Joint-Degree Programs
School of Architecture/School of Management
Phillip G. Bernstein, Coordinator
The Yale School of Architecture and the Yale School of Management offer a joint-degree program in Architecture and Management. This program is especially oriented to individuals who wish to integrate the design, urban development, and management professions in pursuing careers in government or the private sector.
Joint-degree students in the three-year first professional M.Arch. program must complete all requirements for the degree, including six terms of design studio, with the first four terms taken consecutively. This is an accredited, professional degree and specific requirements may not be bypassed, except when waivers are granted for course work previously completed at other institutions. Students in this program will have their overall number of course credits required for the M.Arch. degree reduced from the normal 114 credits to 96 credits. This means they will take 18 fewer elective credits (six elective courses) and may be waived from the History and Theory and/or Urbanism and Landscape elective requirements. Normally this adjustment will allow the student to divide the final (fourth) year schedule between the two required advanced studios at the School of Architecture and courses at the School of Management.
Joint-degree students in the two-year post-professional M.Arch. program must complete 54 credits in the School of Architecture, including three advanced studios and the post-professional research studio (1121b). They will complete the joint-degree program in three years, normally consisting of one full year in each school and a final year divided between the two schools.
At the conclusion of the required studies, the joint-degree program awards both a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.). Withdrawal or dismissal from the School of Management will automatically obligate a student to complete all normal requirements for the M.Arch. degree (114 credits for first professional degree; 72 credits for post-professional degree option). The M.Arch. degree will not be awarded to joint-degree candidates until they have completed all requirements for both degrees.
Admissions are determined independently by the two schools. Students may apply to both schools at the same time and, if accepted, will begin their studies at the School of Architecture, since admission to the School cannot be deferred; or they may apply to the School of Management prior to their final year at the School of Architecture. Students enrolled at the School of Management may apply to the School of Architecture during their first year. Those who apply simultaneously should so indicate on both applications. Applications to the School of Architecture must be approved by the committee of the joint-degree program. Inquiries may be directed to the registrar at the School of Architecture and to the director of student services at the School of Management.
School of Architecture/School of the Environment
Elisa Iturbe, Coordinator
The Yale School of Architecture and the Yale School of the Environment offer a joint-degree program in Architecture and Environmental Management. This program is directed to individuals who wish to become leaders in sustainable architecture and ecological design, with a focus on the integration of ecological science, energy systems, and global urbanization patterns with architecture and urbanism. Capitalizing on the breadth and depth of expertise at the School of the Environment in ecosystem ecology, land change science, environmental economics, industrial ecology, and ecological anthropology, this program fosters students who can innovatively merge ecological knowledge with architecture at the site, city, and regional scales.
The joint-degree program offers a focused curriculum that enables a student to obtain both a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree and a Master of Environmental Management (M.E.M.) degree one year earlier than would be required if each degree were pursued independently; that is, in four years if admitted to the first professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch. I) program, or in three years if admitted to the second professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch. II) program.
Individuals seeking admission to this joint-degree program must apply and be admitted to one of the two School of Architecture Master of Architecture programs (M.Arch. I or M.Arch. II) and also apply and be admitted separately to the School of the Environment Master of Environmental Management program. Consequently, applicants must submit all required admissions materials and prerequisites for application to each of these programs, indicating their desire to be, in addition, considered for the joint-degree program.
Students may apply to both schools at the same time and, if accepted, will begin their studies at the School of Architecture, since admission to the School of Architecture cannot be deferred. Those who apply simultaneously should indicate their desire to be considered for the joint-degree program on both applications. Students may also apply to the joint-degree program once they have enrolled in one of the schools. At the School of Architecture, students may apply to the School of the Environment prior to their final year. Students enrolled at the School of the Environment may apply to the School of Architecture during their first year. Inquiries may be directed to the registrar at either the School of Architecture or the School of the Environment.
Master of Architecture I—
Master of Environmental Management
Joint-degree students admitted to the first professional Master of Architecture (M. Arch. I) program must complete all requirements for this degree as specified in the Course of Study listed below. The Master of Architecture degree for this program is an accredited, professional degree and specific requirements may not be bypassed, except when waivers are granted for course work previously completed at other institutions. Students in this program will have their overall number of course credits required for the Master of Architecture degree reduced from the normal 114 credits to 96 credits and for the Master of Environmental Management degree reduced from the normal 48 credits to 36 credits by, in effect, satisfying what would have been elective requirements in one program with required courses of the other. Students in the joint-degree program may be waived from the History and Theory and/or Urbanism and Landscape elective requirements at the School of Architecture.
Joint-degree students within the Master of Architecture program may waive specific course requirements if they have taken equivalent courses at other institutions, although total credit requirements will not be altered.
The joint-degree curriculum is composed of core courses and electives in both Schools, plus two short summer courses in visualization and technical skills training, two summer internships, and the first-year building project at the School of Architecture and a summer internship or project required for the M.E.M. degree.
