Dec 13, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2024-2025 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2024-2025

Architecture, M.Arch., and Information Technology, M.S., Dual Degree


Design has become increasingly important to computer scientists and at the same time computation has become important to designers. The dual degree program in Architecture and Information Technology program is a unique curriculum that systematically combines the strength and insights of these disciplines. Students in this dual degree program enroll simultaneously in both degree programs.

As computing has matured as a discipline, it has expanded its focus to include the physical and virtual settings in which users interact with the machine. Specialties like human computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, gaming, and visualization require an understanding not only of the logic of the machine, but also the logic of the user. Based on these concerns, the design thinking ability that is an integral part of design training is of interest as an alternative paradigm that may change the way that students think and operate.

Within architecture, there is a unique opportunity to develop students who will have the knowledge to lead the integration of the computer into architectural practice and research. As firms rely more and more on computation, those who know how to think, program, and script will be able to change the way architects design and practice. We see the day fast approaching when the IT department at firms is not separate but rather is at the core of what architects do. Already, in advanced practices across the world, computing and design are intermingling.

The curriculum integrates architecture students with information technology students, working collaboratively on tasks that challenge both fields. Early in the curriculum, the cohorts with architecture background and those with computing background take courses to provide basic competency in a new discipline.

A two-semester sequence of studio lab courses focuses on issues and problems that are researched by design teams.

Note: The Master of Architecture in the School of Architecture is fully accredited through the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).  The architecture curriculum included in this dual degree program meets all NAAB professional degree requirements needed for licensure as a registered architect.

Admission Requirements


Students must apply to each program separately and be admitted to both programs by the published census date of the third semester (including Summer).  No admission requirements established by the Graduate School or by either individual program may be waived. See Architecture, M.Arch.  and Information Technology, M.S.  sections of this catalog for individual program admission requirements.

Dual Degree Requirements


Dual degree students must satisfy all individual degree requirements (Architecture, M.Arch.  and Information Technology, M.S. ) with the added benefit of sharing a limited number of credits between the two programs. See the Shared Courses section below for permissible course sharing.

Shared Courses (M.Arch. Advanced Standing)


Architecture, M.Arch. (Advanced Standing Concentration)

The Architecture, M.Arch. (Advanced Standing concentration) program allows 9 credits to be shared from Information Technology, M.S. as follows:

Degree Requirement(s) MSIT Course(s) Allowed Credits
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITCS 5122   3
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITIS 6200   3
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITIS 6300   3
Information Technology, M.S. (Human-Centered Design Concentration)

The Information Technology, M.S. program allows 9 credits to be shared from Architecture, M.Arch (Advanced Standing concentration) as follows:

Degree Requirement(s) ARMS Course(s) Allowed Credits
Concentration - ARCH 7211    ARCH 5305    3
Electives - Any ITIS ARCH 7104    6

Dual Degree Total = 52 Credit Hours


Shared Courses (ARC2 Concentration)


Architecture, M.Arch. (ARC2 Concentration)

The Architecture, M. Arch. (ARC2 concentration) program allows 15 credits to be shared from Information Technology, M.S. as follows:

Degree Requirement(s) MSIT Course(s) Allowed Credits
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITCS 5122   3
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITIS 6200   3
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITIS 6300   3
ARCH 7102   ITIS 5166  and ITIS 6120   6
Information Technology, M.S. (Human-Centered Design Concentration)

The Information Technology, M.S. program allows 9 credits to be shared from Architecture, M.Arch. (ARC2 concentration) as follows:

Degree Requirement(s) ARC2 Course(s) Allowed Credits
Concentration - ARCH 7211   ARCH 5305   3
Electives - Any ITIS ARCH 7104   6

Degree Total = 66 Credit Hours


Shared Courses (ARC1 Concentration)


Architecture, M.Arch. (ARC1 Concentration)

The Architecture, M.Arch. (ARC1 concentration) program allows 15 credits to be shared from Information Technology, M.S. as follows:

Degree Requirement(s) MSIT Course(s) Allowed Credits
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITCS 5122   3
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITIS 6200   3
ARCH elective (ARCH 5050 , ARCH 5204 , ARCH 6306 , or ARCH 6890 ) ITIS 6300   3
ARCH 6103   ITIS 5166  and ITIS 6120   6
Information Technology, M.S. (Human-Centered Design Concentration)

The Information Technology, M.S. program allows 9 credits to be shared from Architecture, M.Arch. (ARC1 concentration) as follows:

Degree Requirement(s) ARC1 Course(s) Allowed Credits
Concentration - ARCH 7211    ARCH 5305    3
Electives - Any ITIS ARCH 7104    6

Dual Degree Total = 102 Credit Hours)


Capstone Studios and Final Diploma Project


Students enrolled in the Dual Degree M.Arch. /M.S. Information Technology program are required to complete the M.S.I.T Capstone (IT Project) and ARCH 7104 - Design Studio Diploma Project .