College
- East Falls Campus
- College of Architecture & the Built Environment
Degree Earned
- Master of Science
Program Type
- On Campus
Contact Information
Program
The Master of Science in Architecture is an advanced post-professional degree designed for students who have a previous degree in architecture or related field, and would like to pursue a rigorous academic investigation into a clearly defined research agenda framed around their interests. With the plethora of graduate level courses offered in the College of Architecture and Built Environment, and the diversity of faculty experience, students are uniquely positioned to conduct advanced research in architectural practice, as well as how the field intersects with associated disciplines.
This program provides its graduates with an additional credential that enables students to pursue research and entrepreneurial practices, careers in academia or expand the knowledge of the profession in two distinct ways:
The MS in Architecture degree can prepare graduates for specialist, consulting, and research positions in the broad field of the built environment in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.
Additionally, this program can be organized as a pathway program into the Architecture and Design Research PhD program, with the work completed serving as the foundational investigation in the early stages of the Architecture and Design Research PhD.
About the Curriculum
Like other graduate programs in the College of Architecture and the Built Environment, design, sustainability, and equity are at the core of the curriculum. Students also benefit from our Nexus Learning approach, Thomas Jefferson University’s distinct method of teaching and learning. Through Nexus Learning, interdisciplinary learning is prioritized and students take up to 12 credits of classes from other CABE graduate programs such as Sustainable Design, Real Estate, Urban Design, Construction Management, and more – see our website for a comprehensive list. The program can typically be completed in three or four semesters.
Jefferson’s MS in Architecture program is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designated program (CIP Code 04.0902). This allows international students to be eligible for an extension of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. OPT is a type of work authorization for F-1 student visa holders that provides an opportunity for employment experience in the United States (US).
The Master of Science in Architecture is a STEM designated program (CIP Code 04.0902).
Program Highlights
This post-professional program is research-based and prepares students for specialist and consulting positions in the broad field of the built environment in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. You will be able to work in an office while conducting research, and can even get elective course credit for time spent in an office. This potential allows you to become an "imbedded researcher", working in practice while progressing toward your M.S. Professionals who want to make themselves more marketable by specializing in a vital area of architecture, such as high performance buildings and healthcare design, would benefit from this program.
- Learn core principles including innovation, transdisciplinary study and sustainability.
- Learn industry research skills to foster cutting-edge architectural practices in the broader building industry.
- Apply essential research and analysis to implement the most current knowledge to real-world applications in the built environment.
- Take advantage of opportunities to collaborate on global projects and work with teams such as the Malawi Health & Design Collaborative.
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