UMD School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
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Degree
  • Overview
  • Admissions
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The Master of Science in Architecture degree is a post-professional degree that requires applicants to hold a NAAB Accredited professional degree or its international equivalent.  This program focuses on issues of sustainability related to the design of urban environments.

 

Changing the way we design and build our cities and communities is the first step toward developing a pattern for a sustainable world. Since World War II, the American landscape in particular has suffered from uncontrolled and unsustainable suburban sprawl. These patterns of development have contributed to air and water pollution, necessitated long commute times in personal vehicles, resulted in the formation of communities that have little or no civic identity, and drawn vital development away from urban centers.

 

Urban design looks beyond the design of individual buildings in order to provide sustainable design solutions for cities, towns, landscapes and campuses.  The post-professional degree program allows students to focus their studies in urban design, one of the Architecture Program’s nationally recognized strengths. Study in the post-professional program can be complemented by coursework in urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development.

Admission is competitive, and application requirements differ by degree program. We encourage applications from students with solid academic backgrounds who have earned or will earn at least a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of this degree in another country. As a minimum admission standard, the University of Maryland expects candidates to have a "B" average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in a program of study resulting in a bachelor's degree.

 

You may apply for admission to the University of Maryland during or after your final year of undergraduate study, but you must furnish proof of graduation before the end of your first term of enrollment at the university.

Profiles of Applicants

The School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation is a diverse and welcoming academic environment. Applicants to graduate programs come to us from many different backgrounds and walks of life. We celebrate this diversity and believe it contributes to our strength as an academic institution. 

 

Recent analysis of the School’s demographics illustrate that nearly 60% of our enrolled students are female, breaking long-standing trends in Schools of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation that were historically dominated by males. Likewise, 40% of our students identify themselves as coming from under-represented groups. In recent years the State of Maryland has proven itself as a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community and both the School and University are no exception. 

 

Many graduate students come to us directly from their undergraduate institutions. Others come to us having taken time to work in the design professions or in another field. It is not unusual for individuals to return to architecture school after an entire career in another field. We have had successful applicants from law, medicine, business, and even a NASA rocket scientist! Whatever your background you will find the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation to be an engaging and multi-faceted place in which to study.

 

Links:
Diversity and Inclusion at University of Maryland

Deadline

The deadline for application to the Master of Architecture and the Master of Science in Architecture is:


January 17, 2018

 

The admissions committee will review applications during the month of February 2018. 

 

We endeavor to notify applicants of their status by mid-March 2018.

 

Individuals who are admitted and who elect to attend the University of Maryland will begin studies in the Fall 2018 semester.

Eligibility

How to Determine Which Graduate Program in Architecture is Right for You

Applications with these academic qualifications will be considered by the admissions committee:

 

  • Candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree should apply to Path A - Advanced Standing program.
  • Candidates with a four-year baccalaureate in (B.A. degree in architecture, B.S. degree in environmental design, or other related degree type) should apply to Path A - Advanced Standing program.
  • Candidates with a four-year baccalaureate (B.A., B.S., B.F.A., etc.) degree in a major other than architecture from an accredited college or university who successfully complete specified prerequisites (see Path B Prerequisites below) should apply to Path B program.
  • Candidates with a NAAB Accredited Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture, who desire to engage in post-professional degree should apply to the Master of Science in Architecture program.

 

The admissions committee reserves the right to evaluate all applicants for placement based upon prior coursework, transcript, and portfolio review.

 

Master of Architecture, Path A - Advanced Standing

The Path A Advanced Standing degree track is designed for students who have completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (or equivalent major) degree and meet coursework requirements listed below:

 

  • 4 - Architectural Design Studios (6 credits each)
  • 1 - Building Materials and Assemblies Course (3-4 credits)
  • 2 - Structural Systems Courses (3-4 credits each)
  • 1 - Environmental Systems Courses (3-4 credits each)
  • 2 - History of World Architecture Courses (3 credits each)

 

Applicants with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, or other non-professional degree engaging the discipline of architecture (who may have taken some, but not all of the above courses) are also encouraged to apply to the Path A program.

 

Master of Architecture, Path B

The requirements for candidates with a four-year degree in a major other than architecture are:

 

  • One semester of college-level calculus, or successful high-school advanced-placement (AP) calculus exam.
  • One semester of college-level laboratory physics or successful high-school advanced-placement (AP) physics exam.
  • Recommended: One college-level course in freehand drawing.

 

Prerequisites must be completed by the time of matriculation to the University of Maryland.

 

Applicants who have not yet completed the prerequisites should describe their plans to complete them in their Statement of Goals in the application.