Withdrawal or dismissal from the School of the Environment will automatically oblige a student to complete all normal requirements for the School of Architecture M.Arch. degree (114 credits for first professional degree; 72 credits for post-professional degree option). Furthermore, the M.Arch. degree will not be awarded to joint-degree candidates until they have completed all requirements for both degrees.
Course of Study*
96 credits from School of Architecture and 36 credits from School of the Environment. If beginning the joint-degree program at the School of Architecture, the course of study is as follows:
First Year
At School of Architecture: all required courses of the first-year M.Arch. I program
Second Year
At School of Architecture: all required courses, except only one elective, of the second-year M.Arch. I program
At School of the Environment: Perspectives course, Basic Knowledge course, summer technical skills training (MODS)
Third Year
At School of Architecture: one advanced studio†
At School of the Environment: Basic Knowledge course, Specialization core and electives, general electives, summer internship
Fourth Year
At School of Architecture: one advanced studio†; 2031a, Architectural Practice and Management
At School of the Environment: Specialization and general electives, Capstone course, Integrative Project
*Once accepted into the joint-degree program, candidates should consult with the program’s coordinator to determine a more definitive course of study. The Schools reserve the right to change the prescribed course of study as necessary.
†Please see below for advanced studio sustainability requirements.
Master of Architecture II—
Master of Environmental Management
Joint-degree students admitted to the second professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch. II) program must complete all requirements for this degree as specified in the Course of Study listed below. The Master of Architecture degree for this program is a non-accredited degree. Students in this program will have their overall number of course credits required for the Master of Architecture degree reduced from the normal 72 credits to 54 credits, including two advanced studios, the post-professional design studio (1121b) and the advanced sustainable design studio, and for the Master of Environmental Management degree reduced from the normal 48 credits to 36 credits by, in effect, satisfying what would have been elective requirements in one program with required courses of the other.
The joint-degree curriculum is composed of core courses and electives in both Schools, plus one short summer course in technical skills training and one summer internship.
Course of Study*
54 credits from School of Architecture and 36 credits from School of the Environment
First Year
At School of Architecture: all required courses of the first-year M.Arch. II program†
At School of the Environment: summer technical skills training (MODS)
Second Year
At School of Architecture: all required courses of the second-year M.Arch. II program†
At School of the Environment: Perspectives course, Basic Knowledge courses, summer internship
Third Year
At School of the Environment: Specialization core and electives, general electives, Capstone course, Integrative Project
*Once accepted into the joint-degree program, candidates should consult with the program’s coordinator to determine a more definitive course of study. The Schools reserve the right to change the prescribed course of study as necessary.
†Please see below for advanced studio sustainability requirements.
Advanced Studio Requirements
As of fall 2020, all M.Arch./M.E.M. joint-degree students must use one of their two advanced studios to earn a “sustainability credit.” This is a new graduation criterion for this program; it does not result in course credits toward graduation, but it must be completed in order to graduate with dual M.Arch. and M.E.M. degrees. In order to earn this credit, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Prior to the studio lottery in the term in which they wish to fulfill the sustainability credit, students must choose a specific studio offering and submit a 300-word application stating why that studio brief aligns with their academic trajectory as a joint-degree student. The application must also state specifically how the studio work relates to their YSE concentration and/or capstone research.
The application must be submitted at least one week before the lottery and will be reviewed by the M.Arch./M.E.M. joint-degree program coordinator and the associate dean. If the application is approved, the student will be placed into that specific studio.
- During the course of the term, the student must organize and curate two additional assessments of the student’s studio work:
- A midterm evaluation of the work with the M.Arch./M.E.M. program coordinator and at least one other member of the faculty.
- A final jury completed prior to final reviews and comprised of participants invited by the student, including the M.Arch./M.E.M. program coordinator, during which the student’s studio project is assessed based on the student’s own environmental research.
Two weeks before each jury, the student must submit to the program coordinator a written description of the upcoming jury, listing jurors and outlining topics to be covered. The program coordinator must approve the jury in order for the student to proceed.
In order for the student to receive the sustainability credit, both of these assessments must be completed by the end of the term, and the program coordinator must approve the work. This assessment is independent of the student’s studio grades/evaluations. Involvement by the studio head is optional.
If the student fails this assessment, the student does not receive the sustainability credit for that studio. If this occurs during the first advanced studio, the student can make another attempt during the remaining advanced studio. If this occurs during the final advanced studio, the student will be required to undertake remedial course work set by the program coordinator and the Curriculum Committee.
M.Arch./M.E.D.
Yale School of Architecture students who are enrolled in the M.Arch. program and who are interested in continued advanced study in an area of specialization in architecture, environmental design, or planning/development, may apply for admission to the M.E.D. program. Students may take courses supporting areas of advanced study during the M.Arch. curriculum and, after receipt of the M.Arch. degree, may qualify for up to one term’s advanced standing in the M.E.D. degree program.
