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 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.
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.
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
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 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 is requested directly from the MIT Office of the Dean for Graduate Education (ODGE). An application for admission in September must be received by December 15. Portfolios may be sent by January 4, 2010, to allow for students to include their most recent work. 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
77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 7-337
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Attn: Admissions
Email: arch@mit.edu
Telephone: 617-715-4490
Applicants will be notified by mail of the department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.
Quick Links
International English Language Testing System
FAQs
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Graduate Record Examination
MIT Office of the Dean for Graduate Education