 

Master of Science in Architecture

The Master of Science in Architecture program is a post-professional degree program. Applicants must hold an NAAB accredited professional degree or its international equivalent. Applicants for this program must have:

 

  • NAAB accredited professional degree (B ARCH or M ARCH) or its international equivalent.
  • Professional experience is highly recommended.
  • A curricular plan worked out in advance with members of the University of Maryland Architecture Program faculty outlining post-professional degree objectives.

Application

Online Graduate Application

Go to the Graduate Application website.

 

Read the latest instructions. When prompted, put in the four-letter code that identifies the program for which you are applying.

 

The online code for the Master of Architecture degree is ARCH.

The online code for the Master of Science in Architecture degree is ARCH.

 

Dual Degree Codes

Master of Architecture / Master of Community Planning degree - ARCP

Master of Architecture / Master of Historic Preservation degree - ARHP

Master of Architecture / Master of Real Estate Development degree - ARDV

 

Fee

A non-refundable $75 fee is required for each program to which you apply. Payment of your application fee must be made on-line in order for your application to be submitted. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and it is authorized.

 

To find out if you are eligible for an application fee waiver, please click on the following link: https://gradschool.umd.edu/feewaivereligibility

 

Transcripts

Unofficial copies of transcripts from each institution (including the University of Maryland if you attended here previously) must be attached to your application. Applicants who are admitted will be required to request official transcripts be forwarded to the Graduate Admissions Office from each institution where undergraduate or prior graduate work was undertaken. Official transcripts that meet the requirements below must be submitted by the end of your first semester in attendance here.

 

Transcripts must bear the signature of the registrar and seal of the granting institution and should include the years of attendance, courses taken, grades received, class standing and any degree, certificate or diploma received.

 

Letters of Recommendation

Three recommendations are required from professors or other individuals who can assess the applicant’s potential to succeed in this program. The online application provides an electronic recommendation form, which facilitates submission and receipt in most cases.

 

Statement of Purpose

(1000-2000 words)

Applicants must submit a statement of their goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study using the online application. The statement should give the reviewer a clear picture of why the applicant is choosing to pursue this degree and any specific area of interest.

 

Resume

Applicants must attach an up-to-date resume via the online application.

 

Graduate Examinations

The Code for the GRE is 5814. You may submit your application prior to taking an exam. Scores are added to the application once received.

 

Portfolio

All applicants for the Master of Architecture degree (as well as any dual degree including the M ARCH) are required to submit a digital portfolio of design work. Applicants should think critically about the work they present and about how that work is presented in the portfolio. The portfolio serves as an illustration of the applicant’s interest in design. As such, the document should be graphically well composed and provide sufficient text* to clarify subject matter.

 

In general, portfolios should contain examples of creative work including drawings, paintings, photographs, sculpture, sketches, and/or architectural designs. Applicants to the Master of Architecture Path A (Advanced Standing) program should consider illustrating both design process as well as the products of their design studio work. Applicants the Path A program may also identify how their designs respond to any NAAB SPC required for advanced standing status (see: Advanced Standing). Applicants to the Master of Architecture Path B (3.5-year) program should give primary attention to drawing, painting, and sculpture.

 

Digital portfolios permit hyperlinks to animations and other dynamic media. These links should not substitute for static images presented in the portfolio; rather they should serve to complement the understanding of such content. Hyperlinks (if used) should be integrated into the design of the portfolio. No more than three links to external material are to be provided and no video shall be longer than 1.5 minutes in length.

 

Portfolios will be reviewed on-screen and will not be printed. We recommend that the portfolio be formatted so that it can be viewed in a mode compatible with the landscape (horizontal) orientation of a computer screen.

 

Portfolio Specifications:
Format: PDF (Portable Document Format)
Maximum Size: 15 MB (portfolios that exceed this size will not be uploaded)
Preferred Page Orientation: Landscape (horizontal)
Hyperlinks: 2-3 each no longer than 1.5 minutes in length
Upload to: Multimedia Uploads page of the online application

 

Descriptive text should not exceed 150 words in length. Provide information about the title of the work, the context in which it was produced (University, Course Number, project duration, faculty member, and media), and a brief narrative describing the solution (where applicable). Path A applicants are to list any NAAB SPC satisfied in the project.

