Architecture

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 19.2 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 33 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 4, 2026
401–500 place StudyQA ranking:4366 Duration:2 years

Photos of university / #iowastateu

The Master of Science in Architecture (MS in Arch) is a 30-credit research degree with a required graduate thesis. The priority application submission date is January 4 annually.

This degree program is open to applicants who hold a professional degree in architecture or other related design fields. Applicants are required to submit a research proposal that lies within one of the following study areas:

  • Sustainability and Green Design
  • Rural and Urban Studies
  • Representation and Digital Media
  • Design Inquiry
  • Advanced Building Design
  • Architectural and Construction History
  • Building Science and Construction

The degree is also open to applicants with non-professional degrees in various fields depending on the study area proposed by the applicant.

Once accepted, an MS in Arch student designates a professor to supervise her/his studies and to advise her/him in formulating her/his course of study in accordance with her/his research proposal. The course requirements are distributed as follows:

  • 6 credits – two history/theory seminars (ARCH 597 & ARCH 598)
  • 9 credits – courses within the study area
  • 6 credits – electives
  • 3 credits – thesis preparation
  • 6 credits – graduate thesis
  • Non-credit – all-grad seminar (ARCH 698)
  • ISU Graduate College Application
    • US citizen
    • International
  • Architecture Program Application Form (PDF)
  • Research proposal
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Portfolio
  • GRE scores
  • TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
  • Financial statement (international applicants only)

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

  • All-USA Academic Award
  • The Whirlwind Steel Student Scholarship
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