Architectural Sciences

Architectural Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for innovative careers in architecture, design, and related fields. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of architecture, integrating science, technology, art, and human factors to foster sustainable and aesthetically compelling built environments. Students engage in rigorous coursework that covers architectural design, history, theory, environmental systems, structural analysis, and construction methods, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and digital fabrication facilities. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, creativity, and technical proficiency, enabling graduates to address complex design challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. Through studio projects, research opportunities, and collaboration with industry partners, students develop practical skills alongside their academic knowledge. The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, resilience, and social responsibility in architectural practice, preparing students to create environments that improve quality of life while respecting environmental limits. With access to Rensselaer’s innovative research centers and a vibrant campus community, students are encouraged to explore cutting-edge topics such as smart building technologies, urban planning, and digital design. Graduates of the Architectural Sciences program are well-equipped to pursue careers in architecture firms, design consultancy, construction management, and advanced research or continue their education in graduate programs. The program combines a strong technical foundation with liberal arts perspectives, fostering well-rounded professionals capable of contributing thoughtfully and creatively to the future of the built environment.

Architectural Sciences (Concentration in Architectural Acoustics)

Architectural Acoustics is an interdisciplinary field of science tied intimately to the design and optimization of buildings and interior spaces, wherein the physical sound and noise field of a space and its corresponding aural quality are primarily determined by architectural parameters such as shape, volume, surface, and structure properties. The acoustical quality of spaces and products is relevant not only for cultural venues but also for any environment that values human health, performance, and productivity. Architectural Acoustics is necessary for the accurate and realistic simulation of virtual spaces for prototyping, education, training, and design, as well as for noise and vibration control engineering. In addition, advanced acoustic modeling leads to new developments of “aural architecture” and noise control and evaluation.

Architectural Acoustics thus encompasses and links many traditionally disparate disciplines to the discipline of design: physics, hearing perception, mathematics, computer modeling, engineering, music, psychological and physiological acoustics, noise and vibration, cognitive science, and electro-acoustics. Thus the Ph.D. in Architectural Acoustics can also involve communication acoustics in its widest sense.

Examples of current research topics include:

• architectural acoustics, acoustics in performing arts spaces
• modeling and numerical predictions of both room and environmental acoustics properties
• noise and vibration, sound quality and design
• acoustical measurement techniques
• signal processing in acoustics
• physical acoustics
• communication acoustics

Architectural Sciences (Concentration in Built Ecologies) 

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Architectural Sciences with a concentration in Built Ecologies is an interdisciplinary educational and research degree designed to develop knowledge and expertise in the development of radically new building systems, structures and environments that are informed by the behavior of natural systems and/or performance characteristics of emergent technologies. Performance-driven design techniques seek new solutions to building system design based on the understanding that the built world should operate as an ecology and operate synergistically with larger ecologies. It seeks to address the global need for accelerated innovation and implementation of vastly-improved, energy-efficient, sustainable built environments.

Current research focuses on next generation building systems that make substantial advances in urgently needed areas such as clean, on-site energy generation, and fresh indoor air and water reclamation though ecological system integration, sustainable development and emerging bioclimatic design strategies.   

Current Research Areas:

• Active Building Envelope (ABE)
• Dynamic Shading Window Systems (DSWS)
• Building Integrated Passive Dehumidification Strategies
• Phytoremediation of Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality
• Building Integrated Phase Change Material strategies
• Development of biomaterials for building construction and performance
• Passive Designing, developing and testing integrated building systems using emerging materials and technologies to achieve increased levels of building performance
• Developing tools for the design and evaluation of high performance building systems
• Performing in-situ or laboratory tests on innovative building systems
• Determining the ecological benefits or liabilities of building systems and technologies

Architectural Sciences (Concentration in Lighting) 

The Ph.D. in Architectural Sciences with a Concentration in Lighting is a multidisciplinary degree encompassing the many disciplines that make up the field of lighting including physics, optics, psychology, physiology, photobiology, engineering, architecture, and design. These fields are brought together within the context of scientific inquiry, research, and discovery. Students’ research in the program is supported by all the assets of the Lighting Research Center (LRC), the nation’s preeminent center for research and education in lighting. 

Students wishing to concentrate their doctoral studies in lighting will complete at least 30 credit hours of formal coursework covering the physics of light, human factors in lighting, lighting technology, design, and leadership. Following the completion of formal courses, students will concentrate their studies and research in a particular area of scientific inquiry under the guidance of an LRC faculty dissertation adviser. In consultation with an adviser, each student will formulate an individual Plan of Study and select areas of research concentration from areas including:

• Transportation lighting
• Human factors in lighting
• Solid-state lighting
• Light and health
• Energy-efficiency and energy policy

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Architectural Sciences with a Concentration in Lighting can pursue careers as faculty at colleges and universities, in research laboratories, or in other capacities within the lighting industry.

Requirements

1. Nonrefundable application processing fee of $75.
2. Statement of Background and Goals
3. Resume or curriculum vitae.
4. Two letters of recommendation.
5. Writing samples, if required by department.
6. IT Background Evaluation form (IT only).
7. Copies of official test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE)
8. Copies of official transcripts and evidence of degrees earned, in English and in the native language, of all post-secondary education (including transcript keys)
9. Copy of your passport (international students only)
10. TOEFL score of 230 CBT/88 iBT/570 PBT (IELTS 6.5 or PTE 60)
11. Statement of Background and Goals should include research interests
12. Portfolio of research work and interests

Scholarships

Teaching Assistants

Students assist Rensselaer faculty in their classroom and laboratory activities, gaining valuable experience as researchers, scholars, and teachers. Departments provide stipends and full-tuition waivers. Master’s students may spend a maximum of one year with internal support; doctoral students may spend a maximum of two years with internal support. Continued support can then be provided by means of research assistantships.

Research Assistants

Students work with the faculty in research-related tasks that further the student’s own graduate career and development as a researcher, scholar, and professional. Research assistants are paid a stipend and are given a full waiver of tuition.

Graduate Fellowships

Outstanding students may be awarded a university-supported Rensselaer Graduate Fellowship Award, which carries a full-tuition and fees scholarship and a minimum stipend of $21,500 per academic year. Students are nominated by their departments for Rensselaer Graduate Fellowship consideration.

Graduate Education Program (Russia)

Selected GEP Scholarship students are eligible for a renewable scholarship in the amount of 1,38 mln. rubles per year. Students in science and engineering fields are eligible for GEP funding. For application details and deadlines, please visit http://educationglobal.ru/en/. Applicants must be admitted to Rensselaer prior to finalizing the application for the GEP program.

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers students a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of architecture, focusing on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates engineering, design, and innovation. The program prepares students to address complex spatial and environmental challenges through rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and research opportunities. Students gain proficiency in architectural technology, sustainability, and digital design tools, positioning them to contribute effectively to the evolving field of architecture and built environment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills, fostering an understanding of both historical architectural principles and contemporary sustainable practices. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and design studios, promoting experiential learning and collaboration across disciplines. The program also encourages participation in internships, co-op programs, and community projects, providing real-world experience vital for professional success. Graduates of the Architectural Sciences program are well-prepared for careers in architecture firms, urban planning, environmental design, and related fields or for further study in graduate programs. Rensselaer’s focus on innovative research and technology integration ensures students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape the future of architecture and the built environment. The program maintains strong industry connections and offers mentorship from faculty engaged in cutting-edge research and applied projects. With a commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, the Architectural Sciences program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute aims to develop leaders who are capable of designing sustainable, functional, and aesthetically compelling built spaces that meet the needs of society.