 

Sketchbook Study of Villa Savoye
University of YYY France Program 2012
ARCH 455P / 1 day exercise
Professor X
Graphite on paper

 

Affordable Housing
Baltimore, Maryland 2011
ARCH 942 / 6 weeks
Professor Y
Digital and hand-crafted media

 

* Sample Text Describing a Project in the Portfolio: This six-week project explored the Mt. Vernon context of Baltimore, MD, examined contemporary housing prototypes, and focused technical issues of sustainable dwellings in an urban context. This proposal provides 125 market-rate apartment units based in part on Le Corbusier’s Unite de Habitation, in Marseilles. The design responds to the largely commercial nature of Charles Street, by providing retail at the base of the building. Common spaces on the ground floor and mezzanine of the building are designed to offset compact unit sizes. Individual units are equipped with sustainable features such as sun-shading, through ventilation, and balconies that incorporate vertical plantings serving each unit as herb gardens. The building is a concrete frame structure sheathed in a double-skin system. The green rooftops feature an array of solar collectors, green roofs, and cisterns that collect rainwater to be used in the building’s grey water system. NAAB SPC: A.1, A.3, A.6, A.7, B.3, B.5, B.8, B.9

Qualification for Advanced Standing

A condition of admission with advanced standing in the Architecture Program is documentation to verify completion of National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria (SPC) that applicants have satisfied in prior coursework at their undergraduate institution. This requirement is now a condition of accreditation for all NAAB accredited architecture programs. The relevant text from the NAAB 2014 Conditions for Accreditation below:

 

PART TWO (II): SECTION 3 - EVALUATION OF PREPARATORY EDUCATION

The program must demonstrate that it has a thorough and equitable process for evaluating the preparatory or pre-professional education of individuals admitted to the NAAB-accredited degree program.

 

  • Programs must document their processes for evaluating a student’s prior academic course work related to satisfying NAAB student performance criteria when a student is admitted to the professional degree program.
  • In the event a program relies on the preparatory educational experience to ensure that admitted students have met certain SPC, the program must demonstrate it has established standards for ensuring these SPC are met and for determining whether any gaps exist.
  • The program must demonstrate that the evaluation of baccalaureate-degree or associate-degree content is clearly articulated in the admissions process, and that the evaluation process and its implications for the length of a professional degree program can be understood by a candidate before accepting the offer of admission. See also Condition II.4.6.

 

Applicants for the Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing shall have completed the following coursework as part of their undergraduate degree in architecture equivalent to:

 

4 – Architectural Design Studios (6 credits each)
1 – Building Materials and Assemblies course (3 credits min.)
2 – Structural Systems Courses (3 credits each min.)
1 – Environmental Systems Course (3 credits min.)
1 – Sustainable Systems Course (3 credits min.)
2 – History of World Architecture Courses (3 credits each min.)

 

The course work must satisfy National Architectural Accrediting Board Student Performance criteria, which are either met or partially met in the University of Maryland’s Bachelor of Science Program and serve as pre-requisites for admission to the M ARCH program with advanced standing. The student shall have received a grade no less than B (3.0) in the courses in question.  The NAAB SPC required for advanced standing consideration are:

 

A.1       Professional Communication Skills**
A.2       Design Thinking Skills**
A.3       Investigative Skills*
A.4       Architectural Design Skills**
A.5       Ordering Systems *
A.6       Use of Precedents**
A.7       History and Global Culture**
A.8       Cultural Diversity and Social Equity **
B.1       Pre-Design*
B.2       Site Design*
B.3.      Codes and Regulations*
B.5       Structural Systems*
B.6       Environmental Systems*
B.8       Building Materials and Assemblies*
B.9       Building Service Systems*

 

*Indicates criterion is partially met in the pre-professional degree
**Indicates that criterion is met in the pre-professional degree

 

The admissions committee makes a determination on advanced standing after an applicant has been admitted to the School. Once admitted, candidates for advanced standing may be asked to submit additional evidence to demonstrate that they satisfied the above SPC to a comparable extent during the course of their undergraduate degree program. The following materials are used in the determination process:

 

  • Portfolio of academic work from architectural design studios (submitted in round 1).
  • Course syllabi for each course you took in your undergraduate education in the following areas:
  • Structures courses
  • Building methods and materials courses
  • Mechanical, electrical and plumbing courses
  • Design studios
  • History / theory courses
  • Professional practice courses (if any)
  • Any other course for which you satisfied an NAAB SPC
  • Any assignments, projects, examinations, tests, and quizzes illustrating successful completion of the SPC from the above courses.

 

If deficiencies in SPC are found to exist, the student’s curriculum will be modified to include additional coursework that satisfy the NAAB requirement.

 

In order to assess an applicant’s advanced standing status prior to the April 15 deadline for accepting admission, the Director of the Architecture Program must receive documentation of prior course in the correct format work no later than March 30th of the year in which the application has been made.

International Applicants

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit additional documents. Updated information is available on the Graduate School website.

Application Submission

Online Graduate Application

Go to the Graduate Application website.

Contact

For more information about admissions to the M ARCH or MS ARCH degree, contact:

 

Brian Kelly, AIA, Professor and Director, Architecture Program
bkelly@umd.edu
(301) 405-8000

Technology Requirements

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation requires that all students studying architecture purchase a laptop computer. Specific requirements for students studying architecture are listed below for both hardware and software.

