Architecture
saic.edu/arch
Our Master of Architecture (MArch) program offers students an understanding of history, theory, and technique within the context of a highly ranked interdisciplinary institution. Students master the skills and critical thinking necessary to build a professional practice focused on advancing ideas and inventions in the field of architecture. We offer a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited Master of Architecture degree with the options of a three-year track or a two-year accelerated track.
Interdisciplinary approach
Coursework combines project-based design studios organized around a contemporary intellectual focus, technical courses in building structures and systems, professional practice and architectural technology courses, and electives in architectural history and theory. Students develop their practice by taking courses across SAIC. In their final year, they complete a comprehensive studio and pursue a self-directed design thesis under the supervision of department faculty.
Professional experience
Through independent studios and joint ventures, students gain the ability to translate ideas into spatial environments and artifacts. External partnerships provide professional expertise with collaborations in and around Chicago, as well as recent participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale and the Chicago Architecture Biennial. The department appoints the Mitchell Visiting Professor and hosts the Mitchell Lecture Series that brings nationally and internationally acclaimed practitioners to campus.
For more information on the program and application requirements, please visit:
Master of Architecture 2- and 3-year tracks
SAIC offers a professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) with two tracks: a three-year track beginning with a foundation of required skills and grounding in the history and theories specific to architecture, engineering, and design which is suited to students from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds; and a two-year accelerated track for students with pre-professional bachelor’s degrees in architectural studies, architectural technology, or interior design. Both tracks recognize and underscore the significance of architectural design where form, structure, and enclosure are considered in proximity to materials, objects, human needs, and experience.
Certificate in Historic Preservation
Students also have an opportunity to concurrently pursue a Certificate in Historic Preservation through coursework in SAIC’s Historic Preservation Program. With Chicago’s historic landmarks as their workshop, students work alongside faculty to gain experience with the practice, theory, and science of preservation. This certificate can be earned concurrently with the MArch degree, and is best suited for our three-year track graduate students.
STEM field recognition
SAIC’s Master of Architecture degree is STEM-designated by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This allows international students to qualify for a 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work opportunities.
First Year Fall
› ARCH 6110 Architecture: Grad Studio 3 (6)
› AIADO 6112 Arch/Inarch: Nodes/Networks (3)
› Art History Elective (3)
› Elective (3)
First Year Spring
› ARCH 6120 Architecture: Grad Studio 4 (6)
› AIADO 6123 Codes, Specs, Joints (3)
› AIADO 6221 Arch/Inarch: Structures 2 (3)
› ARTHI 5122 Critical Terms in Modern Architecture (3)
Second Year Fall
› ARCH 6210 Architecture: Grad Studio 5 (6)
› AIADO 6212 Arch/Inarch: Choreographed Systems (3)
› ARCH 6213 Arch/Inarch: Thesis Strategies (3)
› Elective (3)
Second Year Spring
› AIADO 6220 Arch/Inarch: Grad Studio 6: Thesis (9)
› AIADO 6222 Arch/Inarch: Practice Economies (3)
› Elective (3)
› Participation in four Graduate Critiques
› Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition
15
15
15
15
Faculty
ELLEN GRIMES
LINDA KEANE
T. CAMILLE MARTIN-THOMSEN
CARL RAY MILLER
DOUGLAS PANCOAST
HENNIE REYNDERS
JONATHAN SOLOMON
TRISTAN D’ESTREE STERK
Professors Emeriti
ANDERS NEREIM
BEN NICHOLSON
For complete faculty listing visit: saic.edu/arch
