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The Built Ecologies program distinguishes itself through its innovative curriculum, incorporating an Open Studio format for the development of Master's Theses or Ph.D. Proposals.
The Built Ecologies program distinguishes itself through its innovative curriculum, incorporating an Open Studio format for the development of Master's Theses or Ph.D. Proposals. This unique studio provides students with a rigorous and creative educational structure to identify, develop, and demonstrate their research projects. Unlike conventional Master’s or Ph.D. thesis seminars, the Research Studio adopts a hands-on approach, seamlessly integrating theory and practice within a cohesive Design/Research educational environment. In the first semester, students define a thesis topic, learn to comprehend it as an "inter-scalar" and cross-disciplinary ecological system, establish a specific vision, and engage in a series of design “experiments” to uncover its unique aspects. In the second semester, students develop a rigorous design-research methodology, outline potential research hypotheses, execute their methodology, and identify their academic, professional, or entrepreneurial contributions. Beyond the studio, students participate in foundational seminars and independent research programs to cultivate an advanced understanding of materials, energy, and information as integral components of the built environment. They also acquire advanced knowledge in programming techniques for simulation, advanced building energy modeling, as well as novel materials and fabrication. All courses together, contribute from their point of view to the definition and execution of a successful thesis and/or Ph.D. proposal.
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.