion of the process. Applicants seeking admission to the program must have either an accredited Professional BArch or an accredited Professional MArch degree. Both require a cumulative 3.0 GPA. GRADUATE CHECKLIST

Step 2

Applicants must submit a portfolio of creative work, statement of intent, writing sample, and 3 letters of recommendation via Get Acceptd.

  • Applicants seeking admission to the program must have either an accredited Professional BArch or an accredited Professional MArch degree. Both require a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
  • Applicants must submit a portfolio of creative work via the Get Acceptd web portal. The portfolio should also include a current resume. The portfolio review examines evidence of creative ability, academic success, and professional achievement.
  • Applicants must have 3 letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf via the Get Acceptd web portal.
  • Applicants must submit a Statement of Intent clearly indicating which area of specialization they intend to pursue and why. The statement should include the applicant’s motivation for pursuing advanced study. Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of their statement, personal achievement, and their commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the field through their research.
  • Applicants must submit a writing sample that demonstrates the candidate’s written communication skills. The sample does not have to be related to the proposed area of specialization. It should be a minimum of 500 words.

Formatting Submission Guidelines for Uploading Portfolio

  • Image File Size: Minimum of 500 KB / Maximum 5 MB.
  • Image File Format: JPEG (JPG), 72dpi
  • Convert images to color profiles RGB.
  • Do not submit slideshows, PowerPoint presentations, animations, movies, audio with images or embed images into Microsoft Word.

Deadlines
All items are due by January 15th.

Submit portfolio, statement, writing sample, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Get Acceptd

Questions about the program? Contact:
(Alice) Gray Read
Associate Professor
MAA Co-Director
Department of Architecture
College of Architecture + The Arts
Florida International University
tel: 305-348-2672
readg@fiu.edu

Alfredo Andia
Associate Professor
MAA Co-Director
Department of Architecture
College of Architecture + The Arts
Florida International University
tel: 305-348-6703
andia@post.harvard.edu

History, Theory and Criticism Graduate Certificate Program

The Graduate Certificate in the History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture offers exceptional students enrolled in degree programs in the School of Architecture and the university community a chance to follow a rigorous course of study in history, theory, and criticism, including a required seminar devoted to research methodologies. For architecture students, we offer the further option of a pedagogical apprenticeship, where faculty members mentor students seeking to become teachers. For students outside the School of Architecture, we offer an opportunity to supplement their studies in history, anthropology, environmental science, art history, literature, area studies, and other fields with an intense and systematic engagement with cultural production and the visual arts. The certificate program helps students hone their critical skills as they generate new knowledge and embark on self-directed research. Students admitted to a graduate degree program at FIU may apply for admission to the Graduate Certificate in the History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture.

For information on the program, please contact Professor David Rifkind.  Please email: drifkind@fiu.edu or call: 305-348-1867.

Contact

Mayra Ortega
Admissions and Recruitment
School of Architecture
Office: 305-348-4884
Email: maortega@fiu.edu

The College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts has a team of dedicated academic advisors, readily available to provide guidance with course selection and keep you on track for an on-time graduation. To make an appointment with an academic advisor, call (305)-348-7500.