Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Architecture
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.S. in Architecture at UB is a flexible, research-intensive program that allows students to immerse themselves in specialized areas of architecture and the built environment. It is ideal for those who have a prior architectural background or wish to pursue interdisciplinary studies closely allied with architecture. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with program length typically around 18 months for full-time students. It aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and research expertise to tackle complex challenges, offering pathways for focused research in the final years of study. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and innovation, preparing graduates to lead positive change in urban environments and advance sustainable development and social justice.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Architecture curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to custom-design their path of study based on individual interests and emerging fields. While there isn't a single rigid curriculum like the professional M.Arch, the program typically involves a combination of specialized seminars, research studios, and independent study. Core requirements often include foundational courses in architectural theory, research methods, and relevant technical seminars. Students are immersed in special fields of research and practice related to architecture and the built environment. Key areas of focus that students can explore include Ecological Practices, Inclusive Design, Historic Preservation, and Situated Technologies. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in design fundamentals and "thinking through making," with opportunities for deep dives into chosen research areas.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the M.S. in Architecture program at UB. The School of Architecture and Planning is distinguished by its strong research activity, ranking highly nationally. The M.S. program is built upon five Graduate Research Groups, which guide curricular and scholarly inquiry into critical areas: Inclusive Design, Ecological Practices, Material Culture, Situated Technologies, and Urban Design. Students have the opportunity to conduct their studies within one or more of these groups, tying architectural design to contemporary and future concerns impacting the built environment. For instance, Inclusive Design addresses human factors like disability and diversity, while Ecological Practices explores environmental factors like energy and sustainability. Students are encouraged to engage in research-based design inquiry, contributing to ongoing faculty-led projects and developing their own culminating research projects, which may take the form of a thesis or a research studio.
Industry Engagement: The School of Architecture and Planning at UB emphasizes strong industry engagement, fostering a learn-by-doing approach that connects academic study with real-world practice. Students and faculty actively participate in applied research, built works, and creative activities, often collaborating with strategic community and industry partners. This engagement is evident in design studios that address real-world problems with actual clients and stakeholders, and in research projects that directly inform major development initiatives. For example, historic preservation studios have generated critical insights informing adaptive reuse projects in Buffalo. The school's location in Buffalo provides a rich "laboratory" for historic preservation, with numerous landmarks and ongoing preservation efforts. Furthermore, the strong connection to professional practice is reflected in the high rates of alumni success in the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE) and their recognition in national competitions and fellowships.
Global Perspective: The University at Buffalo, and specifically its School of Architecture and Planning, holds a strong global perspective. The university is home to a diverse international student body, enriching the programs with varied global viewpoints. The M.S. in Architecture program can incorporate international and out-of-region study opportunities, allowing students to broaden their understanding of architectural challenges and solutions in diverse cultural contexts. While the program strongly leverages the rich architectural and urban resources of the Buffalo Niagara region, faculty expertise also extends globally, encompassing areas like historic urban landscape management in the developing world and international restoration projects. The curriculum encourages students to consider global implications of architectural design and research, preparing them for an increasingly interconnected professional landscape.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with specialized knowledge and research skills that open doors to a diverse range of impactful careers beyond traditional architectural practice. This post-professional degree is particularly valuable for those looking to delve into niche areas, research, or interdisciplinary roles within the built environment.
Architectural Researcher/Historian: Graduates can pursue academic or professional research roles, contributing to the understanding of architectural theory, history, and evolving practices. This can involve working at universities, cultural institutions, or specialized research firms, focusing on topics like sustainable technologies, urban development patterns, or the history of specific architectural styles.
Sustainable Design Consultant: With a focus on ecological practices, graduates can advise clients on environmentally responsible building design and construction. This involves conducting energy analyses, material assessments, and developing strategies for LEED certification or other green building standards, working for architectural firms, engineering consultancies, or dedicated sustainability consulting groups.
Historic Preservation Specialist: Specializing in the conservation and adaptive reuse of historic structures, these professionals work for government agencies, non-profit preservation organizations, or private consulting firms. Their work involves documenting historic buildings, developing preservation plans, and ensuring adherence to historical integrity during renovation projects.
Urban Designer/Planner (Specialized Roles): While urban planning often requires a dedicated urban planning degree, an M.S. in Architecture with a focus on urban design can lead to roles in city planning departments, urban development agencies, or private urban design firms. These roles often involve specialized aspects like master planning for specific districts, public space design, or policy development related to urban form.
Building Performance Analyst: This role focuses on optimizing the performance of buildings in terms of energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and structural integrity. Graduates leverage their advanced knowledge of building systems and analytical tools to assess existing buildings and design new ones for optimal performance, often within architectural, engineering, or dedicated building science firms.
Architectural Technologist/BIM Specialist: An M.S. with a focus on "Situated Technologies" can lead to careers leveraging advanced digital tools. Architectural technologists bridge design and construction, focusing on technical aspects and material specifications. BIM (Building Information Modeling) specialists manage and implement BIM workflows within architectural and construction firms, enhancing efficiency and coordination.
Real Estate Development Analyst (Design-Focused): Combining architectural understanding with business acumen, graduates can work for real estate development companies, evaluating sites, assessing design feasibility, and understanding market trends from a built environment perspective. Their architectural background provides a unique advantage in understanding project viability and aesthetic appeal.
Product Designer (Building Materials/Systems): An M.S. in Architecture, particularly with a focus on material culture or innovative technologies, can lead to roles in designing new building materials, components, or systems for manufacturers. This involves understanding material properties, manufacturing processes, and how these products integrate into architectural designs.
Construction Technology Specialist: This role focuses on the application of advanced technologies and innovative construction methods to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability on construction projects. Graduates can work for construction companies, technology firms, or research institutions, exploring areas like modular construction, robotics in construction, or advanced prefabrication techniques.
Design Software Developer/Integrator: For those with strong computational skills developed through the M.S. program, careers can involve developing or customizing architectural design software, building information modeling (BIM) platforms, or visualization tools. This role combines architectural insight with programming and computational design expertise, often within software companies or large architectural firms' R&D departments.