 

We provide the following technical specifications to define the baseline requirements.  Many software applications are available to all matriculated students. We recommend you check here to see a complete list. A list of required and recommended software is listed below. Please take advantage of student discounts for software.

 

Hardware -- Approximately $2,600.00 Total

APPLE

Apple MacBook Pro

  • Processor Intel Core i5 or i7
  • Memory (RAM) 16 GB or greater
  • Display 13 or 15 -inch widescreen
  • Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater
  • Wireless + Bluetooth
  • Warranty 3-year AppleCare protection plan

 

PC

Dell XPS 15 (or equivalent)

  • Processor Intel Core i5 or i7
  • Memory (RAM) 16 GB
  • Display 14 or 15 inch widescreen
  • Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater
  • Wireless + Bluetooth
  • Video Card 2 GB memory (RAM) or greater
  • Warranty 3 year ProSupport on-site plan

 

Also additional external storage and peripherals are recommended for workability and backup purposes.

 

Software -- Approximately $244.00 Total

The following are the required software applications for architecture students:

 

Adobe Creative Suite (or Adobe Creative Cloud) -- FREE through UMD TERPware program:

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator

 

Autodesk -- FREE through Autodesk student software program

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit

 

Microsoft Office -- FREE through UMD TERPware program

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Powerpoint
  • Microsoft Excel

 

Bentley -- FREE through Bentley student software program

  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Bentley STAAD

 

Rhinoceros -- $195

SketchUp Pro -- $49

Tuition and Fees

As a public institution we are committed to making higher education affordable. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has recognized our efforts, ranking Maryland No. 9 among "best values" in public higher education for Maryland residents and No. 14 for non-Maryland residents.

 

Current tuition and fee information can be found through the Office of the Bursar’s website.

Financial Aid

Most graduate students seek some combination of financial aid in order to fund their studies. The Office of Student Financial Aid (http://www.financialaid.umd.edu) is a good place to start in order to understand the options available to you. Another resource is FinAid (www.finaid.org) an independent website designed to help students navigate the complexities of higher education finance.

This degree program permits students to explore the topics of urban design and sustainability in depth by working directly with faculty members who are leaders in the fields of urban design and landscape urbanism in collaboration with colleagues in planning, preservation, and real estate. 

 

The Master of Science in Architecture degree is a post-professional degree, it is not an accredited professional degree.  Only applicants who already possess an accredited professional degree will be considered for admission. International students take note the Master of Science in Architecture degree is not a shortcut to professional registration in the United States.  If you are seeking a path toward professional registration, you will need to apply for admission to the Master of Architecture degree program.  Applicants who have prior professional experience may receive preferential consideration for admission.

Master of Science in Architecture - Two-Semester Option

Post-professional Master of Science in Architecture degree candidates must complete at least 30 credits to be awarded a degree. This program option permits students to complete the degree requirements within two semesters of the initiation of the program. The two-semester option assumes that students are enrolled full-time in the academic program. Applicants are also considered for teaching assistantships and graduate assistantships.

 

Semester 1 (fall semester)

ARCH 700 Urban Design Studio (6)

ARCH797 Thesis Proseminar (3)

Architectural Elective (ARC654 or ARCH655 recommended) (3)

Elective (3)

 

Semester 2 (spring semester)

ARCH799 Masters Thesis Research (6)

ARCH798 Thesis in Architecture (3)

Elective (ARC654 or ARCH655 recommended) (3)

Elective (3)

 

Total Credit Hours in MS in Architecture 30

Master of Science in Architecture - Three-Semester Option

Post-professional Master of Science in Architecture degree candidates must complete at least 30 credits to be awarded a degree. This program permits students to complete the degree requirements within three semesters of the initiation of the program. The three-semester option permits students to engage in internships with local firms and public agencies providing practical exposure for students enrolled in this program. Applicants are also considered for teaching assistantships and graduate assistantships.

 

Semester 1

ARCH 700 Urban Design Studio (6)

Architectural Elective (ARC654 or ARCH655 recommended) (3)

Elective (3)

 

Semester 2

ARCH797 Thesis Proseminar (3)

Elective (ARC654 or ARCH655 recommended) (3)

Elective (3)

 

Semester 3

ARCH799 Masters Thesis Research (6)

ARCH798 Thesis in Architecture (3)

 

Total Credit Hours in MS in Architecture 30

Dual Degrees

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation offers several dual degree programs that can be completed in less time than it would take to do two degrees separately.  You can broaden your credentials with a dual degree giving you a competitive advantage in the marketplace.  Current dual degrees include:

 

Master of Architecture / Master of Community Planning - ARCP

Master of Architecture / Master of Historic Preservation - ARHP

Master of Architecture / Master of Real Estate Development - ARDV

 

Learn more on the Dual Degrees page.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students we want to welcome you to the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. We are happy that you will be joining us and hope that your experience is productive, rewarding, and enjoyable. We have assembled some information to aid you in your transition into our classroom/studio environment. Should you find that there are items that are not addressed, please let us know so that we can help you get the answer to your question as well as include that information for future generations. Feel free to contact us to discuss your concerns.

