63
credits
Advanced Standing Online M.Arch.
The online Advanced Standing master of architecture track features the same advanced curriculum as our on-campus program track, but with the added benefit of being able to attend class from wherever you live. You will learn from the same distinguished faculty, who are leaders in both the design and architecture industries.
The Advanced Standing M.Arch. track is for students with a bachelor’s degree related to architecture. If you do not have experience in architecture, explore our Standard Admission M.Arch. online track.
Curriculum
The Advanced Standing M.Arch. curriculum skips foundational architecture course work and dives right into in-depth topics such as integrated building systems, urban planning, and industrial ecology.
24
months
You will also hone skills in your areas of interest through electives and your final thesis. All courses are completed entirely online and are complemented by studio time and in-person, experiential learning.
Curriculum Themes
The curriculum is broken down by the following themes.
Design and Studio: 24 credits
Sustainability: 12 credits (including a sustainability elective)
Building Systems: 12 credits
History and Theory: 6 credits
Research: 9 credits (including the required thesis)
Professional Practice: 3 credits
Global Experience: 0–3 credits (required; included in elective total)
Electives: 12 credits (not including the sustainability elective)
Thesis
You will complete your studies with a thesis investigation that integrates all of your learning from the program into a research document. You have the option to choose a Research Thesis, a Design Thesis, or a hybrid of the two—the topic is entirely up to you. Previous on-campus student projects include:
- Designs for an urban master plan for Rochester’s downtown
- A net-zero or positive energy building
- A turbine system that harvests rainwater for energy
Learn to Design Buildings with the Environment in Mind
Request information to learn more about the online M.Arch. program.
Sample Advanced Standing Track Schedule
This is an example of a possible schedule and is subject to change.
| Term | Courses |
|---|---|
1 (Fall) | Architectural Studio I: Site Integrated Building Systems I Sustainable Built Environment |
2 (Spring) | Architectural Studio II: Urban Integrated Building Systems II Immersion 1 |
3 (Summer) | Sustainable Building Metrics Research Methods Professional Elective |
4 (Fall) | Architectural Studio III: Adaptive Integrated Building Systems III Thesis Preparation |
5 (Spring) | Architectural Studio IV: Integrative Integrated Building Systems IV Thesis Immersion 2 |
6 (Summer) | Professional Practice Professional Elective Open Graduate Elective |
NOTE: Terms for electives are suggested. Students may take them when it suits their schedule. The credit hour load for this curriculum example may be too demanding for some students. In such cases, students may choose to spread their course work over an additional two semesters. Please consult with your advisor on how to plan for this extension.
Specialization
Three graduate electives are required which allows students to follow their specific interests. Students choose at least 2 professional electives and 1 open graduate elective. Additional options include Global Experience for credit and up to one Independent Study course
Professional Electives Architectural Theory Urban & Reg. Planning Passive House Design Algorithmic Design Race to Net Zero Graduate Scholarship Independent Study | Experiential (Any Term) ARCH-698 Global Experience Co-op Architecture |
Explore all online M.Arch. courses for the Advanced Standing track.
In-Person Learning
With a subject matter as hands-on as architecture, experiential learning is crucial. In the online master of architecture program track, your city becomes your classroom and you complete in-person learning locally and on the RIT campus.
- Studio and Design: Through collaborative work at your in-home studio and on-site visits, you will apply concepts from your other courses to the design of real-world building projects.
- Professional Cooperative Educational Experiences: You will complete a professional co-op where you will gain 350 to 400 hours of experience at a site in your community.
- Global Experience: You will spend up to 10 days studying the architecture and culture of a foreign city*. You can choose an individual travel experience for 0 credits or receive up to 3 credits for attending a global experience led by an RIT instructor or at another academic institution.
*Note: Alternatives for completing the requirement are available per the Department of Architecture’s Global Experience Policy.
- Immersions: You will visit RIT’s campus in Rochester, N.Y., for a minimum of two required in-person immersions. Here, you will collaborate with your classmates on projects and competitions, participate in live critiques, and experience the RIT culture firsthand.
Learn by Doing
Fill out the form to learn more about RIT’s hands-on education.