Admissions Information for Master of Science in Architecture Studies
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.
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.
The applicant's statement of purpose 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.
SMArchS Admissions Requirements
The program requires the following academic preparation:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
- Building Technology
- Design and Computation
- History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art Arch and Art
English Requirement
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of those applicants whose first language was not English, regardless of residency in the US or attendance at other US 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 admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the TOEFL on the earliest possible test date.
The minimum TOEFL score required for SMArchS candidates is 600 for the paper-based test; 250 for computer-based test; and 100 for the Internet-based test. Applicants must ask the Educational Testing Service to send official test results directly to MIT. Scores must be no more than two years old. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your scores sent to MIT:
Institution Code: 3514
Department Code: 12
All students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) prior to registration. This test is usually given on the Tuesday of orientation week. Even students who satisfy the TOEFL requirement for admission may be required to take specialized subjects in English as a Second Language (ESL), depending on their EET results. ESL subjects do not count toward the required degree credits.
Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination 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. 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.
Choose what you care about, what you think is representative of your best work, and what is expressive of you.
Application Deadline
The Application for Graduate Admission should be requested directly from the MIT Graduate Admissions Office. An application for admission in September must be received by December 15. The SMArchS program does not accept applications for admission in the spring term. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be sure that the completed application forms and all supporting materials are received at the following address by the deadline.
MIT Department of Architecture
77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 7-337
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Attn: Admissions
Telephone: 617-253-7387
Applicants will be notified by mail of the department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.
Quick Links
Test of English as a Foreign Language
MIT Graduate Admissions Office