 

As you scroll down this page, please click on the topic of interest to you in order to expand the window.

 

To schedule a meeting with an academic advisor please contact:

 

Alysia Simpson
alysias@umd.edu
(301) 405-0325

 

Keep up to date on what's happening in the Architecture Program and be informed about important advising deadlines by visiting the ARCH calendar.

Prospective Students

The Architecture Program is an intimate academic environment committed to developing future leaders who apply design-thinking skills to contemporary architectural and urban issues. The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation is a small academic unit providing individual advising and focused instruction within the context of the University of Maryland, one of the nation’s largest and most respected public research institutions.

 

Our graduates are highly sought after because their education provides unparalleled opportunities to gain critical insights into sustainable technologies, building craft, architectural history and theory, and urban design. The Washington - Baltimore region is one of the finest places in North America to study architecture.  The history, culture, architecture, and urbanism in our regional context is complemented by a variety of foreign educational opportunities that prepare our students to live and work in a global environment.

 

To learn more, please visit our Prospective Students page.

Newly Admitted Students

Now that you received admission to the Architecture Program you are no doubt asking, “What’s next?”  We have prepared this checklist for you so that your transition to graduate school is as smooth and effortless as possible.  Keep in mind if you encounter problems we’re here to help you.  Please reach out to us and we will try to get you the information you need. 

 

New Student Checklist: Pre-Arrival

Below you will find several activities that you will need to engage in prior to arriving in College Park.  As soon as you have accepted your offer of admission, you should begin to address the items below.

 

Accept your offer of admission.  You can do this by following the information provided to you in the official letter of admission from the Graduate School that was emailed to you.  Visit the online applicant portal, select “accept” offer of admission, and make a $300.00 (three hundred dollar) non-refundable deposit.  These funds will be applied to your bursar account.

 

Set up your Directory ID and email address.  Your access to University of Maryland email and use of your Directory ID is absolutely essential.  Visit https://directory.umd.edu/password to set up your access to these important tools.

 

Your Directory ID and password is used to access University of Maryland resources, such as the registration system (Testudo) and your university email account (email.umd.edu). Please note that your university e-mail account will use your directory id as your email address.

 

Check and carefully read your email at least three times a week. The School uses University email and the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation website as the primary means of communication to students. Checking your email infrequently could result in missing important information. You are still responsible for knowing information sent to your university e-mail even if it is not your primary e-mail address.

 

Find a place to live. Priority for residence hall housing is given to full-time undergraduate students. Graduate students at the University of Maryland can request residence hall housing. However, there are no facilities within the residence hall system exclusively for graduate students or for spouses, partners or family members of students. Information about additional housing options in nearby communities is available from the University's Off-Campus Housing Services and Graduate Student Life staff members. To search for housing options, please start by visiting Off-Campus Housing Services, where an online database can be used to match housing criteria you select, such as type of housing and price range, to currently listed/available rental housing in College Park and surrounding communities.
 

Apply for financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid assists students with securing federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Early applications are recommended. Visit the Office of Financial Aid website to find out how to apply. Please note: International students are not eligible to apply for financial aid.
 

Complete immunization requirements. If you have not done so already, turn in the required immunization records to the University Health Center. You can find the required form here. If you have any questions regarding immunization, please call (301) 314-8114.


Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships.  We endeavor to inform applicants to GA and TA positions of the status of their application prior to April 15th.  Notification will be via email from the Architecture Program Director.  If you receive a GA or TA position, you will be notified of your actual assignment in July.  The Director will provide you with a contract outlining your duties and responsibilities.  It is important for you to review the contract thoroughly as it is a legal document and when you sign it you are legally bound to the terms outlined therein.  Prior to the beginning of the semester there will be a GA and TA orientation conducted by Ms. Monica Herrera the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation HR representative.  Attendance at this meeting is mandatory.

 

Register for courses. Once you have been accepted and have your University ID number you will be able to register for courses. Students should be familiar with the deadlines for adding and dropping courses. Adjusting class schedules after the deadlines will incur additional financial charges. You can register for classes through Testudo, the site for interactive Web services for students. 

 

We encourage all new graduate students to wait until late June to register for courses.  The Architecture Program Assistant Alysia Simpson will prompt you to register when we are ready on our end.  Generally the initial semester of each graduate program is prescribed in the curriculum attached to your letter of admission that was sent to you by the Director of the Architecture Program.  Usually the initial semester requires little advising.  In some cases students have received advanced standing, or limited advanced standing, and will have received a customized course of study from the Director.

