The USA is home to more than 162 universities and colleges offering MS or Masters in architecture courses. Students with a good grasp of the subject can find the perfect study environment in some of the world’s most prestigious institutions to receive a world-class education.
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Why Study Architecture in the USA?
Studying for a Master of Architecture in the USA will shape your career exceptionally well while giving you the right platform to test your constructive skills, creativity, and imagination. As one of the most sought-after destinations to study for an architecture degree and build a life, the United States has several merits.
- Gain Skills Beyond the Course: Going for higher education courses like a Masters in architecture in USA helps a student go beyond the lengths of academic structure. You can easily learn new skills while understanding their application and implementation. Given that every university helps students build the necessary skills, this benefit has a special meaning in the USA. You can easily extend your wings of knowledge beyond academic education and hone the necessary practical skills.
- Job Opportunities: The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) of the USA recognises students graduating from specific courses and grants them a license. Choosing the courses under the board means you will be able to secure a promising position after graduating and be on your way to building a better career. Even without the NCARB recognition, studying here means you will get to explore several life-changing opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the USA predicts there will be a 3% growth in employment for architects between 2020 and 2030.
- Access to Top Universities: In a country where institutions like Princeton, Harvard, and MIT exist, you can well imagine the level of education provided. Even though every educational institution in the country can’t match the excellence of the Ivy League institutions, they can still work to match the quality of education. As a student, this benefits you because you get access to exceptional education from subject matter experts providing practical and theoretical knowledge.
So, with these and other benefits, you can be assured that studying for a Masters in Architecture in USA will be a fantastic learning experience. International students coming here from across the globe can access the opportunity of their lifetime and quality education.
Top Colleges for Masters in Architecture in USA
There are several top-tier colleges and universities you can choose from in the country. Even though all the colleges may offer a similar academic curriculum, the difference lies in how they execute and impact the same.
That said, here are some of the best ranking colleges you can choose for a Masters of Science or Masters in architecture USA.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The MArch degree course at MIT follows an experimental approach to help students learn, educate, and grow their skills in the field. The course takes you on an informative ride with theoretical studies, research, and a thesis project.
| Rank | Course Fee | Course Duration |
| 1 | $187,075 | 3.5 years |
2. Harvard University: Harvard has two MArch courses, Architecture I and Architecture II, offering professional and creative studies. Students in these courses learn about design investigations and facing challenges they might come across in the future.
| Rank | Course Fee | Course Duration |
| 5 | $133,550 | 2.5 years |
3. Columbia University: The Masters in architecture in USA’s Columbia University has three modules: Architectural History, Theory, and Visual Studies. The students get access to advanced development methods and tools while comparing them to past practices in landscape architecture and other related fields.
| Rank | Course Fee | Course Duration |
| 19 | $177,000 | 3 years |
4. University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley offers two to three years of a rigorous architecture program teaching students about the basics and advanced components of architectural design and further studies.
| Rank | Course Fee | Course Duration |
| 32 | $58,144 | 2 or 3 years |
5. Cornell University: Mixing in the concepts of global best practices and conceptual thinking, the MArch degree course at Cornell University offers an impressive package. Students here will learn about the contemporary practices, technological penetration, and dynamics of urban design.
| Rank | Course Fee | Course Duration |
| 21 | $197,925 | 3.5 years |
All the rankings above are taken from QS World University Rankings 2022. Other popular universities you can check out include Arizona State University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. All these universities offer semester-based accredited professional degrees for Masters in architecture in USA.
This means that students passing out from these universities can easily receive their architecture license. These courses are accredited by National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and NCARB.
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What’s the Admissions Process for Masters in Architecture USA?
Before applying to any of the universities in the USA, you need to fulfil some basic admissions requirements. It is imperative to research every institution’s standard and specific guidelines before applying. Here are some of the admissions requirements you need to complete:
- CGPA: Your CGPA must be 2.5 or higher before applying to universities in the USA. That said, some universities may have a higher minimum qualifying CGPA, so check with the admissions helpline.
- Degree: You must have completed a Bachelor’s course in architecture or a non-architecture field related to designing.
- English Proficiency: Students must attempt and clear the IELTS or TOEFL exam to prove their proficiency in English.
- Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation (LOR) must be furnished with the other documents. This LOR can be given by the student’s academic heads, teachers, or supervisor.
- Statement of Purpose: Lastly, a statement of purpose (SOP) is required, written by the students. The SOP helps the admissions committee know more about the student’s personality and plays an important role in enrollment.
What’s the Admissions Process for Masters in Architecture in USA?
Getting into any of the colleges in the USA starts with completing the application form and submitting the required documents. With the application submitted, it will be reviewed by the admissions committee subject to the condition that all the documents are proper. You may be asked for other documents if required.
The admissions committee will also ask you to show proof of funding to ascertain that you can sponsor the tuition fee and living costs in the USA before moving ahead.
If everything is up to the mark, you will be given the green light to study at the university you have applied to. From here, you can apply for a visa based on your admission acknowledgement.
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Conclusion
Your career in architecture in USA can become highly successful under a few conditions. The first is choosing the right institution, and the second is making sure that you get a license from NAAB and NCARB.
To achieve these, you must start preparing right and take help from experts at LeapScholar to access accurate and authentic information. So, book a counselling session today and talk to our experts for further help on studying Masters of architecture in USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scope of a Masters in Architecture in USA?
After completing the degree, you can work in different departments, including the railways, National Institute of Urban Affairs and Housing, National Building Organization, and other public works authorities. Besides this, there are numerous private organisations in big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC you can work for. Lastly, you can also start your practice.
Do I need a portfolio to show during admissions?
Not every college or university has this condition, but some of them will ask for a portfolio of your previous works in architecture. This can come from a job you had before Masters or your practical work during the bachelor’s degree.
What’s the type of visa required for international students in the USA?
International students wanting to study here full-time will require an F visa. Out of the three F Visas, F-1 is the most common as it caters to full-time students from any country. F-1 is required for students from India, Australia, New Zealand, and other nations. But students from Canada and Mexico need the F-3 visa.
Is GRE required to get enrolled in Masters in architecture USA?
Yes, in some colleges and universities, a GRE score of 290 or above is mandatory to seek admission. GRE is required here because we are talking about a Masters course. In degrees lower than Masters, GRE is not essential.
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