Master of Arts in Architecture
The post-professional M.A. in Architecture is a research-based academic program for students interested in the study of architecture from an academic and scholarly perspective. It requires 36 credit hours of course work, independent study, and research. The program is designed for highly motivated students with well-defined interests who wish to pursue individualized plans of study that draw upon the diverse resources of the graduate faculty at the master level.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Admission to the MA/PhD program is based upon the capability of the applicant to complete advanced doctoral studies through a demonstrated ability to think critically; to understand and apply analytical concepts; and to conduct substantive, innovative, and original inquiry that contributes to the theoretical and/or methodological foundations of the discipline of architecture.
To ensure the highest level of faculty support and proper level of faculty guidance, the program seeks to accept those students whose research interests are best matched with faculty specializations and expertise. It is essential that the applicant, in their written Statement of Purpose, establish a clear connection between the applicant’s interests and those of the faculty.
Required Components of the Application Package
- Completion of the appropriate Graduate Student Application Form and associated application fee.
- One official transcript from all colleges and universities from which credit has been received.
- Students whose native language is not English must follow the policy for English Proficiency Requirements for Admission to Graduate Study.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test results (not required, but preferred). Applications will still be reviewed without GRE scores. Applicants may be asked to submit GRE scores later, if needed.
- Vita or resume.
- Statement of purpose outlining your reasons for pursing the MA/PhD in Architecture (not to exceed 1500 words).
- Three letters of recommendation from educational and/or professional references that can speak on the applicant’s behalf regarding his/her research and academic potential, and ability to succeed in a doctoral program.
- Portfolio of work illustrating the applicant's interests and abilities in architecture-related inquiry. This portfolio should be representative of the applicant’s most significant work and may include design projects, research papers, academic papers, scholarly and/or professional presentations, or other work relevant to the applicant's area of interest (limited to 10 MB (not zipped) in PDF format).Upload under “other documents.” The portfolio should be no longer than 15 pages.
A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available. Interested candidates should include a separate statement requesting an assistantship in their application package (Maximum 150 words).
Application Deadline
All materials must be postmarked no later than January 15 and uploaded here. The application will be reviewed as they become available for review. Admission decisions will generally be taken by the end of January to take advantage of different graduate funding opportunities available in the University.
Application Contact Information
Graduate Admissions
1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Room 313 Strong Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
785.864.3140
Admissions Coordinator for Architecture
School of Architecture and Design
1465 Jayhawk Blvd., Room 205 Marvin Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
785.864.3167
Vita or Resume
The vita or resume is to be a maximum of 5 pages. The format is determined by the applicant and should include background information about the applicant’s education, professional/work experience, professional certification or licensure, professional affiliations, and evidence of significant accomplishments such as grants received, publications, presentations, awards, competitions and/or other activities deemed significant by the applicant.
Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important components in the application package. As a personal expression of interest, this statement distinguishes applicants from each other and clarifies the relationship between each applicant’s interests and the scholarship occurring among KU faculty. The Statement of Purpose should elaborate upon information provided in the transcripts and vita/resume and deliver a concise description of the applicant’s objectives, including research interests. This information is critical and, for that reason, the Statement of Purpose should reflect a clear rationale for pursuing the MA/PhD in Architecture.
The statement should:
- Describe the research that you anticipate pursuing if admitted to the program. The ideas should be clear, well stated, and specific.
- Describe your qualifications to undertake this research and reference your own or other related work if appropriate.
- Describe how your interests are compatible with our faculty interests.
- Describe the applicant’s career goals and how attainment of the MA/PhD will contribute to those goals.
The admissions committee needs a clear understanding of each applicant’s objectives and interests in order to ensure compatibility with the faculty interests.
The statement of purpose is a maximum of 1500 words (Times Roman, 10-point font, single spaced, double space between paragraphs).
MA students need to complete at least 36 credit hours of coursework to receive their degree. The coursework includes 12 hours of foundation courses, 12 hours of courses in a major area of research, 6 hours of guided study leading to a Comprehensive Oral Exam, and a research thesis or a final project.