90
credits
RIT Architecture Online / Online Master of Architecture / Standard Track
The online Standard 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 Standard M.Arch. track is for students with little to no background in architecture. If you have a bachelor’s degree related to architecture, explore our Advanced Standing M.Arch. online track.
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Through the curriculum, you will advance your foundational knowledge of architecture in core courses, hone skills in your areas of interest through electives, and apply your learning during hands-on experiences as well as in your final thesis.
90
credits
36
months
During the first year of the Standard Admission track, you will develop an understanding of the basics of architecture in foundation courses. After completing foundation courses, you will take a more in-depth look at architecture, exploring topics such as architectural theory, integrated building systems, urban planning, and industrial ecology.
All courses are completed entirely online and are complemented by studio time and in-person, experiential learning.
The curriculum is broken down by the following themes.
Design and Studio: 36 credits
Representation: 6 credits
Sustainability: 12 credits (including a sustainability elective)
Building Systems: 15 credits
History and Theory: 12 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)
You will complete your studies with a thesis investigation that integrates all of your learning from the program into a design- or research-based 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:
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This is an example of a possible schedule and is subject to change.
Term | Courses |
---|---|
1 (Fall) | Architectural Representation I Architectural Design I |
2 (Spring) | Architectural Design II Architectural Representation II Fundamentals of Building Systems Immersion I |
3 (Summer) | Architectural History I Architectural History II |
4 (Fall) | Architectural Studio I: Site Integrated Building Systems I Sustainable Built Environment |
5 (Spring) | Architectural Studio II: Urban Integrated Building Systems II Immersion 2 |
6 (Summer) | Sustainable Building Metrics Research Methods Professional Elective |
7 (Fall) | Architectural Studio III: Adaptive Integrated Building Systems III Thesis Preparation |
8 (Spring) | Architectural Studio IV: Integrative Integrated Building Systems IV Thesis (Optional) Immersion |
9 (Summer) | Professional Practice Professional Elective 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 Standard Admission track.
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.
Fill out the form to learn more about RIT’s hands-on education.
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