MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE RESOURCES

PROGRAM PLACEMENT

Prior to starting their program, during the admissions process, students are evaluated for program placement into the appropriate track. Once they are admitted to the program, students are advised by the M.Arch Program Director. They are able to review their program requirements and their progress via MassArt’s Self-Service system.

 

COURSE SUBSTITUTION EVALUATION AND DOCUMENTATION

M.Arch students with prior course or experience towards M.Arch requirements MUST submit course syllabi and other evidence of their prior learning asap, for review by the Program Director and Graduate Dean towards potential course exemptions and waivers.

All documents must be submitted and approved prior to the start of the fall term. Program Director Paul Hajian, works with Academic Programs Manager Nadia Savage in the Graduate Program, to ensure that evidence is reviewed and stored by the College, and will update students’ program evaluation/ Self-Service “Progress”. Documentation that is not included in the program application is sent via email to: phajian@massart.edu and nsavage@massart.edu.

 

COURSE SEQUENCE AND STUDENT PROGRESS / ADVISING

Program Director Paul Hajian, the M.Arch Advisor, sends students and the registrar initial plans for course registrations. These plans and any approved course exemptions are entered into the student’s program on the college’s database. Students are able to check their progress through their final requirements via MassArt’s Self-Service system. Program Director Paul Hajian (phajian@massart.edu), and Nadia Savage (nsavage@massart.edu) on the Grad Team, and can help students review their progress.

Return to Academic Resources for more information on academic policies, advising and program requirements, registration and billing.

The Department of Architecture is committed to teaching through the studio model. Working in studio should be interactive, collaborative, and rewarding. The following topics address goals that graduate students have set for themselves concerning studio culture in order to maintain a respectful and supportive environment.

 

Studio Spaces & Studio Courses

Studio spaces are intended as a gathering area for informal learning, formal lectures, and as a place to work. Though it is not enforced, students are expected to work in studio as much as possible, both during studio classes and on their own time. Since the exchange of ideas works best when all participants are there to contribute and collaborate, students should make every effort to attend studio meetings, critiques, and lectures on time. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive and disrespectful to the teachers and fellow students.

 

Workplace & Professionalism

Students are expected to respect each other’s studios, work, and equipment. Ask before borrowing equipment or supplies, and always return items promptly. They must also respect the need for a quiet work environment; use headphones when listening to music, or ask your neighbors for permission before using speakers; and turn off cell phones or set them to vibrate during class and studio hours.

We recognize that students spend a majority of their lives in the studio. They are to be mindful of food in storage, eating, and cleanup so problems do not arise related to cleanliness. They must also pay special attention to food in the shared refrigerators and clean it out occasionally.

As there are a limited number of school computers, they must be shared, if necessary. While students are free to save their work to the desktops, it is advised that they back up their work each day. Recreational use of the computer is a low priority.

When leaving studio at year’s end, students must leave spaces clean and free of personal items. Clean-up dates are posted in studio. Work left after those dates is destroyed.

 

Studio Etiquette

The Department of Architecture supports an interactive learning environment where diverse opinions, approaches, and passionate debate are encouraged. However, intimidation, loud shouting, and insulting speech are not tolerated. Like other areas of MassArt, our studios and classrooms should be free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. Students and faculty will treat one another with respect and mutual goodwill, and will resolve differences in an equitable, respectful manner. The faculty, staff, and students are inter-dependent and together build the Department of Architecture.

 

Balance

It is critical that students are able to maintain a balance between their studio work, assignments for other classes in other departments, and lives outside of school. Excessive time spent in studio that precludes participation in extracurricular activities or enrollment in classes taught by this or other departments is strongly discouraged.

 

Time Management

Spending inordinate hours in studio is less effective than investing well-considered quality time on work. Students are encouraged to manage their time so that projects are spread out over the course of a semester in manageable time blocks. Students are discouraged from working late at night on a regular basis and prior to reviews. Working fewer, more productive hours will leave time for other important activities both at school and outside of school.

 

Community and Responsibility

Architecture is not the only department on campus that provides studio space; graduate studios are shared by numerous programs. Agendas and work styles may differ, but everyone deserves respect. Collaboration with students in other departments – such as faculty-led workshop electives or individually directed projects – is encouraged.

MASSART CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• MassArt Career Development
  • Tools and Resources
  • Internships

PROFESSIONAL AND STUDENT ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATIONS

• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
• National Association of Minority Architects (NOMA)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
• Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
• National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
• Boston Society of Architects (BSA)

LICENSURE

M.Arch Program Director Paul Hajian MassArt’s AXP/Licensing Advisor. Paul works closely with students and MassArt’s Career resources office to identify job opportunities for students and recent graduates, and guides students through the internship and licensing exam registration. Paul may be reached at phajian@massart.edu.

The NCARB website provides information on architectural licensure. NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP)  provides resources for, and an app to use in reporting, professional experience hours with supervising professionals. On NCARB’s site, Gain AXP Experience, find information on AXP and download the AXP App

MASSART NAAB ACCREDITATION

MassArt offers two NAAB-accredited programs, the M.Arch Track I (102 credits) and M.Arch Track 2 (60 credits) programs. For more information MassArt’s NAAB accreditation, see the MassArt accreditation statement and NAAB Documents.

NAAB ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES + STUDENT CRITERIA

M.Arch students should review the 2020 NAAB Conditions for Accreditation, particularly for the Program and Student Criteria which apply to our curriculum and accreditation visit of 2024. This  document is posted on the National Architecture Accreditation Board (NAAB) website.