Advanced Architectural Design

The Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design is a three-term program consisting of Summer, Fall, and Spring terms. The objective of the program is to provide outstanding young professionals who hold a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree the opportunity to enter into an intensive, postgraduate study that encourages critical thought in the context of design speculation.

The program is viewed as a framework in which both academic and professional concerns are explored. Overall, the program emphasizes an experimental approach to research and architectural design rigorously grounded in multiple, complex realities.

A minimum of 12 points must be taken each semester. Students are strongly advised to take one additional 3 or 4 point elective during each term. No extra tuition is charged between 15 and 19 points. Courses may be dropped until the tenth week into the semester for fall and spring terms. Summer courses may be dropped until two-thirds of the class meetings have been held.

Requirements

1. The M.S. AAD program is a second/post professional degree in Architecture. All applicants must have a first professional degree, B. Arch, M. Arch or equivalent degree (5yrs, eligible for licensure) by the time they start the M.S. AAD program.
2. Enter contact information for recommenders. AAD requires three letters of recommendation.
3. Upload a personal statement into the application. This may not be changed or updated after submission.
4. Upload scanned copies of official academic transcripts for each university attended and credit earned, including certified English translations (if applicable).
5. Send TOEFL score report to Columbia GSAPP (International students only). A minimum score of 100 is required.
6. Submit online application and fee ($75 USD, payable only by VISA or MasterCard).
7. Mail a copy of your portfolio to Columbia GSAPP Admissions Office: 400 Avery Hall, 1172 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027. Portfolios must be postmarked or received by the application deadline; we do not accept digital portfolios under any circumstances. Portfolios must not exceed 8.5 X 11 inches (21.5 X 27.9cm) or be more than 0.5 inch (1.27cm) thick. Large Portfolios with glass or protruding metal parts, slides, DVD's, or CDs are not acceptable. Portfolios must be marked with the applicant’s name

Scholarships

• Global Education