 

Most architecture courses have “blocks” that limit enrollment to Master of Architecture students only.  When you are ready to register, you will need to email Alysia Simpson the course numbers and titles that you intend to enroll in for the fall semester.  Alysia will remove the “blocks” so that you can register.  We recommend that you register within 24-48 hours so that your access to courses is guaranteed.

 

If you are a dual degree student, you will need to coordinate your registration process with both the Architecture Program Assistant and the other program in which you are enrolled.  The Preservation, Planning, and Real Estate programs also have “blocks” associated with their courses that can only be removed by their advising teams.

 

Historic Preservation

Donald Linebaugh, PhD, Director

Ruth Davis-Rogers, Program Assistant

 

Urban Planning

Casey Dawkins, PhD, Director

Ruth Davis-Rogers, Program Assistant

 

Real Estate Development 

Margaret McFarland, JD, Director

Gérard Boulin, Program Assistant

 

Dates and Deadlines

The Architecture Program Administrative Assistant will alert students of registration dates and post those dates on the web.  We recommend registering on or close to the first available date for registration to ensure access to your course selections.

 

Registration for the spring will begin in mid October.  Likewise, for continuing students, registration for fall semester will begin in mid March.  Students should be familiar with the deadlines for adding and dropping courses. These academic deadlines can be found in the Schedule of Classes. Adjusting class schedules after the established deadlines will incur additional financial charges.

 

The Architecture Program posts specific Dates and Deadlines for Graduate Students at http://arch.umd.edu/arch/student-services-arch. Click on “Grad Advising” in the black navigation bar.  Scroll down and click on “Dates and Deadlines for Graduate Students.”

 

Apply for a parking permit. Campus parking at the University of Maryland is managed by the Department of Transportation Service (DOTS). Students can purchase permits by the semester or the year through their office in Regents Parking Garage or via their website. For students who aren't interested in a regular parking pass, there are some limited meter, hourly parking, and special passes available.

 

Better yet, sell your car and Metro, bike, and/or walk to school.  Save money, improve your health, and help to ensure a greener world for all. 

 

The Washington, DC metropolitan area is home to the comprehensive Metro transportation system.  You can plan your trips at (http://www.wmata.com) on MetroRail and/or MetroBus.  We are excited that the University of Maryland’s campus in several years time will become an active hub of the Silver Line light rail, that is in the final stages of planning. 

 

Capital Bikeshare (https://www.capitalbikeshare.com) puts over 3000 bicycles at your fingertips. You can choose any of the over 350 stations across Washington, D.C., Arlington and Alexandria, VA and Montgomery County, MD and return it to any station near your destination.  While Capital Bikeshare has not yet made its way to College Park, it can be a handy tool for getting around in DC and Montgomery Count.  Have your own bike?  Welcome to one of the most rapidly growing bicycle friendly environments in the nation!  Bike Washington (http://bikewashington.org) offers insights as to how to get around our growing network of bike friendly trails and rights-of-way.

 

College Park is a pedestrian friendly campus.  If you elect to live close by the campus, you can walk to just about anywhere in a safe and beautiful pedestrian environment.
 

Pay tuition and fees. The Bursar's Office, located in the Lee Building, is your resource center for checking your balance, paying your bills, receiving refunds, making payment and more. Please note that Paper Bills are not sent to students registered for current or upcoming terms. Log into your Testudo account to view and pay your bill.

 

New Student Checklist: Post-Arrival

Many of the items below are activities that can only be completed once you’ve settled in area. 

 

Get your university photo ID. Student IDs are required to withdraw books from libraries; ride the UM Shuttle buses; gain admission to most athletic, social, and cultural events; as a UMD prepaid debit card for food establishments and printing services and as a general form of identification on campus. Student IDs are available in the Mitchell Building. To obtain an ID, you must be registered for classes and you must have proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license or passport.

 

Final Transcripts. If you applied to the University using an in-progress transcript, please have a final transcript with the degree posted sent to the university. If you failed to turn in these required documents by the start of your first semester, you will be blocked from registering for the next semester.

 

Check-in with the Architecture Program Assistant. Stop by and introduce yourself to Alysia Simpson, the Architecture Program Administrative Assistant.  Putting names and faces together is helpful to ensure you have the best possible experience at the School.  Make sure that you are aware of any orientation meetings for new student, get your questions answered and get to know the Program’s staff.
 

Advising. All students will be assigned advisors during their initial semester. Notice of this assignment will be distributed by email. Prior to advisor assignment, questions can be directed to the Architecture Program Administrative Assistant or the Program Director.

