ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech architecture students work on a model

Architecture (M.ARCH.)

Step into Chicago’s world-class architecture community with our studio-based graduate program led by industry leaders who will help guide you to find new perspectives to real-world problems.

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Elevate Your Career with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech’s Design-Focused Master of Architecture

Studying in a living laboratory that is home some of the most influential architecture in the world and on a campus designed by Modernist trailblazer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech’s Master of Architecture program is designed to challenge you through studio courses led by prominent practicing architects and help you gain licensure after graduation. Located on historic Mies Campus, you’ll connect directly with Chicago’s robust architecture ecosystem of professionals through studio courses, internships, and mentorship from renowned faculty to build the skills you need to elevate your career. 

Program Overview

Buoyed by an innovative, design-based studio curriculum that will help you build the technological and practical skills in studios led by faculty who are renowned, practicing architects, challenging you and providing new learning experiences and opportunities for collaboration across fields such as engineering, sustainability, and urban design. You’ll also be able to maximize working in the living laboratory of Chicago, one of the most influential architectural cities in the world. You’ll be connected to the robust architecture community, both on campus and off, and have opportunities to intern and network with leading firms. 

Career Opportunities

Our master of architecture program prepares you to take on a variety of roles, including:  

  • Architect
  • Project Manager
  • Designer
Disclaimer for prospective students, please read.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast, and is provided here for informational and educational purposes only. Please be advised that the inclusion of the Lightcast resource on this website does not imply endorsement by ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Institute of Technology ( ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech), nor is it a guarantee of the accuracy of this information. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that the information presented herein is reflective of the outcomes you can expect if you enroll in or graduate from an ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech program. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech expressly disclaims any liability regarding Lightcast, or in connection with any actual or potential employment opportunity stemming from information on this site and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim(s) against the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech for the same. Your use of this web page is an acknowledgement of your understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth herein. You are encouraged to conduct your own thorough research into job opportunities and outcomes in your field of study.

Design Studios The Master of Architecture program is centered around ever-evolving design studios. Prominent architects place their research and ideas in front of students to develop the real-world skills and intuitions needed in the rapidly changing world of architecture. Each studio is unique, spanning from designing affordable middle-class homes to integrating green space into Chicago’s busy downtown.

ARCH 506 Design Communications I: Units and Order; ARCH 507 Design Communications II: Systems and Assemblages; ARCH 508 Design Communications III These courses will help you explore proportion and rhythm, texture and color, and mass and spaces as you develop aesthetic expression for future projects.

ARCH 520 Introduction to Urbanism Using Chicago as a living example, you will be immersed in the needs and influences surrounding urban growth and culture in the modern era. Case studies, site trips, and discussions will provide an understanding for the origins and development of cities. 

You must complete the , regardless of which graduate program you wish to pursue. Visit our admission website to learn more about what information and documents you need to apply.  

Please note that each college and individual programs may have additional requirements to apply. Please contact Martin Felsen at felsen@illinoistech.edu with any questions. 

Tuition and Fees

Learn more about the university’s general tuition and fees, visit the Student Accounting website.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech architecture student Andrew Jiang

Andrew Says...

“ ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech has the resources of the city, its supporters, its staff, its alumni, and students that are unparalleled to other universities in the area. The hands-on learning that ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech offers leads you to discover yourself to solve problems in creative fashions that not only apply to the problem at hand, but to everything you do from here on out."

Featured Faculty

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech professor John Ronan

John Ronan

Professor John and Jeanne Rowe Endowed Chair in the School of Architecture Director of Advanced Studios
Dirk Denison

Dirk S. Denison

Professor MCHAP Director

Get in Touch

To learn more about the program, please reach out to program director Martin Felsen at felsen@illinoistech.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Do I need to submit a portfolio for admission?

Yes. A PDF portfolio that demonstrates design and visual language skills is required to apply for the M.ARCH. program at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech.

How many years is the M.ARCH. program?

Students holding a pre-professional degree in architecture may qualify for our two-year advanced standing program of study, while students without a background in architecture typically finish our full program in three years.

Can I become an architect with a master’s degree in architecture?

Yes. The M.ARCH. program at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tech is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, forging a direct pathway to licensure.

Is architecture a professional degree?

Beginning in July 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will reclassify architecture programs as non-professional degrees.