Architecture - Advanced Architectural Design
The Advanced Architectural Design Master of Science at Pennsylvania University is a one-year, intensive on-campus program crafted for individuals who already possess foundational architectural training and wish to expand their design capabilities through advanced theory, experimentation, and professional critique. This program focuses on conceptual development, innovation in building technologies, and interdisciplinary design strategies, fostering a rich academic environment where critical thinking and studio-based learning come together. Students work on speculative projects that challenge traditional architectural forms and address global design concerns.
With a strong emphasis on studio practice, the curriculum encourages students to push creative boundaries while addressing pressing issues such as sustainability, urban transformation, and digital fabrication. Faculty members with international recognition guide students through rigorous coursework that combines theory, applied design, and emerging technologies. The program culminates in a comprehensive design thesis, offering students an opportunity to articulate their personal architectural vision within a professional framework.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Architecture - Advanced Architectural Design
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 04 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Architecture
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Design Foundations and Methods
- Advanced Architectural Design Studio I
- Contemporary Theories in Architecture
- Environmental Systems and Sustainable Strategies
- Computational Tools and Digital Modeling
Semester 2 – Integration and Thesis Development
- Advanced Architectural Design Studio II
- Urban Contexts and Critical Site Analysis
- Thesis Seminar and Research Methods
- Final Architectural Design Thesis
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this specialized master’s program can pursue competitive roles in architectural firms, urban design studios, design consultancies, and international development agencies where innovation and advanced conceptualization are highly valued. Many become design leads, project architects, or digital fabrication specialists, while others venture into academic teaching, research-based architecture, or establish their own studios. The program also supports career pathways in exhibition design, urban revitalization, and sustainable development consulting. Those aiming to enhance their portfolios for future PhD studies or international practice will find this program to be a powerful stepping stone that refines both creative and technical skills within an academically rigorous context.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for design-focused architects seeking to deepen their conceptual and professional expertise in a challenging yet supportive academic setting. Its one-year format, combined with intensive studio work and access to cutting-edge resources, allows for accelerated development without sacrificing academic rigor. Students benefit from the university’s vibrant intellectual environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and exposure to global architectural discourse. The curriculum is structured to stimulate both creativity and precision, ensuring that graduates are equipped to engage with complex design problems, articulate visionary architectural solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the future of the built environment.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
