Architecture (M.S.)

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The Master of Science in Architecture program at Kansas State University is a post-professional program of study requiring a minimum of 30 semester credit hours for completion of the degree. The program usually requires two years in residence, and is designed to enable students to pursue specialized study in specific Architectural topics. It is not a NAAB accredited degree.

Specializations are available in Design Theory, Ecological and Sustainable Design, and Environment Behavior and Place Studies. These areas of specialized study in the Master of Science in Architecture program accommodate graduates of five or six year programs in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture, and of certain four year baccalaureate degrees. Applicants are considered upon the merits of their academic backgrounds and proposed programs of study. Minimum entrance requirements established by the Kansas State University Graduate School include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a grade point average of B (3.0) or better in the last two years of undergraduate study (or a “first class” degree).

This program focuses on research, and therefore does not include the full range of topics required to qualify a student to sit for the examination to become licensed to practice architecture. Since research is the mode of learning at the limits of knowledge, our objective is to develop the capacities needed for independent study and research.

Approximately 10 students matriculate each year, and the total enrollment in the program is about 20.

Required coursework

All MS Arch students will be required to take a class that provides them with the tools to facilitate in-depth academic research. Other coursework will be determined by selected area of emphasis and individual programs of study.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

There are two options in the Master of Science in Architecture program. Students must, in conjunction with their advisory committee, choose to pursue either a Thesis or Non-Thesis (coursework only) option. Both options require the submittal of a proposal to the Graduate Committee for approval. Both options require a final examination, which can be the defense of the thesis, or an exam based on coursework taken by the student.

A non-thesis option should have a defined focus within the general area of emphasis. A number of courses must be taken that relate to this focus.

Students may undertake an applied or theoretical research-oriented thesis which involves qualitative and/or quantitative approaches to a problem, or a design-oriented thesis that examines a physical design problem in depth from a number of points of view, including but not limited to theoretical, behavioral, economic, social, and cultural issues.Application procedures for the Master of Science in Architecture Program

Application procedures for the Master of Science in Architecture Program

In addition to the online application and transcripts required by the Graduate School, the following items are required to apply to the Master of Science in Architecture program:

A completed statement of educational and career objectives form.
Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
Samples of academic/professional work, including a description of each project, its objectives, and your role and responsibilities. The portfolio of design work should be in a format no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches or A4 paper. Samples of written work are highly recommended. (A stamped self-addressed envelope must be included if the applicant wishes the return of the portfolio to an address within the United States. Portfolios will not be returned to other countries, so high quality xerox copies are recommended.)

There is a non-refundable application fee of $70.00 US for domestic students and $80.00 US for international students (which includes the department and Graduate School fees). Applications will not be considered without this fee. There are instructions detailing how to pay this fee online, in step 4 of the online application, with a credit card that is issued by a U.S. financial institution. Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover are accepted. Applicants can pay by check issued from a U.S. financial institution, payable to Kansas State University Graduate School.

The online application can be found on the Graduate School website at: http://www.k-state.edu/grad/gsprospective/apply/index.htm. To be assured consideration, applications for fall should be received by March 1st. A limited number of new students may be admitted to begin studies during the spring semester. To be assured consideration for spring, application should be received by August 1st. Additional application requirements for international students Official report of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam score. The Department of Architecture requires a score of 600 on the paper test (or 250 on the computer test) for admission into the master of architecture program, since English language proficiency is an important factor in the ability of a student to complete the degree. In addition, graduate teaching assistantships require a minimum score of 50 on the TSE (Test of Spoken English). This test should be taken at the same time as the TOEFL.

Design theory emphasis

The graduate emphasis in Design Theory enables the student to study specific issues in architectural and urban theory and history. The studies are not based on a rigidly defined set of theoretical courses, but an association of the student’s academic interests and faculty expertise. In general, studies consist of the development of a theoretical framework, through selected courses and readings, which is subsequently used as an instrument for the analysis and examination of a particular architectural or urban phenomenon. The so defined inquiry ranges qualitatively from the poetic and speculative to the applicative and pragmatic. Analytical methods encompass a wide range of potential techniques from critical literature review to in-depth building design.

Required curriculum credits

Choose one of the following:

Non-Thesis Option

ARCH 715 - Topics in Architecture Seminar Credits: (3)
ARCH 725 - Architecture Research Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 830 - Advanced Architectural Studies Credits: (Var.)
Departmental Electives (10-13 credits)
Other Electives (6 credits)

Thesis Option

ARCH 715 - Topics in Architecture Seminar Credits: (3)
ARCH 725 - Architecture Research Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 899 - Thesis Credits: (Var.)
Departmental Electives (9 credits)
Other Electives (7 credits)

Total (30 credit hours)

Recommended electives

Students consult with their advisors to select courses that match their educational and research objectives. Appropriate graduate-level history and theory courses will be identified each semester from among current course offerings. Normally, at least one three hour course on an aspect of contemporary architecture is taken by students in the design theory option. It is recommended that international students take one or more courses concerned with American architecture and urbanism. The Design Theory emphasis requires nine of the sixteen elective credits be taken within the discipline; seven may be taken outside the Department of Architecture. Outside electives should be related to the student’s overall program of study, to reinforce or complement other courses and their thesis topic.

