Master of Science in Architecture: Geofutures

Post Professional Program

Program Directors:
Christianna Bennett, Assistant Professor
Chris Perry, Associate Professor

Program Description

The Geofutures Master of Science in Architecture is a one-year, two-semester program that takes an interdisciplinary approach drawing on advanced knowledge and expertise from the disciplines of architecture and landscape architecture. Dually based within the School of Architecture in Troy, NY and the Center for Architecture, Science, and Ecology (CASE) in Brooklyn, NY the program brings together a diverse group of researchers, educators, and professionals working at the intersections of architecture and landscape architecture. The program leverages Rensselaer’s diverse STEM and humanities departments as resources to provide students with a range of perspectives concerning the future of landscape and architectural practice.

Degree Description

The Geofutures Master of Science in Architecture degree provides students with an opportunity to enter into an intensive, two-semester course of study to pursue scholarship at the intersection of architecture and landscape architecture. The program focuses on critical awareness and technical proficiency through design experimentation. In the program, students have the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary design studios, history/theory seminars and lecture courses, building science seminars and lecture courses, software and fabrication seminars and workshops, as well as interdisciplinary coursework in departments across the institute.

The MSArch degree is STEM designated in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology (CIP code 04.0902). For international students, this designation allows for up to three years of OPT training in the U.S. through an F-1 visa and following graduation.

Program Location

Situated at both the School of Architecture and CASE, with all courses at CASE offered in a hybrid format, students have the option of being based in Troy and/or Brooklyn.

Application Requirements

The following materials are required for consideration of admittance to the program. Please note separate or additional requirements for international and co-terminal students as listed below. 

• Personal Statement (addressing research interests, career goals, and relevant academic, research or professional experience)
• Resume or CV
• Two Letters of Recommendation 
• Portfolio (a portfolio of creative work, not limited to architectural design, we welcome the submission of a variety of media and creative projects, inclusive of work from students with backgrounds in related disciplines, see Graduate Admissions portal for more information on formatting requirements) 
• Transcripts
• Application Fee 

Note: GRE/GMAT scores are not required at this time.

International Students

• TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE is additionally required for applicants whose native language is not English 

Note: Applicants possessing a valid Green Card are considered a domestic applicant for the purposes of tuition and financial aid. 

For more information about Graduate Admissions at Rensselaer:
https://admissions.rpi.edu/graduate/masters-and-phd-applicants

Admission Requirements for Co-Terminal Students at Rensselaer 

The only admission requirements for co-terminal students is a minimum 3.0 GPA and the submission of a Graduate Plan of Study (to be completed with the program co-directors). Co-terminal students do not need to submit the items listed above. Co-terminal applications are to be submitted online through Slate through the following link: https://info.rpi.edu/coterminal-program/co-terminal-application

Additional Information 

Please visit https://www.case.rpi.edu/geofutures for more information about the program, including examples of student work and faculty bios, as well as online application instructions. Merit scholarships valued at 40% of the annual tuition are available to qualified applicants. 

Deadline to apply is March 1. First consideration will be given to applications received by this date.

Rolling Applications are accepted thereafter.

Contact

For more information, please contact  or 518.276.6466. You may also contact the directors of the program directors, Christianna Bennett, () and Chris Perry ().