Architecture (One-Year Program)

This program is open to candidates with either a BS in Architecture from Northeastern University or a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree from an accredited North American program with at least one year of IDP-approved professional experience.

The physical and cultural context of Boston serves as a laboratory for the program’s design studios, and the program is design-focused, but with a different approach than many schools. We find opportunities for innovation within the real estate and construction industries and current policy debates—rather than outside of them. This is how we intend to move architects to the center of the discussion about the future of our cities.

Students take courses in urban housing, practice integrated design, and do original research on market-driven building types. The final degree project in the design studio offers an opportunity to leverage this research with real innovations in hybrid types and strategic alterations to existing ones, and to take on the challenge of finding prototypical solutions for systemic problems.

In addition to studio courses, graduate students take seminars in architectural theory and design strategy; and electives are available in real estate development, sustainable building techniques, urban landscape, and other topics. There is also a unique course that looks at case studies of architecture firms in practice, problem solving, and innovation. Students will leave our program with a unique balance of technical, theoretical, and strategic tools to make a real difference in the profession.

More Details

The School of Architecture’s Master of Architecture program focuses on the complex problems facing designers in the contemporary city. This program gives eligible candidates the opportunity to get a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture degree in one year.

Admissions Dates

Final deadline: February 1

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

• Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
  • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • IELTS Academic
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

• 1.Create your application

  Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.

• 2.Submit all required materials

  Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.

• 3.Check your application status

  Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.