 

Immunization Records. If you have not done so already, turn in the required immunization records to the University Health Center. You can find the required form here: http://www.health.umd.edu/clinicalservices/allergimmuntravel/immunizations If you have any questions regarding immunization, please call (301) 314-8114.

 

If you fail to turn in these required documents by the start of your first semester, you will be blocked from registering for the next semester.

 

Architecture Program Student Handbook.  This handbook provides much valuable information Architecture Program policies and procedures.  It is updated annually in August prior to the commencement of the fall semester.  You can find the Student Handbook at: http://arch.umd.edu/arch/student-services-arch . Click on “Grad Advising” in the black navigation bar, then scroll down and click on the PDF file identified as the Student Handbook.

 

Get involved! To get involved and be a part of the UMD community, consider joining a student organization, academic student organization, or other group of students/peers.

Current Students

Be Current!

It is important to keep in touch with current events in the Architecture Program and in the School.  The Architecture Program Calendar will keep you up to date:

http://arch.umd.edu/arch/arch-calendar

 

The advising office puts out a weekly newsletter with important information about current events, scholarships, job opportunities, and other important information.  Make sure that you take advantage of this service and read the newsletter when it comes to your inbox.

 

Get good advice!

Every graduate student will be assigned an academic advisor in October of the first semester of enrollment.  The advisor will be a member of the full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty.  Faculty members are required to post office hours and meet with students for advising purposes.  To schedule a meeting with an academic advisor please contact:

 

Alysia Simpson
alysias@umd.edu
(301) 405-0325

 

More questions?

If you have questions about the graduate program, please contact Alysia Simpson to make an appointment with the Director:

 

Brian Kelly, AIA
Professor and Director
bkelly@umd.edu
(301) 405-8000

Student Organizations

ARCHITECTURE STUDENT ASSEMBLY (ASA)

Description:

The Architecture Student Assembly consists of all students enrolled in the Architecture Program including pre-studio sequence students, junior and senior undergraduate architecture majors, and all students in the Master of Architecture as well as the Master of Science in Architecture (post-professional degree) program.  The ASA provides official student representation to the Architecture Program Assembly and is the source from which student representatives are selected for membership in the Program's committees.


Mission:

Our mission is to enrich relationships by facilitating commuincation between faculty and students as well as promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

Regularly Scheduled Events:

Student Faculty Retrospective (December and May)

Town Halls focused on curricular and extra-curricular matters impacting architecture students.

 

Leadership (2016-17):

Graduate Representative - Sarah Abdulla

Graduate Representative - Kelly Marie Haley

Graduate Representative - Renata Southard

Graduate Representative - Vacant

Undergraduate Representative - Kyle Huck

Undergraduate Representative - Vacant

Undergraduate Representative - Vacant

Undergraduate Representative - Vacant

 

Advisor:

Brian Kelly, AIA, Professor and Director

 

Website:

Plan of Organization

 

 

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS (AIAS)

Description:

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to promoting excellence in architectural education, training, and practice. Nationally recognized, the University of Maryland AIAS chapter belongs to a community of architecture students across the country devoted to bettering the educational and professional experience of its members. By hosting social, professional, academic, and service events, AIAS offers its members the opportunity to become more active in their scholastic careers.


Mission:

The American Institute of Architects (AIAS) aims to promote scholarship, passion, collaboration, and community service in architectural education and practice. Our chapter acts as a voice for its students and provides opportunities to become involved in chapter events and network with professionals. AIAS strives to inspire a passion for the built environment while establishing a sense of community among its members, the university, and other entities in the D.C. metro area and beyond.


Regularly Scheduled Events:

Fall BBQ

Spring BBQ

Portfolio Review

Studio Kit

Fundraiser

Guest Lectures

AIAS Forum

AIAS Northeast Quad

 

Leadership (2017-18):

President: Tasiana Paolisso

Vice President: Tatiana Wooden

Treasurer: Hugo Caldwell

Service Chair: Hannah Veater

Fundraising Chair: Njillan Sarre

Secretary: Korhan Yeniceli

Marketing Chair: Carlos Gonzalez

Senior Store Manager: Eric Liu

Junior Store Manager: Brian Houstle

Senior Representative: Ryan McDonald

Junior Representatives: Dallas Chavez and Peter Heon

 

Advisor:

Brian Kelly, AIA, Professor and Director

 

Contact:

aiasumd@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/aiasumd 

 

Information:

www.aias.org/membership

 

 

ARCHITECTURE IN THE SCHOOLS (AIS)

Description:

Architecture in the Schools (AIS) matches volunteer architects with public school teachers to enrich the learning experience of children. AIS reinforces core academic skills. AIS teaches children how to exercise their analytical and creative skills through the architectural design process. AIS fosters a heightened civic consciousness, bridging the gap between what is learned in school and everyday life.

