Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Masters in Architecture in USA is a 2-3 years program preparing graduates for numerous roles in the field of Architecture. The program includes sustainable architecture, interior and landscape architecture, digital design and visualization, heritage conservation, and more topics. Prospective students require a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%) for admission to the program. Indian applicants need at least an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent as a proof of English language proficiency.
The tuition fees for the program range between 6,844 to 77,938 USD per year. The annual tuition fees across the top universities like MIT, Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia University are on the higher sides with 30,995 and 77,938 USD (26.03 and 65.46 lakhs INR). The University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Houston, University of Kentucky, Florida International University and few others are some institutes offering the program at affordable rates. Tuition fees in these universities range between 6,844 and 20,000 USD (5.74 to 16.79 lakhs INR) per year.
Graduates of the program annually earn an average salary of 70,000 USD per year. Architects in USA earn the highest in New York with an average salary of 141,000 USD (1.18 lakhs INR). Some other high paying locations employing Architects are, Los Angeles (138,000 USD), Chicago (137,000 USD), and San Jose (125,000 USD).
Top Universities for Masters in Architecture in USA
Some top-ranked universities in USA offering Masters in Architecture and their details are as follows:
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4 | Harvard University | Master of Architecture | Cambridge, Massachusetts | January 3, 2025 | 105 | 59,488 | 2,837.50 |
| #3 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | M.Sc. Architecture Studies - Design | Cambridge, Massachusetts | January 7, 2025 | 90 | 30,995 | 2,837.50 |
| #6 | Princeton University | Master of Architecture | Princeton, New Jersey | January 3, 2025 | 75 | 59,710 | 1,925 |
| #9 | University of California, Berkeley | Master of Architecture | Berkeley, California | January 5, 2025 | 155 | 21,181 | 2,180 |
| M.Sc. in Architecture | Berkeley, California | Early January | 155 | 28,000 | |||
| #10 | Yale University | Master of Architecture | New Haven, Connecticut | January 2, 2025 | 105 | 60,214 | 1,475 |
| #17 | Columbia University | Master of Architecture | Broadway, New York | January 3, 2025 | 120 | 77,938 | 2,909.83 |
| #16 | University of Pennsylvania | Master of Architecture | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | January 4, 2025 | 90 | 61,020 | 1,776.52 |
| M.Sc. Architecture - Advanced Architectural Design | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | December 14, 2024 | 90 | 61,020 | |||
| #18 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Master of Architecture | Los Angeles, California | January 6, 2025 | 155 | 31,949 | 1,339.4 |
| M.Sc. Architecture and Urban Design | Los Angeles, California | January 6, 2025 | 155 | 36,297 | |||
| #20 | Cornell University | M.Sc. Advanced Architectural Design | Ithaca, New York | January 3, 2024 | 80 | 68,380 | 2,909.83 |
Masters in Architecture in Texas
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #52 | University of Texas at Austin | M.A. Architectural History | Austin, Texas | January 3, 2025 | 90 | 19,286 | 1,517.34 |
| #118 | Texas A&M University | M.Sc. in Architecture | College Station, Texas | August 1, 2024 | 90 | 58,976 | |
| #501-600 | University of Houston | M.A. in Architectural Studies | Houston, Texas | January 1, 2025 | 80 | 28,163.32 | |
| Master of Science in Architecture | Houston, Texas | January 1, 2025 | 80 | 17,048.7 | |||
| M.Sc. Space Architecture | Houston, Texas | March 15, 2025 | May 15, 2025 | September 15, 2025 | 85 | 17,048.7 | |||
| #501-600 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | M.Sc. in Architecture | San Antonio, Texas | Architecture degree: March 2, 2025 | Other degree: March 3, 2025 | 90 | 6,844 |
Masters in Architecture in New York
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #301-350 | University at Buffalo | M.Sc. in Architecture | Getzville, New York | October 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 | 75 | 27,320 | 2,909.83 |
| #401-500 | Syracuse University | M.Sc. in Architecture | Syracuse, New York | January 15, 2025 | 75 | 36,500 | |
| #401-500 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | M.Sc. in Architecture | Troy, New York | January 1, 2025 | March 15, 2025 | 75 | 31,250 | |
| - | Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art | M.Sc. in Architecture | New York | January 5, 2025 | 75 | 51,650 | |
| - | Pratt Institute | M.Sc. in Architecture | Brooklyn, New York | January 3, 2025 | 90 | 29,890 | |
| - | New York Institute of Technology | M.Sc. Architecture, Computational Technologies | Old Westbury, New York | June 15, 2025 | 50 | 22,050 | |
| - | The City University of New York | M.Sc. in Architecture | New York | January 1, 2025 | 75 | 11,340 |
Masters in Architecture in California
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #801-1000 | California Polytechnic State University | M.Sc. in Architecture | San Luis Obispo, California | February 1, 2025 | 70 | 13,638 | 2,180 |
