Architecture MS: Metropolitan Design

Faculty and student working together on an architecture project pinned on the wall

The Metropolitan Design track of our Master of Science in Architecture program (MS-MD) focuses on the study of systems and how we can redesign them to address wide-spread systematic issues related to housing, transportation, governance, and more.

Program Details

As the field of architecture transitions from a service-oriented practice to an anticipatory, inquiry-driven discipline, demand for research experience and adaptive thinking is increasing. Our curriculum embraces this shift by reimagining professional practice as a space for innovation, storytelling, and interdisciplinary project work. 

We encourage our students to explore and develop their own personal focus. As research is the backbone of this degree, your coursework and projects will be largely self-driven. Through close collaboration with the Minnesota Design Center (MDC), you will also have numerous opportunities to work alongside industry and academic professionals in architecture, law, medicine, geography, economics, and a variety of other fields. Active MDC projects include evaluating space to reduce excess capacity, overhauling congressional procedures for policymaking, designing portable infrastructure, and addressing homeless housing.

Degree Options

Master of Science in Architecture Degree Options

Students pursuing a Master of Science degree have three separate degree plans to choose from. Plan A is more thesis-focused and is considered preparatory for pursuing a PhD. Plan B is project-based and aimed at career advancement. Plan C is course-based and a strong option for working professionals.

Plan APlan B
  • 34 total credits
    • 18 major credits
    • 6 elective/minor credits
    • 10 thesis credits
  • 2 years (full-time)
  • Final oral examination
  • 34 total credits
    • 27–28 major credits
    • 6 elective/minor credits
  • Required project
  • 2 years (full-time)
  • Final oral examination
Plan C
  • 30–36 total credits
    • 24–30 major credits
    • 0–6 elective/minor credits
  • 2 years (full-time)
  • Final oral examination
Questions?

Learn more about the Architecture MS and its degree tracks by contacting Terence Rafferty, the Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment for Architecture. 

Concurrent Degrees

As an Architecture MS student, it is possible to concurrently pursue our fully accredited Master of Architecture degree. This program requires a separate application and students must be admitted to both programs.

Learn more about how to pursue dual master's degrees.

Questions?

Learn more about the concurrent degrees by contacting Terence Rafferty, the Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment for Architecture.