 

Mission:

We are architects, engineers, planners, landscape architects, teachers and students working to improve the quality of life in the DC area. Through public schools programs and scholarships, design services for community non-profits, and a design competition that supports the Capital Area Food Bank, WAF uses its resources wisely to offer help and make change where it is needed most.

 

Regularly Scheduled Events:

Teaching an 8-week long design project to a Project Lead-the-Yal class at Northwestern High School.

 

Advisors:

Madlen Simon, AIA, Associate Professor

Christine Hinojosa, Assistant Director, Communications and External Relations

Michael Brick, Director of Student Services

Gerard Boulin, Program Assistant

 

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MINORITY ARCHITECTS STUDENTS (NOMAS)

Description:

NOMAS celebrates diversity in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation through programs and initiatives that value the mosaic of cultures and experiences that students bring to the table.

 

Mission:

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) mission is to champion diversity within the design professions by promoting the excellence, community engagement, and professional development of its members.

 

Regularly Scheduled Events:

Focus on the Africa Diaspora (Lecture)

International Pot Luck Dinner

Yoga in the Great Space

 

Leadership (2017-18):

Presidents: William Ayres IV and Ryan McDonald

Executive Board: Reyna Guerrero and Brianna Ward

Secretary: TBD

Treasurer: TBD


Advisor:

Michele Lamprakos

 

Website:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/639560982742811/


Alpha Rho Chi (APX)

Description:

APX is the national fraternity for architecture and the allied arts. Its brotherhood unites men and women for the purpose of fellowship and lifelong friendships and mutual interest in professional development. This is exemplified by the fraternity's motto: Fidelitas, Amor et Artes or "Fidelity and Love of the Arts."

 

Mission:

Alpha Rho Chi (APX) prepares its members to live up to the demands and expectations of the business world. Members learn to live and work with other people and to share experiences and ideas, By practicing tolerance, consideration and mutual respect, they observe and develop principals of leadership, service, communication and human relations.

 

Leadership (2017-18):

President: Lamees Al-Kebsi

Vice President: Samantha Lewis

Treasurer: Taylor Friedman

Secretary: Njillan Sarre

Initiation Director: Liam Berson

 

Advisor:

Michael Ambrose, Associate Director of the Architecture Program

 

Website:

http://umd.orgsync.com/show_profile/64528-alpha-rho-chi-apx


Technology Requirements

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation requires that all students studying architecture purchase a laptop computer. Specific requirements for students studying architecture are listed below for both hardware and software.

 

We provide the following technical specifications to define the baseline requirements.  Many software applications are available to all matriculated students. We recommend you check here to see a complete list. A list of required and recommended software is listed below. Please take advantage of student discounts for software.

 

Hardware -- Approximately $2,600.00 Total

APPLE

Apple MacBook Pro

  • Processor Intel Core i5 or i7
  • Memory (RAM) 16 GB or greater
  • Display 13 or 15 -inch widescreen
  • Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater
  • Wireless + Bluetooth
  • Warranty 3-year AppleCare protection plan

 

PC

Dell XPS 15 (or equivalent)

  • Processor Intel Core i5 or i7
  • Memory (RAM) 16 GB
  • Display 14 or 15 inch widescreen
  • Hard Drive 500 GB HD @ 7200 RPM or 512 Flash Storage or greater
  • Wireless + Bluetooth
  • Video Card 2 GB memory (RAM) or greater
  • Warranty 3 year ProSupport on-site plan

 

Also additional external storage and peripherals are recommended for workability and backup purposes.

 

Software -- Approximately $244.00 Total

The following are the required software applications for architecture students:

 

Adobe Creative Suite (or Adobe Creative Cloud) -- FREE through UMD TERPware program:

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator

 

Autodesk -- FREE through Autodesk student software program

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit

 

Microsoft Office -- FREE through UMD TERPware program

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Powerpoint
  • Microsoft Excel

 

Bentley -- FREE through Bentley student software program

  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Bentley STAAD

 

Rhinoceros -- $195

SketchUp Pro -- $49

Tuition and Fees

As a public institution we are committed to making higher education affordable. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has recognized our efforts, ranking Maryland No. 9 among "best values" in public higher education for Maryland residents and No. 14 for non-Maryland residents.

 

Current tuition and fee information can be found through the Office of the Bursar’s website.

Financial Aid

Most graduate students seek some combination of financial aid in order to fund their studies. The Office of Student Financial Aid (http://www.financialaid.umd.edu) is a good place to start in order to understand the options available to you. Another resource is FinAid (www.finaid.org) an independent website designed to help students navigate the complexities of higher education finance.

University of Maryland
School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
3835 Campus Drive
College Park, MD 20742

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Source URL: http://www.arch.umd.edu/degree/master-science-architecture