The SMArchS Architectural Design program offers both a theoretical foundation in the history and development of architectural design pedagogy and praxis and a platform for applied research into new design methodologies. To nurture independent theses related to the notion of design, the program aims to equip students with a critical understanding of different modes of creative synthetic production with particular focus on emerging modes of design activity, conceptual or technical, and on the potential for radicalizing current modes of architectural and building praxis.

The program encourages interdisciplinary engagement with other areas of specialist research within the Department and across the entire Institute, seeking to benefit from the remarkable academic and research environment of MIT. We see Design as a potentially integrative activity and support work that is collaborative or that bridges to other domains of knowledge.

The rich graduate design studios and workshops in the Architecture Department and Media Lab are open to SMArchS students, but the program intends to offer a distinctly post-graduate opportunity for individual design enquiry structured by seminars and lectures that give critical depth to such independent research work

Applicants compete each year for the approximately 25 places available in the SMArchS program. An admissions committee made up of both faculty and SMArchS students evaluates applicants individually. There is no specific "type" of applicant.

Deadline and Submissions

The application deadline is December 15. All application material must be received by deadline, with the exception of portfolios, which might be submitted by January 3. Late applications will not be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be sure that the completed application forms and all supporting materials are at the following address by the deadline.

• MIT Department of Architecture
• Attn: Admissions
• 77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 7-337
• Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
• Telephone: (617) 715-4490

SMArchS Admissions Requirements

Virtually all students entering this program hold a professional degree in architecture. However, since the Master of Science in Architecture Studies (SMArchS) is not itself a professional degree, students from other backgrounds may apply. The program requires the following academic preparation:

• At a minimum, a bachelor's degree with high academic standing from a recognized institution. In most cases SMArchS students hold professional degrees in architecture from accredited universities.
• Excellence in design, previous technical studies, proven facility in a computational environment and other specific skills may be used as admissions criteria depending on the area of study being pursued.
• In the statement of objectives, applicants should indicate clearly which SMArchS area of study they seek to enter and why. Statements should clearly outline the applicant's qualifications for research in that area. The study areas of choice include:
  • Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
  • Architecture and Urbanism
  • Architectural Design (new)
  • Building Technology (On the online application, choose "Architecture and Technology")
  • Design and Computation
  • History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art Arch and Art

Online Application

Although we accept paper-based applications, we strongly prefer that all graduate programs applicants use the MIT graduate application website.

http://web.mit.edu/admissions/graduate

The graduate application for 2011 is first processed through CollegeNet. To access the CollegeNet system, applicants will need to create a profile. Once begun, the online application can be completed at any point up until the December 15 deadline at midnight. Try not to begin your application on December 15. You don't want something to happen at 11 p.m. before the system closes. After submitting the application, applicants will not be able to alter the CollegeNet version of the application. CollegeNet will send a confirmation email upon submission, but this does not mean the Department has your information.

NOTE: the newSMArchS program in Architectural Design is not yet added to the online application. It should be added soon.

Application Fee

Application to MIT requires a non-refundable fee of $75 USD. You will need to submit a credit card number on CollegeNet to process this fee.

Recommendations

All applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation. Recommenders will also need to create a profile within the CollegeNet system to submit their letters. Once a letter is submitted, the Department will retrieve it and update the application website to indicate it has been received.

We prefer that letters of recommendation be submitted through the website. However, paper-based forms are also available here:

http://web.mit.edu/admissions/graduate/pdfs/MIT_Standard_Eval.pdf

This form is important because it tells your recommender and the Department that you have either waived, or not waived, your right to view the content of the letter. Forward this form to the recommender and have them submit the form with their letter to the Department. Applicants may forward recommendations to us if they are left in the original signed, sealed envelope, but should be sent with the evaluation form.

Transcripts

Transcripts must be requested as original documents from your previous schools. Transcripts may be forwarded by the applicant if they are in the original, sealed envelope. Non-English transcripts must be translated into English, and if necessary, signed by a licensed notary and accompanied by the original version.

Statement of Objectives

The applicant's statement of objectives and letters of recommendation are particularly important. Previous academic work and other experiences should demonstrate the applicant's intellectual achievement, motivation, discipline, responsibility, imagination, perception and open mind. Projects and experiences are judged not only on intrinsic merit but also as evidence of the applicant's ability to initiate and follow through on work that is personally meaningful.

English Proficiency Requirement

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), regardless of citizenship or residency in the U.S. while attending other educational institutions. No exceptions are made. The admissions committee regards English proficiency as crucial for success in all degree programs. In order to meet the December 15 fall admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the IELTS or TOEFL on the earliest possible date.

Applicants must request that an official copy of their test results be sent directly to MIT by IELTS International or Educational Testing Service. IELTS and TOEFL Scores must be no older than two years as of the date of application. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your TOEFL scores sent to MIT:

• Institutional Code: 3514
• Department Code: 12

The minimum score required for SMArchS candidates is 7 and the minimum TOEFL score is 600 (250 for computer-based test, 100 for Internet-based test). While either test score is accepted, the IELTS score is preferred.

All students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) prior to registration at MIT. Even students who satisfy the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for admission may be required to take specialized subjects in English as a Second Language (ESL), depending on their EET results. These subjects do not count toward the required degree credits.

Graduate Record Examination

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for SMArchS applicants.

Portfolio

A non-returnable portfolio is required of all SMArchS applicants, including those who do not have a previous architecture degree or background.

The portfolio should include evidence of recent creative work, whether personal, academic or professional. Choose what you care about, what you think is representative of your best work, and what is expressive of you. Work done collaboratively should be identified as such and the applicant's role in the project defined. Name, address and program to which you are applying should also be included. We expect the portfolio to be the applicant's own work. While there is no strict format, all the material should be contained in one notebook, folder or envelope. We have found that 8½-by-11-inch note fraction (22-by-28-cm) notebooks are most suitable. Select a limited number of examples that are easy for us to look at; do not send slides, CDs or videos. Web-based portfolios are not acceptable and will not be reviewed.

Interviews

Interviews are not required for SMArchS applicants. All prospective students are welcome to visit the Department. If you would like to visit the campus for a student tour of the Department, please contact in advance of your trip:

Annette Horne-Williams

Decisions and Notifications

Applicants will be notified by mail of the Department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.

You will receive an email by the third week of December to let you know if your application is complete or if there are any pieces still missing. If so, you will have time to resubmit any missing materials.