ARCH 657 - Preservation Principles Credits: (3)
ARCH 700 - Topics in History of the Designed Environment Credits: (3)
ARCH 711 - Topics in Architectural Design Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 715 - Topics in Architecture Seminar Credits: (3)
ARCH 830 - Advanced Architectural Studies Credits: (Var.)
PLAN 715 - Planning Principles Credits: (3)
PLAN 745 - Urban Design and Preservation Planning Theory Credits: (3)
PLAN 748 - Urban Visual Analysis Credits: (3)
PLAN 815 - Planning Theory, Ethics and Practice Credits: (2)

Ecological and sustainable design

Ecological and Sustainable Design (ESD) focuses on the theory and practice of architectural and environmental design that makes maximum use of the same renewable energy flows and material cycling processes by which all other living systems on earth are sustained. It is an approach to design that is holistic in nature, encompassing a concern for ecological systems, building technological systems, and socio-cultural/existential systems. Ecological systems are studied not only as the context for architecture but also as models for design, providing the fundamental principles by which sustainable buildings are designed and operated. Energy and resource conserving building technologies as well as healthy and ecologically benign building materials are studied so that ecological design principles can be implemented in environmentally appropriate architecture. The emphasis also stresses the socio-economic, political, and cultural/existential context of design as a complexly structured framework within which questions of sustainability must be considered and building designs implemented. The ESD option necessarily involves the development of a broad understanding of architectural and environmental design that is as much philosophical as it is practical.

Required curriculum credits

Choose one of the following:

Non-Thesis Option

ARCH 716 - Topics in Environmental Systems in Architecture Credits:
ARCH 725 - Architecture Research Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 830 - Advanced Architectural Studies Credits: (Var.)
Electives (16-19 credits)

Thesis Option

ARCH 716 - Topics in Environmental Systems in Architecture Credits:
ARCH 725 - Architecture Research Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 899 - Thesis Credits: (Var.)
Electives (16 credits)

Total (30 credit hours)

Recommended elective credits

In addition to completing the required courses, students are encouraged to select an area of focus that will support their thesis. The Ecological and Sustainable Design emphasis recognizes the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the sustainable approach to design. As such, at least six elective credits should be taken outside the Department. Students consult with their faculty advisors to develop a program of study that meets their individual needs and interests.

ARCH 715 - Topics in Architecture Seminar Credits: (3)
ARCH 716 - Topics in Environmental Systems in Architecture Credits:
ARCH 740 - Building-Related Health and Safety Credits: (3)
ARE 740 - Environmental Control Systems in Buildings Credits: (3)
BIOL 529 - Fundamentals of Ecology Credits: (3)
CE 563 - Environmental Engineering Fundamentals Credits: (3)
ECON 527 - Environmental Economics Credits: (3)
GEOG 705 - Remote Sensing of the Environment Credits: (3)
GEOG 760 - Human Impact on the Environment Credits: (3)
IAPD 625 - Lighting in Interior Architecture and Product Design Credits: (3)
IAPD 760 - Interior Architecture Seminar Credits: (Var.)
LAR 704 - Environmental Landscape Planning and Design Credits: (5)
LAR 720 - Public Lands and Natural Resources Law Credits: (3)
LAR 758 - Land Resource Information Systems Credits: (3)
PHILO 595 - Environmental Ethics Credits: (3)
SOCIO 536 - Environmental Sociology Credits: (3)

Environment behavior and place studies emphasis

Environment-Behavior and Place Studies (EBPS) focuses on the behavioral and experiential aspects of person-environment relationships and their implications for environmental design and research. The program examines varying philosophic and methodological approaches to issues in environmentbehavior and place experience. Approaches to these issues range from quantitative, explanatory styles of research, emphasizing analytic philosophies, pragmatic strategies and solutions, to qualitative, descriptive styles emphasizing continental philosophical concerns. Within this framework, students’ programs of study and research are individualized to meet particular interests and needs. After completing an introductory core curriculum, students may choose to concentrate on a specific environmental problem or approach, or to work creatively to combine several approaches and issues. Within environment-behavior and place studies, areas of focus can include community and facility design for special populations, experience of place and landscape, project planning and programming, or a special focus meeting the particular educational and career goals of an individual student. Students, in consultation with the advisor, combine elective courses within and outside the College to meet the needs of their specific areas of focus.

Required curriculum credits

Choose one of the following:

Non-Thesis Option

ARCH 704 - Topics in Environment and Behavior Credits: (3)
ARCH 720 - Environment and Behavior Credits: (3)
ARCH 725 - Architecture Research Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 830 - Advanced Architectural Studies Credits: (Var.)
Elective Courses (13-16 credits)

Thesis Option

ARCH 704 - Topics in Environment and Behavior Credits: (3)
ARCH 720 - Environment and Behavior Credits: (3)
ARCH 725 - Architecture Research Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 899 - Thesis Credits: (Var.)
Electives (13 credits)

Total (30 credit hours)

Recommended elective credits

Any of the thirteen elective credits in the Environment-Behavior and Place Studies Emphasis may be taken outside the Department. Courses in other Departments including Philosophy, Anthropology, Art and History may be considered, pending approval of the student’s advisory committee.

ARCH 703 - Environmental Aesthetics Credits: (3)
ARCH 711 - Topics in Architectural Design Methods Credits: (3)
ARCH 715 - Topics in Architecture Seminar Credits: (3)
ARCH 730 - Environment and Aging Credits: (3)
ARCH 740 - Building-Related Health and Safety Credits: (3)
ARCH 780 - Development Analysis Credits: (3)

Graduate emphasis in gerontology

An optional interdisciplinary program, the Gerontology emphasis is designed to be taken concurrently with or in addition to a disciplinary graduate degree program. Six of the thirty required hours for the MS Arch degree can be applied to this emphasis. This program requires an additional six credit hours taken within the curriculum of the Center for Aging.