Master’s in Architecture in the USA in 2025-26: Universities, Fees, Scholarships, and Jobs
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Table of Contents
- Top Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA
- Affordable Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA
- Top Reasons for Studying a Master’s in Architecture in the USA
- Various Types of Master’s in Architecture in the USA
- Admissions Requirements for Masters in Architecture in the USA
- Costs of Studying for a Master’s Degree in Architecture in the USA
- Masters in Architecture in the USA: Scholarships
- Jobs After Masters in Architecture in the USA
- Navigate your Architectural Journey with GetGIS
Master’s in Architecture in the USA in 2025-26 opens doors to some of the world’s top-ranked design schools like MIT, Harvard, and Columbia. The US architecture sector is projected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, creating strong demand for skilled professionals.
International students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge technology, sustainable design practices, and global networking opportunities. Tuition fees usually range between USD 20,000 and USD 70,000 per year, with scholarships and assistantships easing costs for many. To help you explore programs, universities, and career opportunities, this blog walks you through everything you need to know.
Top Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA
Our curated list reveals the top universities for a Master's in Architecture in the USA. Dive into the table below to explore these academic powerhouses and find the perfect fit for your architectural aspirations.
|
University |
QS World University Rankings for Architecture 2025 |
Program |
Annual Tuition Fee |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
2 |
M.Sc. Architecture Studies - Design |
30,995 |
|
Harvard University |
6 |
Master of Architecture |
59,488 |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
10 |
Master of Architecture |
21,181 |
|
Columbia University |
16 |
Master of Architecture |
77,938 |
|
Cornell University |
19 |
M.Sc. Advanced Architectural Design |
68,380 |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
27 |
Master of Architecture |
31,949 |
|
Yale University |
32 |
Master of Architecture |
60,214 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
39 |
Master of Architecture |
61,020 |
|
Princeton University |
40 |
Master of Architecture |
59,710 |
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Intakes in USA
Affordable Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA
Here are some of the most affordable universities in the USA for a Master’s in Architecture.
|
University |
Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD) |
Average Annual Tuition Fee (INR) |
|
University of Texas at Austin |
19,286 |
16,92,018 |
|
University of Washington |
19,044 |
16,70,787 |
|
University of Houston |
17,048 |
14,95,672 |
|
Georgia Tech |
16,565 |
14,53,297 |
|
University of Minnesota |
15,606 |
13,69,161 |
|
The University of Iowa |
15,299 |
13,42,227 |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
14,807 |
12,99,062 |
|
California Polytechnic State University |
13,638 |
11,96,502 |
|
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
11,536 |
10,12,087 |
|
The City University of New York |
11,340 |
99,4892 |
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Top Reasons for Studying a Master’s in Architecture in the USA
Find below the reasons to pursue a Master's in Architecture in the USA. The country offers unique opportunities, cutting-edge programs, and vibrant architectural culture that make studying in the USA an enriching experience for aspiring architects.
- Individuals with a BArch degree earn an average annual salary package of USD 56,900, while those with an MArch degree receive a compensation of USD 110,000 per annum in the industry.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates an 8% increase in employment opportunities for architects from 2023 to 2033. This projection suggests around 8,500 job openings during this period.
- Indian students applying to top US architectural schools, per QS-Ranked Universities, ensure superior employment opportunities. These schools, in the QS World University Rankings, hold a remarkable 100% reputation among academics and employers.
Various Types of Master’s in Architecture in the USA
In the USA, there are various types of Master's degrees available in architecture, each with its own focus and specialization. The following are some of the more common ones:
- Master of Architecture (M.Arch): It is a professional degree that prepares students for licensure as an architect. The M.Arch typically requires five years of study, including a four-year UG degree in architecture and one year of graduate study.
- Master of Science in Architecture (M.Sc.): This degree is typically focused on research and scholarship in architecture. The M.Sc. program takes two years full-time to complete.
- Master of Arts in Architecture (M.A.): This degree focuses on the humanities and social sciences aspects of architecture. The M.A. program usually takes two years to complete full-time.
- Master of Fine Arts in Architecture (M.F.A.): Focuses on the creative aspects of architecture.
- Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.): Focuses on the design of outdoor spaces.
- Master of Urban Design (M.U.D.): Focuses on the planning and design of cities and towns.
