Master of Science in Architecture

The Master of Science in Architecture (MSinArch) is a post-professional degree program that culminates in a graduate thesis. The program prepares students to acquire research skills in the built environment for careers in academia, research-focused professional practice, public policy and administration, as well as entry into doctoral programs. It is designed to provide opportunities for students and professionals across allied design, art, and planning disciplines to pursue advanced research on architecture within the following four areas of faculty-led specialties:

Sustainable Coastal and Deltaic Architecture and Urbanism
Traci Birch, Fabio Capra-Ribeiro, Marwan Ghandour, William Hunter, Soo Jeong Jo, Kristen Mauch, Sergio Padilla

Innovative Material and Construction Technology
Robert Holton, Soo Jeong Jo, Farzaneh Oghazian, Kris Palagi, Tom Sofranko

Spatial Justice and Caribbean Studies
Fabio Capra-Ribeiro, Marwan Ghandour, Paul Holmquist, William Hunter, Sergio Padilla

Studies in Modernity and Tradition
Elijah Borrero, Meredith Gaglio, Paul Holmquist, Thomas Sofranko

Admissions

Admission to the MSinArch program will require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture – BA, BS, BArch or MArch – or in an allied field such as landscape architecture, interior design, engineering, urbanism, urban design and/or planning.

Additional information on the application and admissions process.

Apply

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Architecture is an advanced research degree that culminates in a thesis. In addition to preparing their thesis, students undertake a combination of core classes in History & Theory and Research Methods alongside approved electives. The degree requires thirty-six credits that consist of:

  • 12 credits of required core courses (Arch 7007, Arch 7008, Arch 7071, Arch 7073),
  • 12 credits of approved electives,
  • 6 credits of guided research courses (Arch 7900),
  • 6 credits of thesis (Arch 8000).

Assistantships & Partnerships

Students will be able to acquire research assistantships or professional service assistantships where they can be employed within an ongoing research project or at professional practice design firm, respectively. Such assistantships will cover the cost of tuition. Students can also choose to have a part-time status where they can be employed while pursuing the degree.

For more information, contact sarch@lsu.edu or +1-225-578-6885.