| - | Woodbury University | M.Sc. Architecture | Los Angeles, California | March 1, 2025 | 85 | 21,872 | |
| - | Newschool of Architecture and Design | M.Sc. in Architecture | San Diego, California | TBD | 75 | 10,565 | |
| - | Southern California Institute of Architecture | M.Sc. in Architectural Technologies | Los Angeles, California | January 15, 2025 | 85 | 27,281 |
Masters in Architecture in Pennsylvania
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #122 | Pennsylvania State University | M.Sc. in Architecture | State College and College Township, Pennsylvania | January 15, 2025 | 65 | 23,395 | 1,776.52 |
| #301-351 | Drexel University | M.Sc. Interior Architecture and Design | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Fall Priority: January 15, 2025 | Regular: June 1, 2025 | Winter: September 1, 2025 | Spring: January 15, 2025 | Summer: March 1, 2025 | 65 | 38,154 | |
| #351-400 | Temple University | M.Sc. in Architecture | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | November 1, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | 60 | 47,700 |
Masters in Architecture in Florida
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #132 | University of Florida | Master of Architecture | Gainesville, Florida | January 1, 2025 | 30 | 20,166.96 | 1,504.55 |
| #201-250 | University of Miami | M.Sc. Architecture | Coral Gables, Florida | February 1, 2025 | 70 | 53,130 | |
| #401-500 | Florida International University | M.A. in Architecture | University Park, Florida | January 15, 2025 | 30 | 9,015 |
Masters in Architecture in Ohio
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #801-1000 | Kent State University | M.Sc. Architecture and Environmental Design | Kent, Ohio | February 1, 2025 | 70 | 21,454 | 850 |
| MArch | Kent, Ohio | January 15, 2025 | 70 | 22,904 | |||
| - | University of Cincinnati | M.Sc. in Architecture | Cincinnati, Ohio | January 10, 2025 | 70 | 33,520 |
Masters in Architecture in Arizona
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #=155 | The University of Arizona | M.Sc. Urban Planning - Accelerated Master's Program | Tucson, Arizona | January 16, 2025 | February 19, 2025 | March 15, 2025 | 90 | 37,110 | 1,225.47 |
| #182 | Arizona State University | Master of Architecture | Tempe, Arizona | January 15, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | 115 | 28,890 | |
| MS in Architecture (Energy Perf/Climate Responsive Arch) | Tempe, Arizona | January 15, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | 115 | 28,890 |
Masters in Architecture in Other US States and Cities
| THE World University Rankings, 2024 | University | Program | Location | Application Deadline 2024 | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee | Monthly Flat Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #23 | University of Michigan | M.Sc. Architectural Design and Research | Ann Arbor, Michigan | January 15, 2025 | 90 | 83,887 | 1,861.54 |
| #25 | University of Washington | M.Sc. Architecture in History and Theory | Seattle, Washington | February 1, 2025 | 90 | 19,044 | 1,800.67 |
| M.Sc. Architecture and Design Technology | Seattle, Washington | February 1, 2025 | 85 | 19,044 | |||
| #36 | Georgia Institute of Technology | M.Sc. in Architecture | Atlanta, Georgia | December 31, 2024 | 85 | 16,565 | 1,853.33 |
| #42 | University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign | M.Sc. Architectural Studies | Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area, Illinois | January 7, 2025 | 90 | 14,807 | 750 |
| #63 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | M.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning | Madison, Wisconsin | October 15, 2024 | February 1, 2025 | 75 | 31,329 | 1,536.67 |
| #85 | University of Minnesota | M.Sc. Architecture - Sustainable Design | Minneapolis, Minnesota | January 15, 2025 | 95 | 15,606 | 1,601.50 |
| M.Sc. in Architecture - Metropolitan Design | Minneapolis, Minnesota | January 15, 2025 | 95 | 27,504 | |||
| #201-250 | The University of Iowa | M.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning | Iowa City, Iowa | October 1, 2024 | April 15, 2025 | 100 | 15,298.50 | 1,783.33 |
| #251-300 | Virginia Tech | M.Sc. in Architecture | Blacksburg, Virginia | February 15, 2025 | 75 | 31,690 | 1,410 |
| #351–400 | University of Kansas | MA in Architecture | Lawrence, Kansas | February 1, 2025 | 85 | 20,586 | 912.50 |
| #401-500 | University of Oregon | M.Sc. in Architecture | Eugene, Oregon | Priority: January 2, 2025 | Late: May 1, 2025 (Space-availability basis) | 90 | 33,378 | 1,120.1 |
| #401-500 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln | M.Sc. in Architecture | Lincoln, Nebraska | November 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 | 50 | 19,005 | 1,040 |
| #401-500 | University of Kentucky | M.Sc. in Architecture | Lexington, Kentucky | January 15, 2025 | 75 | 18,119 | 1,400 |
| #401-500 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | M.Sc. in Architecture | Newark, New Jersey | November 15, 2024 | May 1, 2025 | 75 | 33,138 | 4,300 |
| #601-800 | Kansas State University | M.Sc. Architecture | Manhattan, Kansas | January 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | 75 | 31,057.80 | 925 |
