A masters program in both engineering and architecture?

November 7, 2007 1:05 PM

Do you know of a masters program in both engineering and architecture?

I am an undergraduate civil engineering student. I have always had a passion for architecture and engineering. I am not looking for advice about whether I should do architecture or engineering, i.e. which one will cause me to collapse from exhaustion first. I am looking for masters programs that combine both engineering and architecture. Any ideas?

posted by peetle to education (11 comments total)

Perhaps I misunderstand. Do you mean architectural engineering? If not, I apologize.

http://www.gradschools.com/listings/menus/arch_eng_menu.html
posted by Danila at 1:08 PM on November 7, 2007

http://www.gradschools.com/listings/menus/arch_eng_menu.html
posted by Danila at 1:08 PM on November 7, 2007

No, architectural engineering looks more like a construction management field rather than what I think we're looking for, which would be a combination of an architecture degree and civil engineering degree.

peetle, I'm not sure why you think you'd need masters degrees in both--if you're getting a bachelors in engineering, what's wrong with getting a masters in architecture alone? Or even getting a masters in architecture and then a doctorate in engineering (as my Structures professor did)?

Once you get out into the real world, all that will really matter is what you're licensed to do. A bachelors in engineering and a masters in architecture should make you eligible for licenses in both disciplines once you've gained enough work experience in both fields (I don't know for certain about engineering, but this would be the case for architecture; regulations may vary by jurisdiction, YMMV, etc.). If you end up licensed to perform both disciplines--which I assume is your actual goal ultimately--what does it really matter what degrees you've earned?

I'm just guessing, but I think the real difficulty in having a totally for reals arch/eng degree would be that you'd really end up deficient in one area, meaning that it's unlikely that the degree would get accredited anyway or have any real value. I've never heard of one.
posted by LionIndex at 1:26 PM on November 7, 2007

What I'd do is just pick one discipline (whatever one you prefer/think will admit you/will give you more money/whatever) and select coursework, an supervisor and a thesis topic that closely relates to the other. As LionIndex says, doing one doesn't preclude you from the other. Since your undergrad is in civil, I'd look for engineering-friendly architecture grad schools.

But getting two Masters (not clear if the you even wanted to, but don't) is definitely not a good use of your time. Get one and then either focus on work experience or a Ph.D.
posted by Nelsormensch at 1:42 PM on November 7, 2007

If you can do a five-year undergrad/grad program and end up with a masters in civil, and then do a two-year arch masters, that might be worth your time.
posted by Eringatang at 1:58 PM on November 7, 2007

Hell, in California you can get an Architect License without any education at all...once you work for an architect for 8 years and can pass all 9 exams.
posted by LionIndex at 2:00 PM on November 7, 2007

and then do a two-year arch masters,

An engineering degree may gain you advance standing, but I think if your undergrad degree is in something other than architecture, it'll probably take you 3 years to get a masters.
posted by LionIndex at 2:01 PM on November 7, 2007

I'm assuming you're looking to combine the material, rather than actually have two degrees or one that says both architecture and engineering? If so, definitely look into the Building Technology program at MIT, and other professors/universities you see listed as working with the BT program.
posted by whatzit at 2:05 PM on November 7, 2007

Illinois Institute of Technology offers cross discipline degrees.
posted by garlic at 2:12 PM on November 7, 2007

Find your nearest Arup office, and take someone out to lunch to pick their brains.
posted by migurski at 3:12 PM on November 7, 2007

From what I've heard Sciarc is pretty supportive/designed for interdisciplinary studies, though it only offers an architecture degree.
posted by ejaned8 at 4:00 PM on November 7, 2007