This specialization is for applicants holding an accredited architecture degree wishing to pursue advanced studies with a strong professional practice orientation.

The Master of Science in Architecture is a post-professional specialized degree in the broad field of architecture with an emphasis on professional practice. Common core studies aim to establish a central professional focus for advanced study and research, while sub-core studies and directed electives provide for the development of in-depth study chosen by candidates.

This specialization is for applicants holding a degree in one of the several cognate environmental design disciplines, engineering, or computer science, wishing to pursue advanced studies with a strong inter-professional orientation. This is a post-professional specialized degree in the inter-professional field of environmental design, with special reference to its three primary contributory disciplines of Architecture, City and Regional Planning, and Landscape Architecture. The common core curriculum aims to establish a central focus for advanced study and research, while sub-core studies and directed electives provide for the development of in-depth study in one of the contributory disciplines of Architecture, City and Regional Planning, Architectural Engineering, Landscape Architecture and Construction Management.

The graduate study topics are challenging. Each is of critical importance to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The knowledge and experience students bring to the program are fully employed. At the same time new practices and new knowledge are acquired. These study areas are:

Computer-Aided Design – focusing on the development and utilization of computer systems in the architectural process, with particular emphasis on design information representation and management, the development and utilization of knowledge bases, and expert design assistants. Students are encouraged to participate in the research projects undertaken by the CAD Research Center of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.

Architectural Science – focusing on the increasingly complex performance and technical aspects of architectural design and the knowledge and skills needed when designers deal with the challenges associated with such topics as energy responsive architecture acoustics, lighting, and wind-effects phenomena.

Facility Management – stresses the practice of coordinating the physical workplace with the people and work of an organization. It integrates the principles of business administration, architecture, and behavioral and engineering sciences. Facility management is concerned with the design, construction, maintenance, and management of physical environments. Facility managers usually work as generalists managing teams of specialists such as architects, interior architects, interior designers, engineers, constructon personnel, communication technicians, and so on.

Part-Time Executive Masters – oriented to full-time employed, mid-career professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Although the degree is in architecture, emphasis is placed on the development of core business skills rarely covered in professional education programs, including marketing, client relations, leadership and strategic management.

For further information contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.

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