The LSU School of Architecture Graduate Program focuses on engaging students and faculty who share interests in design and the built environment. The Design Studio is the backbone of the Master of Architecture program and it is where students engage in the design education process. In the Studio, each student has his or her own dedicated work place. This environment is crucial to an architect’s training and at the LSU School of Architecture we maintain a 1 to 15 faculty /student ratio. The Design Studio is a dynamic and positive environment that fosters critical and creative architectural ideas.
The Master of Architecture program has two options designed to meet the needs of today’s diverse students population.
They are as follows:
- Students without pre-professional degrees: 36 hours of graduate-level coursework, a sequence that typically takes three years to complete (18 hours of which must be at the 7000 level). (NAAB Accredited)
- Students with pre-professional degrees: a minimum 36 credit hour requirement (with 15 hours at the 7000 level), which generally takes two years to complete. (NAAB Accredited)
The Graduate program integrates innovative design with technical, social, and practical concerns to address complex global conditions. Courses and studios focused on History, Theory, Sustainability, Digital media, and Community Design provide the knowledge to concentrate on solving real-life problems in the built environment. Studio projects focus on spatial design, Louisiana coastal issues, and community design efforts.
In addition, while completing your coursework you will have opportunities to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as service learning through volunteerism, design competitions, student organizations and a student run architectural journal Contexture. Graduate assistantships can also relate to your area of interest within the School.
Applications Process
To apply please complete an application to the Graduate School online at http://gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu/. You will need to send or upload the following information for the Graduate school:
- Transcripts from all universities that you attending and/or graduated from.
- GRE scores
- TOEFEL scores (if English is not your native language)
You will also need to send the following to LSU School of Architecture Attn: Graduate Selection Committee, 136 Atkinson Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803:
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A portfolio of creative work. See the section on portfolio below for specific information and details.
- Transcripts from all universities that you attending and/or graduated from.
The information above must be sent by the deadline of February 5th for the following Fall semester.
The minimum requirements are:
- Cumulative GPA 3.0
- Minimum GRE scores 1050 combine verbal and quantitative.
- Refer to the Graduate School website for TOEFL scores.
Assistantships
We have assistantships available for advanced placement, post-professional degree and continuing students in their second year. These are awarded base on academic credentials and design portfolios and they are awarded each year. If you are applying for advanced placement or a post-professional degree you are automatically considered and will be notified if you are awarded one. For continuing students there is an application process that begins in April of each year. The awards consist of a monetary payment and tuition remission. In exchange a Graduate assistantship will be assigned to as teaching or research assistant to various faculty. Additionally we have other assistantships depending on faculty research grants. For example we have a Coastal Sustainability Studio that offers assistantships.
Architecture Consortium Program
The Architecture Consortium is an Urban program available to 3rd year and above Undergraduate and 2nd year and above Graduate students in the School of Architecture at Louisiana State University. The program is located in the Washington D.C. Metropolian area within the city of Alexandria, VA.
Curriculum
First Year
- Fall 12 semester hours
- ARCH 7001: Graduate Design Studio I (6 hrs)
- ARCH 2003: Architectural Techniques I (3 hrs)
- ARCH 3005: History of Architecture (3 hrs)
- Spring 12 semester hours
- ARCH 7002: Graduate Design Studio II (6 hrs)
- ARCH 3006: History of Architecture (3 hrs)
- ARCH 3008: Environmental Control Systems (3 hrs)
Second Year
- Fall 15 semester hours
- ARCH 7003: Graduate Design Studio III (6 hrs)
- ARCH 3003: Architectural Structures I (3 hrs)
- ARCH 3007: Architectural Systems (3 hrs)
- ARCH 4007 History of Architecture III (3 hrs)
- Spring 15 semester hours
- ARCH 7004: Graduate Design Studio IV (6 hrs)
- ARCH 4700: Research Methods I (3 hrs)
- ARCH 3004: Architectural Structures II (3 hrs)
- Approved Elective (3 hrs)
Third Year
- Fall 12 semester hours
- ARCH 7005: Graduate Design Studio V (6 hrs)
- ARCH 4062: Urban Design & Planning (3 hrs)
- ARCH 4031: Architectural Structures III (3 hrs)
- Spring 12 semester hours
- ARCH 7006: Graduate Design Studio IV (6 hrs)
- ARCH 5005: Advanced Architectural Techniques (3 hrs)
- ARCH 5006: Professional Practice (3 hrs)
