MS-ARP Program Overview
The M.S. in Architecture Applied Research in Practice program requires a total of 30–36 credits, 24 of which are foundation courses, 6 of which are elective courses, all typically completed in one academic year. Due to the intensely integrated nature of the MS-ARP program, the majority of the curriculum is composed of required courses and internship experiences. The range of 30–36 credits is used in the rare circumstance that a stipend-based internship is not available.
Plan C
Students pursuing this degree track must follow Plan C, which is a course-based option designed for working professionals.
Foundation Courses
ARCH 5621: Professional Practice
This course introduces innovative future practice, practice-based research and case study documentation methods.
ARCH 5609: Development and Implementation of Research
Research methods and practices covered in this course include traditional scholarly documentation, basic statistical and survey methods as well as AEC-specific topics such as post occupancy evaluation, performance-based metrics, Lean construction metrics and case-study documentation.
ARCH 5686–5688: Final Project — Research into Practice (Plan C parts 1–3)
The final project is the culminating experience of the degree program that synthesizes other learning opportunities including coursework and internships. Two complementary ways of working will be explored, research into practice and practice into research. The first is documented through research analysis, the second through a rigorous case study documentation. Final project presentations are given to the Consortium for Applied Research in Practice.
ARCH 5651: Building Stories
This course builds on case study documentation, research analysis and contemporary practice issues covered in Professional Practice.
ARCH 5630: Practicum — Advanced Issues in Architecture Practice
This is a repeatable class expected to be taken both Fall and Spring semester. The course provides a forum to discuss critical aspects of architectural practice not normally covered in professional M.Arch or B.Arch curricula and covers a sequence of advanced topics which are at the core of the architectural profession.
Required Research Practices Experience
Unique to the MS-ARP is a structured relationship between the School of Architecture and AEC industry firms in the Consortium for Applied Research in Practice. Students work with faculty for research internships and with firm leaders in practice internships. Together the research and practice internship experiences allow students to demonstrate leadership in innovative, relevant, and future-oriented work.
Curriculum Sequences
MS-ARP 3-Semester Sequence
Year 1: Fall
- ARCH 5630: ARE Practicum I
- ARCH 5609: Development and Implementation of Research
- ARCH 5621: Professional Practice
- Directed Study or Elective
Year 1: Spring
- ARCH 5630: ARE Practicum II
- ARCH 5651: Building Stories
- ARCH 5686: Final Project Part I
- ARCH 5689: Advanced Professional Practice
- Directed Study or Elective
Year 2: Fall
- ARCH 5687: Final Project Part II
- ARCH 5688: Final Project Part III
MS-ARP 2-Semester Sequence
Fall
- ARCH 5609: Development and Implementation of Research OR other Advanced Research Methods course
- ARCH 5630: ARE Practicum I
- ARCH 5686: Final Project Part I
- Directed Study or Elective
- Directed Study or Elective
Spring
- ARCH 5630: ARE Practicum II
- ARCH 5687: Final Project Part II
- ARCH 5688: Final Project Part III
- ARCH 5689: Advanced Professional Practice
