What is the first thing that catches your eye when visiting a cultural heritage site or moving to a new office? The innovative design and structure fascinate you the most. From the centuries-old Taj Mahal to modern skyscrapers, architecture is in demand all over the world. The need for architecture is increasing due to the emergence of new buildings, residential complexes, shopping malls, etc. The USA is among the best countries to study for a master’s degree in architecture. The US education system is a perfect combination of world-class technology, home to IVY, top-notch faculties, and a multicultural environment that attracts students from all over the world.
| Degree | Master of Architecture |
| Duration of the program | from 2 to 3.5 years |
| Eligibility | 50% in undergraduate; GRE/GMAT test results |
| Average commission | INR 1,211,471 to INR 4,082,291 per annum |
| Average salary offered | INR 8,076,475 per annum |
| Job profile | Designer Architect, Project Architect, Architect, Landscape Architect, Urban Designer, Senior Project Architect, Urban Planner, etc. |
Why study for a Master of Architecture in the USA?
Between 2018 and 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of architects in the United States to increase by 8.4%.
- The five-year BArch and MArch are the only two courses recognized by the National Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) in the United States for architect licensure.
- Industry employees with a BArch receive an average annual package of $56,900 (INR 4,177,740), while with a MArch degree the compensation is $110,000 (INR 8,076) per year.
- The average annual salary for architects increased 6.2% from 2017 to 2019, according to the AIA Compensation Report.
- The average annual package for workers in the BArch industry is $56,900 (INR 4,177,740) compared to $110,000 (INR 8,076) in the MArch industry each year.
- Average annual compensation for architects increased 6.2% from 2017 to 2019, according to the AIA Compensation Report.
- Any international student intrigued by the beauty, ingenuity, and even heritage of buildings and diverse structures may consider studying architecture in the United States.
Types of Masters of Architecture in the USA
There are two types of architectural levels of architecture that you can study in USA , i.e. M. Arch I and M. Arch II .
| Courses | M. Arch I | M. Arch II |
| Bachelor’s degree | It is carried out by persons who do not have a bachelor’s degree. | M. Arch 2 is intended for students who have completed a recognized undergraduate degree, such as the Arch Bachelor’s degree. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
In the United States, only the Bachelor of Architecture degree is considered an accredited architectural degree, not the BA or BA degree. Students with experience in design and other fields are accepted into colleges offering the M.Arch 1 degree.
Read also: MEM in the USA
Best Universities for a Master’s in Architecture in the USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- University of California
- Stanford University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Georgia Tech
- University of Michigan
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Pennsylvania
Tuition fees
A master’s degree in architecture in the United States can be extremely expensive. Application costs, student visa fees, tuition fees, and cost of living in the United States will be included in the total cost.
Expenses incurred before arrival
Pre-departure or pre-arrival fees cover the money you’ll spend on applications, tests and other procedures before flying to the United States.
Read also: Universities in the USA for MS
Tuition fee
Tuition will be the most significant cost upon arrival in the country. The cost of pursuing a Master of Architecture degree from top US universities ranges from $16,500 (INR 12,14,989.88) to $55,700 (INR 41,01,511.28) per year.
Eligibility
Universities in the United States are quite selective regarding the goals, commitments, and quality of candidates when applying for Master of Architecture degrees. They ask students to set specific requirements for obtaining a master’s degree in architecture in the United States. Universities set eligibility standards for Master of Architecture degrees in the United States to evaluate students’ analytical, verbal, and mathematical abilities. The requirements for Masters of Architecture in the USA are as follows:
- CGPA – Students must have a CGPA of 2.25 or higher and a minimum history of outstanding work if they wish to gain admission to US universities.
- GRE – It is also important that students have GRE scores above 290, and higher scores will increase their chances of getting into top US universities. The GRE is a graduate-level exam that evaluates students on their verbal reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and thoughtful writing skills. Thus, GRE score is one of the most important criteria that students must meet.
- No GRE – The GRE is an important admission standard, but it is not a barrier to pursuing a master’s degree in the United States, as some universities do not use the GRE as an admission standard for a US master’s degree in architecture.
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR ). Students applying for admission to American universities must also provide a letter of recommendation prepared by their academic advisor, supervisor, or professor. These documents add value to a student’s application for admission. The university has a team of consultants who can help clarify a candidate’s overall situation in a way that a CV cannot. As part of the application process, applicants must provide the university with at least three letters of recommendation.
- Portfolio . This is an important part of a student’s application and plays an important role in admissions. This is a collection of the candidate’s best art/design/projects, usually the most recent. A portfolio is considered a selection criterion for a Master of Architecture degree in the US, as well as a way to stand out.
- Statement of Intent (SOP) . Students must also submit a statement of intent that highlights the character they wish to represent to the admissions committees of various colleges. This document plays an important role when registering students. From the content of this document to the template, students must pay attention to the smallest details to present themselves well in front of the university. Even in this regard, consultants can be of great help.
Read also: Popular courses in the USA
Scholarships
Studying in this country may cost a little more. However, many universities and institutes offer scholarships to international students in the United States to ease their financial worries. Scholarships and grants offered by universities have increased by up to 25% in some schools. Although, among the best, scholarships ranging from 25% to 50% are only available at MIT, where the admission standards are very high. The US government and non-profit organizations are also places to look for grants. Apart from universities, some committees and organizations provide scholarships and financial aid to international students based on various criteria such as academic achievement, financial need and other criteria. extracurricular activities.
| Scholarship | Details | Amount (USD) |
| Fulbright Program for International Students in the USA | About 4,000 international students receive this scholarship every year. | 1000–2500 (INR 73,422–18,3556) |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Number of scholarships offered – 1. | 3500 (INR 256,978) |
| BrokerFish International Student Scholarship | Offered by partner universities | 1000 (INR 73,422) |
| ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship | Awarded by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). | 5000 (INR 367,112) |
| Aga Khan Scholarship | Awarded to graduate students from developing countries. | 50% tuition fee waiver |
| ASLA Student Award | Students of the Faculty of Landscape Architecture are awarded. | Varies |
| Jason Pettigrew Memorial Scholarship | Courtesy of the AIA National Committee of Partners. | Full cost of the study |
Is it worth pursuing a Master of Architecture in the USA?
Yes, I am getting a master’s degree in architecture in the USA. Student salaries tend to be higher if the student chooses a master’s degree.
How long does a Master of Architecture degree last in the USA?
A Master of Architecture degree in the US typically lasts between 1 and 3 years.
How much does a Master of Architecture degree cost in the USA?
The average cost of a master’s degree in architecture in the US ranges from 16 to 50 lakhs.
It was about obtaining a master’s degree in architecture in the USA. Are you planning to study abroad but don’t know where to start? Contact our experts and consultants at Leverage Ed to help you apply to your dream universities to prepare for your visa interview. Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation today!