Architecture

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Want to get hands-on experience with design building and digital fabrication? Want to prepare for a career while traveling abroad and working directly with industries across the globe? Want to make an impact through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive design? If your answer is yes, then you’ll find the perfect fit with our Department of Architecture.
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Want to get hands-on experience with design building and digital fabrication? Want to prepare for a career while traveling abroad and working directly with industries across the globe? Want to make an impact through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive design? If your answer is yes, then you’ll find the perfect fit with our Department of Architecture.

In the Department of Architecture, we believe that the study of architecture involves questioning assumptions, reflecting on history, and rethinking the future so as to meaningfully contribute to the creation of just and equitable societies. That’s why we are committed to the design studio as a space in which conceptual, practical, and theoretical thinking is integrated with the everyday, the material, the technological, and the humane.

The nationally ranked Department of Architecture at Iowa State University provides two graduate degrees in architecture:

1. Master of Architecture: NAAB accredited professional architecture degree providing the foundation for licensure in the United States. This STEM-designated 90 credit degree does not require an undergraduate degree in architecture but can be accelerated for those holding a Bachelor of Architecture. Students with a Bachelor of Architecture may receive Advanced Standing, which could waive a up to one year. Advanced Standing is decided by the review committee, and not all students with a B Arch receive it. This is a coursework only program and terminal degree.

2. Master of Science in Architecture: Like the M.Arch, M.S. program accepts students with any 4-year degree background. Students must submit their research proposal and get directed by the program to apply; please do not contact faculty. Architecture will direct students to apply if faculty are willing to be a faculty advisor. Faculty may interview prospective students. Thesis required.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Archiecture (M.Arch.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the M.Arch (90 credits).: 2.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the M.Arch. advanced standing: 2 years
  • Median time to earn the M.S. (30 credits): 1 year

Melissa Stenstrom

msten@iastate.edu
515-294-3366
Iowa State University
715 Bissell Road
159 College of Design
Ames, IA 50011-3094

Learning Goals

  • Comprehensive design skills in the field of architecture based on ethical responsibilities to clients, the wider society, and the physical environment.
  • Understanding of diverse cultural and social contexts and translation of this knowledge into design of built environments that support and include people of various backgrounds, resources, and abilities.
  • Understanding of the role of the built environment in human health, safety, and welfare at multiple scales, and application of this knowledge in architectural design.
  • Ecological knowledge and responsibility in respect of the agency and impact of design in conditions of climate crisis.
  • Knowledge of the established and emerging systems, technologies, and assemblies of building construction, and the criteria architects use to assess those technologies against the design and performance objectives of projects.
  • Develop research questions and respond to them with appropriate methods.
  • Knowledge of the histories and theories of architecture, landscape and urbanism, and how these are related to social, cultural, economic, environmental and political contexts.
  • Ability to make design decisions within an architectural project while demonstrating broad integration and consideration of building envelope systems and assemblies, structural systems, environmental control systems and life safety systems.
  • Familiarity with the regulatory contexts and codes relevant to architectural practice in the United States.
  • The path to becoming a licensed architect in the United States, the range of career opportunities available, and how the graduate program prepares for professional practice.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

For the Master of Architecture:

  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals from your educational or professional background who can most directly speak about your ability to complete graduate level course work and teaching duties
  • You will be asked within the application to provide the names and email addresses for your three references; when you submit the application, the three individuals will receive an email notification from ISU Admissions with a link to the recommendation form
  • A statement of purpose detailing academic and personal interest including your career goals and reasons for applying for the program (500 word maximum)
  • Digital portfolio (PDF or website), including five examples of your creative work
  • Upload to the application as a PDF, maximum size of 20MB
  • If your portfolio is web-based, upload a PDF document that indicates the website where your portfolio may be viewed

 

For the Master of Science in Architecture: Research Proposal

  • Prior to submitting the application for admission, applicants should submit a 500-1000 word outline of their research proposal. Submit research proposal. If you have any questions, contact Melissa Stenstrom, Graduate Student Recruiter, msten@iastate.edu.
  • The outline should include the research question to be addressed, the methods, means, and goals of the research to be undertaken, identification of existing literature, agenda, and timeline of research. Also include previous study, work, research and publication in the area. Please do not contact faculty directly with your inquiry before undertaking this process.
  • Once the outline is received, the applicant will be advised of any faculty suitable and potentially available to undertake supervision for the proposed topic prior to the formal application procedure. Applicants may then submit a finalized research proposal with their application and, once accepted, designate a supervisory professor.
  • The research outline and proposal should fall within one of the following study areas:
    • Intersections of architecture, aesthetics, and technology
    • Social formations of architecture and urbanization: histories and theories
    • Theories and practices for sustainable architecture

 

  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026)
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

The priority application deadline for assistantship consideration is February 1. Applications completed after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

all entry only.

For the MS Arch: Fall entry research proposal deadline: December 15

Prospective students with accepted research proposals will be invited to apply for admission and assistantship consideration for fall entry. All admission materials must be received by February 1.

Spring entry research proposal deadline: September 1

Spring entry is offered without assistantship consideration. All admission materials must be received by October 31.

 

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions