Architecture: Urbanism, MARCH
for the Master of Architecture in Architecture, Urbanism Concentration
The Urbanism Concentration in the Master of Architecture Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides students with the opportunity to develop an in depth understanding of the issues facing cities and urban residents in the 21st century. With complex environmental, political, technological and economic factors and accelerating urbanization, architects will increasingly be called on to understand and solve urban problems at a variety of scales, from the building to the region. These solutions require understanding across a breadth of issues as well as competency in the appropriate tactics and strategies that can lead to such solutions. The Urbanism Concentration provides students with the opportunity to develop these skills across a range of scales.
Students can declare the Urbanism Concentration during any of their first three full-time semesters in the M.Arch program. No approval will be given if submitted during the student's last full-time semester in the program.
This Concentration can be completed within the normal timeframe of the M.Arch degree. Successful completion of the Concentration will be noted on the student’s official transcript.
Admission
The admission grade point average for full standing in the Graduate College and the school must be at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). For applicants who meet the other requirements but have an admission GPA under 3.0, admission with limited standing may be permitted if evidence of exceptional qualification is presented.
Applicants are selected for admission on the basis of undergraduate academic performance and profession-related experience. Application material is evaluated by faculty members. The faculty's recommendations are based upon an appraisal of the admission grade point average determined from official transcripts, a portfolio or brochure of applicant's past work in architecture, a statement of objectives, three letters of recommendation, and relevant professional work experience.
To apply, go to the Graduate College online application. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for School of Architecture Masters Degree applicants. Please review the English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate Admission.
for the Master of Architecture in Architecture, Urbanism Concentration
Students who declare the Concentration must complete a minimum of 21 hours of coursework with a focus on urbanism.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Studios | 12 | |
| To be taken from a faculty member whose primary Program Area affiliation is Urbanism or as approved by the chair of the Urbanism Program Area | ||
| ARCH 574 | Design: Architecture and Urban Design | 6 |
| ARCH 574 | Design: Architecture and Urban Design | 6 |
If a 574 studio is cross-listed as ARCH 575, then it will also satisfy the M.ARCH core requirement for one semester of 575. | ||
| Students are strongly encouraged to consider participation in the Chicago Studio in the first semester of the second year. | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Graduate Courses | 6 | |
| These courses may also fulfill elective requirements for the M.Arch. degree. Students will complete two, 3 credit hour courses to earn the 6 hours for this section. | ||
| 400-level and 500-level ARCH coursework | ||
Coursework taken for completion of the Urbanism Concentration must focus on issues of urbanism. Faculty in the Urbanism Program area offer a wide variety of graduate courses. In any given semester, these may have an appropriate focus for the Urbanism Concentration in other semesters they may not. Each semester Urbanism Faculty determine collectively which courses will be accepted for the Urbanism Concentration. | ||
| Other Graduate Courses | ||
In addition, Faculty in other Program Areas may on occasion offer 400 or 500-level courses that are appropriate for the Urbanism Concentration. In such cases the Chair of Urbanism in consultation with the student’s advisor and after reviewing a formal request from the student may approve seminars taught by Architecture Faculty not in the Urbanism Program Area. | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Elective Coursework | 3 | |
Students must complete a minimum of 3 additional elective hours in course work related to urbanism. These hours must be acquired outside the School of Architecture. These hours may also fulfill elective requirements for the M.Arch. degree. Students may tailor this course to their own interests within the concentration. Students are encouraged to seek out special topics courses that vary by semester in other units and that are applicable to the urbanism concentration and the interest of the student. Courses must be approved by the advisor. | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours to earn the Concentration in Urbanism for the M.Arch. | 21 | |
for the Master of Architecture in Architecture, Urbanism Concentration
School of Architecture
Director of the School: Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Suárez
Associate Director of Curricular and Academic Programs: Emelie Mies
School website
117 Temple Hoyne Buell Hall, 611 Taft Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-7720
School email: arch-grad@illinois.edu