MS in Architecture (MS)

The MS in Design Science (M.S.) is a 30-credit-hour degree focusing on emerging research critical to the architectural profession and offers an opportunity for specialized and focused coursework and investigation in three areas of concentration: Critical Heritage Studies, Design Computation, and Sustainable Building Technology.

More information can be found in the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.

For more information, please contact Master of Science Graduate Program Director Dr. Emily Makas

CONCENTRATIONS

Critical Heritage Studies

This concentration explores how preservation and interpretation of the built environment is interconnected with both social and environmental sustainability and integrated within discourses and practices surrounding other tangible and intangible heritages happening in museums, archeological sites, and elsewhere. The program examines local solutions while engaging in global conversations; emphasizes hands-on engagement with communities and organizations; includes a variety of approaches and practices of engaging with the past; and promotes the stories and sites that foreground the heritage of individuals of all backgrounds.

Design Computation

This concentration explores the ways in which computational practices have become inseparable from architectural design. As firms rely more and more on computation, those who know how to think, program and script are changing the way architects design and practice. As computing has matured as a discipline, it has expanded its focus to include the physical and virtual settings in which users interact with the machine. Specialties like human computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, gaming and visualization require an understanding not only of the logic of the machine, but also the logic of the user. Artifical Ingelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augment Reality (AR) are also already changing architectural practice.

Sustainable Building Technology

This concentration explores structural principles, statics and strength of materials, structural systems, as well as building technology, intelligent structures, innovative structural assemblies, and integrated design. Areas of inquiry included performance-based design, innovative building systems integration, high performance building facades, air filtration systems, bio-inspired design, and new material technologies.

Admission Requirements

MS in Design Science applicants must specify the concentration of interest and their own research interests as a part of their application in their Statement of Purpose. See our Graduate Admissions page for information about graduate admissions to the School of Architecture, including specifics for international students and answers to frequently asked questions.

Requirements

The minimum admission requirements for the MS in Design Science (M.S.) at UNC Charlotte are:

  • An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • An overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale)
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based), 557 (paper-based), or 83 (Internet-based) or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 required from any applicant whose native language is not English

The above admission requirements include the minimum admission standards for the UNC Charlotte Graduate School.

Documents To Be Submitted For Admission

Application to the MS in Design Science (M.S.) follows existing Graduate School and School of Architecture admissions processes. The UNC Charlotte application process is completely online.

To apply for graduate studies in the School of Architecture, all applicants must submit the following application materials to the UNC Charlotte Office of Graduate Admissions :

  • Graduate School Application for Admission (online form)
  • Application Fee (payable online)
  • Unofficial transcripts from all previous college-level institution(s) attended (submitted online as part of the application process with official transcripts to be sent directly later if admitted)
  • Official TOEFL scores
    • A minimum TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based), 557 (paper-based), or 83 (internet-based) or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 required from any applicant whose native language is not English (sent directly from testing company)
  • A statement of purpose essay indicating research interests and potential faculty advisor (submitted online as part of the application process)
  • Three recommendations (submitted online by recommenders)
  • A resume (submitted online as part of the application process)
  • A Digital Portfolio (20-page PDF document submitted online; this portfolio may include samples of writing, research, computation, anyalsis, and/or design-based projects)
    • SoA UNC Charlotte B.Arch or M.Arch degree holders with a 3.5 GPA or above are eligible to be recommended for automatic admission to the School of Architecture and are not required to submit separate application materials such as a portfolio
    • Applicants to the Critical Heritage studies concentration may submit a writing sample instead of a portfolio.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Critical Heritage Studies Concentration

Core Courses (13 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5600 – Critical Approaches to Heritage (3)
  • ARCH 6400 – Architecture Internship (3)
  • ARCH 7211 – Research Lab (4)
  • HIST 6320 – Historic Preservation (3)

Elective Courses (15 credit hours)

As directed by their Academic Advisor, students should take a total of 15 credits of elective courses from the approved list of ARCH, HIST, GEOG, ANTH, and MUDD courses.

Capstone Course (2 credit hours)

  • ARCH 6600 – Heritage Colloquium (2)

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours

Design Computation Concentration

Core Courses (12 credit hours)

  • ARCH 5611 – Computational Research Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7211 – Research Lab (4)
  • ARCH 7800 – Thesis Prep (3)
  • GRAD 6302 – Responsible Conduct of Research (2)

Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

As directed by their Academic Advisor, students should take a total of 12 credits of elective courses from the approved list of ARCH and DBSA courses

Capstone Course (6 credit hours)

  • ARCH 7900 – Thesis (6)

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours

Sustainable Building Technology Concentration

Core Courses (12 credit hours)

  • ARCH 6050 – Sustainability Research Methods (3)
  • ARCH 7211 – Research Lab (4)
  • ARCH 7800 – Thesis Prep (3)
  • GRAD 6302 – Responsible Conduct of Research (2)

Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

As directed by their Academic Advisor, students should take a total of 12 credits of elective courses from the approved list of ARCH and ENGR courses.

Capstone Course (6 credit hours)

  • ARCH 7900 – Thesis (6)

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours

DUAL DEGREE OPTIONS

Students in the Master of Science in Architecture may wish to combine their studies with graduate work in other programs. Options for each concentration are described on the pages for the MS in Architecture – Critical Heritage Studies, MS in Architecture – Design Computation, and MS in Architecture – Sustainable Building Technology.

Applicants interested in a dual degree should apply separately to each program. Please check our frequently asked questions section below and visit our Graduate Admissions page for more information about the application requirements and process.