The master of architecture is 92-credit, 3 year first-professional degree program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, a requirement of licensure for becoming a practicing architect in the United States, and a terminal degree for many design educators around the globe.
Our curriculum is designed for students with baccalaureate degrees, in any field, to acquire a first professional degree within three years, but also supports advanced standing for students with baccalaureate degrees in architecture and related fields.
Students in the Syracuse Architecture MArch program are required to participate in full-time study and must enter the program during the fall semester. Please go here to learn more about the curriculum, courses, and to review samples of student work.
Our MArch is a STEM Designated Degree by the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Application process
- Apply to Syracuse University Graduate School.
Online application is preferred. Application fee of $75. Deadline: January 3 Admission decisions will be sent via email in March. - Submit an online portfolio of creative and/or professional work in architecture, the visual arts, design, and/or affiliated fields.
You must submit your portfolio online through your Syracuse University applicant portal. You will receive access to your Syracuse University applicant portal 2-3 business days after completing your application. After the application deadline has passed, you have 24 hours from receiving access to your portal to upload your portfolio. - Written submissions.
To better understand the unique strengths of your application and the goals that have motivated you to pursue graduate study at Syracuse Architecture, you are recommended to respond to one or more of the following prompts
- Describe the most impactful learning moments you experienced in the past few years, and why it had an impact on you and your decision to apply to graduate school. This could be in the context of your formal education (a course you took, prior degree studies), or it could be a unique travel experience, what you learned from others, or a professional life experience outside the classroom.
- Who/What has influenced your career and/or professional aspirations, and why? This could be a range of possibilities, from mentors to colleagues, to someone or something you admire, to a place or subject matter that changed your perspective on studying architecture.
- What is most intriguing to you outside of architecture and why? This could be framed as a particular hobby you enjoy, places you’ve traveled, and/or meaningful experiences that have influenced you as a future designer.
- What are your goals and ambitions for joining the graduate program at Syracuse Architecture? Are there particular professors you would like to work with, exciting projects you want to be a part of, or opportunities you want to take advantage of while you are here? Be as specific as you can be for this question.
- Transcript(s)
An official transcript from every college/university you have attended is required. Transcript request forms that can be mailed to prior institutions are included in the online application. - Three letters of recommendation
Individuals providing recommendations should be registered through the on-line application process to submit their letters of recommendation electronically. If this is not possible, a confidential letter of recommendation may be directed to the Graduate Admissions Processing Center in a sealed envelope with the person’s signature written across the seal of the envelope. - Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
GRE scores are optional for application to the MArch program. Applicants must complete the verbal, quantitative and analytical components of the general test. The exam scores will only be accepted when sent electronically by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Please go here for more specific information about GRE exam dates and times. The Syracuse University institution code for submitting GRE test scores is 2823.
Additional requirements for International applicants
- To enable Syracuse University to issue the I-20 form for obtaining a student visa, international applicants must submit financial documents with their application demonstrating that they have secured sufficient funding for at least their first year of graduate study. A current bank statement on official bank letterhead signed by an authorized bank official, indicating that sufficient funds exist to meet at least the first year of expenses, should be submitted as evidence of such funding.
- English Language proficiency exam scores are required for all students whose native language is not English. We accept a wide variety of exams including TOEFL, IELTS, and Pearson and Duolingo*.
*Due to testing centers administering TOEFL and IELTS exams closing due to the coronavirus, we are now accepting the Duolingo English Test for the spring/fall 2023. This is a convenient, fast, and affordable option. The exam can be taken anywhere provided you have a computer and a quiet work space.We do not maintain a minimum qualifying English-language proficiency test score for admission; we review all applications holistically, with test scores as one consideration. Accepted students with scores in the limited, low and intermediate ranges, if admitted, may be offered admission on the condition of successful completion of an intensive on-campus English Language Institute in the summer prior to the start of classes. For more information about classes offered through the ELI please visit SU English Language Institute.
