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