Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.Arch.)

The Master of Science in Architecture (M.S. Arch.) at NJIT’s Hillier College is a post-professional STEM-designated program that consists of 30 credits of required and elective courses. The program is designed for graduates from architecture schools or architects that wish to specialize in areas such as Sustainability, Urbanism or Computation.

Beside gaining expert knowledge in these areas students in this program have the opportunity to work closely with nationally renowned faculty on a broad range of research projects that connect our students to the industry and architecture discourse in the New York Metropolitan area. Full- and part-time degree options are available.

Research concentrations

Sustainability
Students tackle sustainability challenges by addressing environmental impacts associated with construction and energy consumption from the scale of the individual building to that of the city. Students learn about energy efficiency in buildings, passive house standards, Life Cycle Assessment, and how design decisions impact the environment. Working with our Center for Resilient Design, students help develop strategic design responses to increasingly severe weather conditions exacerbated by global warming.

Expert Faculty: Deane Evans, Christine Liaukus, Martina Decker, John Cays

Urbanism
As cities and metropolitan areas grow in unprecedented size and density worldwide, issues of design, planning, and use on an urban and a neighborhood scale become ever more pressing. This concentration addresses these issues from a contemporary and a historical perspective through various courses and a broad choice of studios. Students learn from experts in public space, housing, development, redevelopment, re-use, and urban history. Students learn methods of scholarly and field research to analyze and obtain expertise in developing critical thinking, and proposing their own design and planning interventions. Courses take advantage of NJIT’s location in Newark, New Jersey, its proximity to New York, and connections to cities around the world. 

Expert Faculty: Zeynep Çelik, Gabrielle Esperdy, Karen A. Franck, Thomas Navin, Gernot Riether, Anthony W. Schuman, Darius T. Sollohub, Georgeen Theodore

Computation
Students learn computational processes that inform the production of architecture. Students work in a multidisciplinary research environment guided by renowned faculty who lead in areas of embedded systems, computation, human factors, and digital fabrication. Courses are offered in machine learning, programming, physical computing, simulation, motion capture, and digital fabrication. The unique intersection of these three areas allow students to develop new solutions for the Internet of Things, digital culture, and a sustainable built environment. In our digital design and fabrication labs, students have the opportunity to develop new approaches to manufacturing architecture or develop large-scale prototypes using robotic fabrication facilities and 3D printing.

Expert Faculty: Taro Narahara, Mathew Schwartz, Andrzej Zarzycki

Curriculum
The 30 credit curriculum is designed to provide options for individual students to gain expert knowledge in different areas or engage in funded research opportunities. The curriculum can be customized based on research interest and may be taken either full-time or part-time. Students in preparation for further study at the doctoral level may be required to complete an additional 6 credit thesis. Students are required to design their programs in consultation with the graduate advisor and lead faculty member in the area of specialization.

Inquiries
For questions please contact Gernot Riether, griether@njit.edu