| #601-800 | University of Idaho | M.Sc. Integrated Architecture and Design | Moscow, Idaho | February 1, 2025 | 50 | 16,458 | 900 |
| #601-800 | Louisiana State University | M.A. in Architecture | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | February 1, 2025 | 70 | 29,450 | 1,232.50 |
| #601-800 | The University of North Carolina at Charlotte | M.Sc. in Architecture | Charlotte, North Carolina | Spring: Priority: October 1, 2024 | Final: December 1, 2024 | Fall: Priority: March 1, 2025 | Final: August 1, 2025 | Summer: Priority: April 1, 2025 | Final: June 15, 2025 | 85 | 11,536 | 1,298.3 |
| #801-1000 | Clemson University | M.Sc. in Architecture | Clemson, South Carolina | January 15, 2025 | No application fee | 28,562 | 975 |
| #801-1000 | Portland State University | M.Sc. in Architecture | Portland, Oregon | Mid-January | 65 | 10,158 | 1,288.4 |
| - | Marymount University | M.A. in Interior Architecture and Design | Arlington, Virginia | November 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | 50 | 40,162.50 | 2,025 |
| - | Savannah State University | M.Sc. Urban Studies and Planning | Savannah, Georgia | October 1, 2024 | March 1, 2024 | June 1, 2025 | 25 | 18,288 | 1,450 |
Affordable Universities for Masters in Architecture in USA
Check out some top ranked universities in USA offering MS in Architecture at comparatively affordable rates than other universities:

Masters in Architecture in USA Admissions
For admission to Masters in Architecture in USA, Indian students need a 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 scale (85%). The supporting requirements for admission to this program are:
- Official transcripts
- GRE score: 290+
- SOP
- 2 LORs
- Resume
- Portfolio
- English language proficiency:
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- Proof of finance availability
Note: Applicants might be asked to attend an interview as a part of the application process.
Work Study in USA
International student on F1 visa can work for up to 20 hours a week. Currently, the minimum pay rate in USA is 12 USD (1,007 INR) per hour. You can also pursue Graduate Assistantship roles, including Teaching and Research Assistantship, by demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. Assistantships help you to earn professional experience while studying. It also plays a pivotal role in displaying professional experience while applying for jobs after graduation.
Also Check: Masters scholarships in USA
Masters in Architecture in USA Jobs and Salaries
Masters in Architecture graduates in USA reportedly earn 70,000 USD (58.77 lakhs INR) per month. Some popular professions pursued by these graduates are as follows:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Intern | 49,537 | 41.59 lakhs |
| Intern Architect | 51,638 | 43.35 lakhs |
| Architectural Associate | 55,806 | 46.85 lakhs |
| Architectural Designer | 58,807 | 49.37 lakhs |
| Project Coordinator | 61,646 | 51.76 lakhs |
| Urban Planner | 62,394 | 52.39 lakhs |
| Interior Designer | 63,027 | 52.92 lakhs |
| Marketing Director | 65,721 | 55.18 lakhs |
| Architectural Job Captain | 65,778 | 55.22 lakhs |
| Design Architect | 67,673 | 56.81 lakhs |
| Assistant Project Manager, Construction | 69,402 | 58.26 lakhs |
| Architect (Not Landscape or Naval) | 74,637 | 62.66 lakhs |
| Project Engineer | 75,781 | 63.62 lakhs |
| Project Architect | 77,019 | 64.66 lakhs |
| Construction Project Manager | 81,179 | 68.15 lakhs |
| Project Manager | 81,209 | 68.18 lakhs |
| Project Manager, Architecture | 81,761 | 68.64 lakhs |
| Project Manager, Construction | 85,690 | 71.94 lakhs |
| Senior Interior Designer | 89,167 | 74.86 lakhs |
| Technical Architect | 91,303 | 76.65 lakhs |
| Building Information Modelling (BIM) Manager | 94,777 | 79.57 lakhs |
| Senior Project Architect | 101,662 | 85.35 lakhs |
| Design Manager | 105,152 | 88.28 lakhs |
| Real Estate Development Manager | 108,607 | 91.18 lakhs |
| Director of Construction | 112,400 | 94.36 lakhs |
| Principal Architect | 116,137 | 97.50 lakhs |
| Associate Principal | 120,933 | 1.01 crore |
| Senior Project Manager, Construction | 129,945 | 1.09 crore |
Masters in Architecture in USA is quite long as compared to other masters courses. However, it is quite rewarding with outstanding starting salaries and various reputed companies. The program opens the doors of numerous professional opportunities to the students. The opportunity to study in some of the world renowned universities, excellent lifestyle, and high returns on investment makes the course popular among international students.
FAQs
Ques. How many years is a Masters in Architecture in the USA?
Ans. Masters in Architecture in the USA is a 2-3 year long degree. The program will provide you with an in-depth understanding of architecture.
Ques. Is it worth doing a Masters in Architecture in the USA?
Ans. Yes. MS in Architecture in USA is a smart choice, considering the high return on investment. Graduates of the program reportedly earn an average salary of 70,000 USD (58.78 lakhs INR) per year. In senior roles like Senior Project Manager, Construction, graduates earn up to 129,945 USD (1.09 crore INR) per year in average salary.



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