Master of Architecture Advanced Standing in Troy, NY United States | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY United States

Applicants holding a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree may be considered for advanced standing. After a review of their transcripts and portfolios, successful candidates may have up to two design studios waived. A faculty committee will also consider additional course waiver requests for advanced standing into the second year of the three-year program. Candidates admitted with advanced standing typically complete degree requirements within two years of full-time enrollment.

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Qualification
Master's Degree (Professional)
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2026)
USD 64,400
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
24 months

Individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree could qualify for advanced placement. Upon evaluation of academic records and design portfolios, eligible students may receive exemptions for up to two studio courses. A faculty review board will assess further requests for course waivers, potentially allowing entry into the second year of the three-year curriculum. Those granted advanced placement usually fulfill degree requirements in two years of full-time study. RPI's Master of Architecture program offers advanced standing opportunities for graduates holding pre-professional architecture degrees. Qualified applicants may receive waivers for up to 33 credits (out of 100 total). Advanced standing students commence their studies in the second-year fall semester and must complete 67 credits through required and elective courses to graduate within two academic years (four semesters) of full-time enrollment.

 


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Research Study Areas

Throughout the program’s coursework, students engage in current best practices, advanced building science research and applied next-generation emerging building technology. This culminates in a two-semester program at the school’s Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE), located in Brooklyn’s Industry City, one of the largest business incubators in North America. Additionally, there are course offerings in Architectural Acoustics and Lighting for a more interdisciplinary experience.

Plan of Study

During the fall semester students meet with the program co-directors (academic advisors) to initiate their development of a plan of study, which is updated and approved yearly by the Office of Graduate Education (OGE).

STEM Designation

The MArch program is now designated as a STEM program in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology (CIP code 04.0902) making international MArch graduates eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years in order to work in the United States.

Digital Preparatory Workshop

Our program offers a ten-day, hybrid Digital Workshop prior to the commencement of the first semester for all incoming students. This workshop takes place before the fall semester and provides a comprehensive introduction to a wide range of software, including Rhino, Grasshopper, V-Ray, and Adobe programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students also gain a working knowledge of digital fabrication technologies, including 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting.

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 6.5

Qualification Requirements

GRADUATE APPLICATION

Complete the online application for full- or part-time graduate degree programs. 

Applicants may apply only to one degree program per term. Multiple applications for one term are not permitted.

NONREFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE OF $75

The application processing fee must be paid electronically after submitting your application. 

The application fee is waived for Rensselaer alumni, current Rensselaer students (matriculating and non-matriculating), employees, and employee spouses.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Your Personal Statement should address your academic and research interests, and future career goals as they relate to the graduate program to which you are applying. The statement should include relevant academic/research, professional, and personal experiences that influenced your decision to apply to the graduate program. 

The Architectural Sciences, M.S., program with a concentration in Built Ecologies requires an additional and separate Research Proposal describing your research goals and academic plan. The Research Proposal should describe your intended area of research and its broader significance, explaining why this area of inquiry matters. The statement should also address how your research interests align with the work being conducted at CASE, referencing any specific CASE projects that have inspired you and how they connect to your proposed research.

RESUME OR CURRICULUM VITAE

Your resume should include details about your education, employment, and internship history, as well as any pertinent research experience. International students in the U.S. on OPT or CPT should include details about their current activities.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

You will be required to enter two recommenders on the online application. Recommendations should be from your academic advisor(s), professors, research mentors, etc., who can provide an assessment of your likelihood of success at the graduate level in your field of study. 

PORTFOLIO, IF REQUIRED BY DEPARTMENT

Architecture, Built Ecologies, and Electronic Arts only. 

Critical Game Design M.S./Ph.D. requires examples of prior work (e.g.: portfolio, project samples). 

TRANSCRIPTS AND DEGREES

Transcripts and Degrees must be in English (all post-secondary education, including transcript keys). 

Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your graduate application. The minimum requirement for admission consideration is the completion and award of a four year U.S. bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, by the time of planned enrollment. 

GRE/GMAT SCORES

Required for Management, Ph.D. 

Optional for all other degree programs. Strongly recommended for all Computer Science and Cognitive Science programs. The GRE Institution code is 2757. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (ONLY)

Applicants possessing a valid Green Card will be considered as a domestic student for purposes of admission and financial aid. 

The TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English.

Tuition USD 64,400
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