Architecture

Degree Requirements

Foundation

Design
The design studio sequence consists of core studios, advanced undergraduate studios, comprehensive design studio, graduate studios, and a final graduate thesis design studio. The Core consists of five sequential semesters addressing fundamental architectural design issues, and graphic skills. This is followed by one semester of advanced architectural design studio and one advanced topical studio in urban issues. At the graduate level, students undertake comprehensive design studio, and two additional graduate topical studios, before exploring a thesis topic of their own choosing for the final semester of the professional degree program.

History/Theory
The History/Theory sequence is a three-part structure of required introductory and intermediate courses, and advanced elective options. Students complete a two-course introductory survey of Art and Architectural History, followed by a History of Modern Architecture and Theory of Architecture requirements, one intermediate course in the History of Architecture chosen from a broad menu of options, and one advanced elective option. 

and ONE Intermediate History/Theory Elective:

and ONE Advanced History/Theory Elective:

Environment and Human Behavior
Environment and Human Behavior coursework develops student's skills and understanding relative to environment, social aspects and research methodology.

Technical Systems
The Technical Systems sequence gives students an essential understanding of the practical and theoretical interrelationship between the structural, environmental and enclosure systems of a building, and introduces them to various building materials, assemblies and services. Students complete seven required courses, including a three course structures sequence and two courses each in Construction Materials and Assemblies and in Environmental Systems.

Practice and Professional Development
Practice and Professional Development coursework develops students' communication skills and understanding of the role of architects within society and in relation to the various participants in the building process. This sequence culminates with the Graduate Thesis Seminar, where students are asked to formulate an independent architectural investigation that engages a set of issues that further their understanding of Architecture as a cultural medium and as a profession. 

Architecture Electives Requirement
In addition to the elective options outlined above in History/Theory, the completion of four Architecture Electives is required for graduation, with a minimum of three at the Graduate Level (500 level or above). 

Mathematics Requirement
Math 136 Precalculus or MATH 213 Calculus I and Lab are required for all Architecture majors, and are a prerequisite for required courses in the structures sequence. Successful completion of one of these courses also fulfills the University's Core requirement in mathematics. Students are encouraged to complete the highest level of mathematics that they place into, in recognition of the fact some Roger Williams University minors and graduate study options at other universities may require calculus. Students seeking to complete a Minor in Structural Engineering must complete MATH 213 Calculus I and Lab.

Science Requirement
Architecture majors are required to complete PHYS 109-Physics I-Algebra Based and Lab or PHYS 201-Physics I-Calculus Based and Lab or ENGR 210, and either CORE 101 Science or BIO 104-Biology II or NATSC 103-Earth Systems Science and Lab. Both BIO 104 and NATSC 103 count toward the Core Concentration and Minor in Sustainability Studies.

Degree Requirements

Design

History/Theory

Environment and Human Behavior

Technical Systems

Practice and Professional Development

Architecture Electives Requirement
In addition to the elective options outlined above in History/Theory, the completion of four Graduate Level (500 level or above) Architecture Electives is required for graduation.

BS in Architecture + Master of Architecture Program Estimate of Tuition, Fees, Specialized Materials

For 2021/22, Architecture students pursuing the BS in Architecture + Master of Architecture sequence can expect the following annual and total costs. 

Annual Costs

Undergraduate
$43,872 per year Architecture tuition
$330 activity fee
$1000 per year estimate for books, supplies, specialized materials
$1399 (PC) -$2799 (Mac) Laptop--one time cost. All software is provided for free through the RWU rCloud.
$857 Architecture Toolkit --one time cost

Graduate
$40,584 per year
$930 semester fees
$1000 per year estimated books/supplies

Total Costs (before scholarships or other aid)

$189,832 total estimate for four years of undergraduate study  
$85,028 total estimate for 2 years of graduate study
$274,860 total estimate for students pursuing the 4+2 BS in Architecture + Master of Architecture program sequence

Financial aid and scholarships are available for students pursuing the B.S. Architecture or Master of Architecture degrees.
 

Please consult the Office of the Bursar website for the most current and official tuition and fee information. 

Elective Offerings

History/Theory Advanced Level Course Options

Graduate Electives
Students are encouraged to look at these electives as a means to various concentrations within the M.S. in Architecture Program.

Sustainable Design

Urban Design

Digital Media

Historic Preservation

Additional Architecture Electives

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Architecture program should submit the following items to the Office of Graduate Admission to be considered for admission. Materials do not have to be submitted together in one package. 

1. Completed online application form accompanied by the $50 application fee
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
3. Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in the Master of Architecture program, relevant past experiences and career goals
4. Two letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school
5. Portfolio containing examples of your work (submitted as hard copy, emailed to the Office of Graduate Admission, or submitted electronically through SlideRoom)
6. Senior final semester schedule - non-RWU graduates only. To give you an accurate degree plan, you will need to submit a copy of your final semester schedule from your undergraduate studies if it is not represented on your transcript. 
7. If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results.

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. International applicants should also read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents.

Where appropriate, documents should be submitted online through the applicant portal or via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu. Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809

Have questions about the application process? Visit the How to Apply page from the Office of Graduate Admission.

Application Deadlines (Fall Admission)

Priority Deadline I - January 15th 

Priority Deadline II - March 1st

Final Deadline - May 1st 

Applications received for each of the priority deadlines will be guaranteed an admission decision within 30 days of that deadline and will receive priority consideration for financial aid. Students who miss the final deadline may contact the Office of Graduate Admission for consideration for admission on a space available basis. 

Scholarships and Institutional Aid

All accepted Master of Architecture students who completed their undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA or above will receive a merit scholarship, renewable annually while maintaining a 3.0 GPA in graduate coursework. In addition, each full-time graduate student will be awarded a $4,000 assistantship through the Career Investment Program.

Master of Architecture students are also eligible for several endowed scholarships, including the Raj Saksena Memorial Scholarship, the Kaestle Boos Associates Scholarship, and several scholarships endowed through the American Institute of Architects Rhode Island.