Must Read: Fall Intake in the USA 2025
Admissions Requirements for Masters in Architecture in the USA
Here are the admission requirements and document checklist for pursuing a master’s in Architecture. Let’s dive in and understand them in-depth.
- Bachelor's Degree: Hold a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) with a grade of B- or higher
- GPA Requirement: Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
- Studio Course: Possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a 3A studio course in areas such as freehand drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, or basic architectural design.
- Credit Hours: Have completed a minimum of 45 credit hours of studies in the arts, humanities, and/or science.
- Course Requirements: Have taken at least one college-level course in each of the following areas: Newtonian physics, mathematics, and a university survey of the history of architecture.
Document Checklist
To join an architecture college in the USA, there is a set of supporting documents that need to be enclosed along with the application. Here is a checklist.
- Three recommendation letters
- Valid student visa documentation
- Standard course-by-course evaluation from recognized services like World Education Services or Education Perspectives
- Scores from an English Language Proficiency Test
- Evidence of GRE scores
- Financial statement
- Application fee payment receipt
- Personal statement
- All official transcripts
- Updated resume
- Proof of student health insurance
- Portfolio showcasing previous creative work
Explore: Top Universities in USA for MS in 2025
Costs of Studying for a Master’s Degree in Architecture in the USA
Pursuing a Master of Architecture (M. Arch) degree in the United States comes with significant expenses. In addition to tuition fees, the cost of living in the USA adds another layer of financial consideration.
Examining these expenses closely, one can anticipate various costs.
|
Expense Type |
Average Annual Cost (USD) |
|
Health Insurance |
1,500 - 2,000 |
|
Studio Supplies & Materials |
1,000-2,000 |
|
Books & Materials |
800 - 1,200 |
|
Architecture Supplies |
1,000 - 2,000 |
|
Software Licenses |
300 - 500 |
|
Travel (Study Tours/Visits) |
500 - 1,000 |
Check Out: Cost of Study in USA for Indian Students in 2026
Masters in Architecture in the USA: Scholarships
Below is a table that provides a comprehensive overview of available scholarships, offering opportunities for aspiring architects to pursue their academic and professional goals with financial assistance.
|
Scholarship |
Benefits Offered |
|
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship |
Provides coverage for tuition, monthly stipend, and international travel expenses |
|
Aga Khan Foundation Grants |
Offers partial tuition to a limited number of eligible students |
|
AAUW International Fellowships |
For women architects seeking graduate-level education in the USA |
|
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation |
Covers tuition fees along with living expenses for specific approved programs |
Suggested Reading: Scholarship for Indian Students in USA
Jobs After Masters in Architecture in the USA
A Master's in Architecture in the USA opens doors to a variety of job opportunities, including roles in architectural design firms, urban planning agencies, construction management, and more. Here are a few in-demand jobs and their salary.
|
Job Role |
Average Annual Salary (USD) |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|
Architectural Designer |
55,757 |
48,91,728 |
|
Project Architect |
73,072 |
64,10,825 |
|
Design Architect |
63,241 |
55,48,322 |
|
Project Manager |
78,189 |
68,59,755 |
|
Intern Architect |
48,786 |
42,80,142 |
Top Recruiters for Architecture Graduates in the USA
Here is a list of the top companies recruiting Architecture graduates in the USA.
|
Recruiters |
Annual Salary Package (USD) |
Annual Salary Package (INR) |
|
NVIDIA |
147,786 |
1,29,65,709 |
|
Fidelity Investments |
145,384 |
1,27,54,974 |
|
Jamy Interactive |
145,289 |
1,27,46,639 |
|
SAP |
143,375 |
1,25,78,718 |
|
Spectrum |
143,241 |
1,25,66,962 |
Also Read: Top 20 Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students
Navigate your Architectural Journey with GetGIS
In conclusion, selecting the right university is crucial for a successful Master's in Architecture in the USA. The landscape of higher education continually evolves, and in 2024, the best universities for pursuing this degree promise a wealth of opportunities.
To ensure a seamless transition and optimal experience, consider leveraging the expertise of GetGIS, a trusted platform offering study abroad services. Our comprehensive assistance, combined with personalized guidance, can empower aspiring architects to make informed decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What branch of architecture pays the most?
- Healthcare Architecture
- Sustainable Architecture
- Technology Architecture
- Urban Design
- Naval Architecture
Do architects travel a lot?
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Do architects get h1b visas?
Which countries have a shortage of architects?