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Arts
The School offers an undergraduate major in Architecture and an undergraduate major in Urban Studies exclusively to students enrolled in Yale College. Students who desire either major must apply directly to Yale College. For additional information and full course descriptions, see Yale College Programs of Study, online at http://catalog.yale.edu/ycps.
Architecture Major
Michael Surry Schlabs, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Architecture
The purpose of the undergraduate major is to include the study of architecture within a comprehensive liberal arts education, drawing from the broader academic and professional environment of the Yale School of Architecture. The curriculum includes work in design; in history, theory, and criticism of architecture; and in urban studies. As a liberal arts major in Yale College, it leads to a bachelor of arts degree with a major in Architecture, a nonprofessional degree, and it does not fulfill the prerequisites for architectural licensure. For accredited professional degree programs, refer to the requirements of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) at www.naab.org.
Introductory Courses
The introductory courses to the study of architecture (ARCH 150, 200, and 280) are open to all Yale College students and are required prior to applying for the Architecture major. With permission of the director of undergraduate studies (DUS), the prerequisites may be waived for students with sufficient experience in architecture or in relevant subjects.
Declaration of Intent to Major
Yale College students interested in the Architecture major must submit a Declaration of Intent to Major during the spring term of their sophomore year, after taking ARCH 150, 200, and 280. The Declaration of Intent to Major must be submitted to the office of the DUS no later than 4 p.m. on March 26, 2021, in 328 Rudolph (third floor), and must include the following information: name, address, telephone number, courses related to architecture already taken, and a statement of purpose. Students should also indicate their desired concentration at this time. Additionally, by April 30, 2021, students must submit an electronic portfolio representative of course work for ARCH 150, 200, and a paper from ARCH 280. Upon the successful completion of these requirements, students are notified in writing regarding their acceptance to the major by May 31, 2021.
Requirements of the Major
To graduate as a Yale College major in Architecture, a student must complete fifteen course credits, including the three prerequisites and the senior requirement. They must also base their studies in one of three areas of concentration:
- Design, which explores the role of architecture in shaping the world around us. It introduces complex processes involved in solving spatial and programmatic problems. Creative work is grounded in the study of history and culture, and in the analysis of social conditions influencing architecture. Design studios provide a forum for production and discourse. Studio projects address issues of architectural form, space, composition, site, tectonics, and programs within broader humanistic ideals.
- History, Theory, and Criticism, which is intended to establish a broad historical and intellectual framework for the study of architecture. An interdisciplinary approach is encouraged through additional courses taken in various fields of humanities and social sciences. Normally these interdisciplinary courses address subjects closely linked to architectural history, theory, and criticism. Such courses may include archaeology, history of religion, aesthetics, philosophy, or visual culture.
- Urbanism, which encourages a broad, interdisciplinary investigation of the complex forces that shape the urban and physical environment.
For the senior requirement, seniors in the Design track take ARCH 450 in the fall term and ARCH 494 in the spring term. Seniors in the History, Theory, and Criticism track and in the Urbanism track take ARCH 490 in the fall term and ARCH 491 in the spring term. Proposals for senior projects and essays are submitted in the fall term for review and approval by the senior project coordinator; they are then distributed to faculty members for review. Upon successful review, students may ask faculty members to act as senior advisers. Senior essays and projects for ARCH 491 are due in the office of the DUS by April 9, 2021. Design projects for ARCH 494 are due as specified by the course instructor. All seniors must submit a portfolio of their work to the office of the DUS by April 30, 2021. For all Architecture majors, this portfolio must be representative of the student’s design work including prerequisites and the senior project. History, Theory, and Criticism majors and Urbanism majors must also include a copy of the senior essay and other appropriate texts.
Urban Studies Major
Elihu Rubin, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Urban Studies
Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary field grounded in the physical and social spaces of the city and the larger built environment. The Urban Studies major is situated within Yale’s liberal arts framework and draws on the broader academic context and expertise of the Yale School of Architecture, including the areas of urban design and development, urban and architectural history, urban theory and representation, globalization and infrastructure, transportation and mobility, heritage and preservation, and community-based planning. The major introduces students to the following bodies of knowledge: history, theory and contemporary analysis of urban morphologies, spaces, societies, and political economies; conceptual tools and analytical methods to understand urban environments and issues through spatial terms; and practices of and speculative approaches to urban planning and design.
The major prepares undergraduates for a variety of future careers and fields of graduate study related to urban planning, design, and development. These include professional and practice-oriented fields such as urban planning, law, nonprofit management, public policy, real estate development, and architecture; as well as research-oriented fields such as geography, sociology, anthropology, urban planning, and architecture.
Declaration of Intent to Major
Students may declare their intent to major during their second year. The intent to major process will include meeting with the director of undergraduate studies (DUS) to discuss the intended course of study; submitting a Declaration of Intent to Major form and completing the surveys by the end of the second year. More information regarding this process, the relevant forms, and submission link is available on the program’s website. Schedules for majors must be discussed with, and approved by, the DUS in Urban Studies. Only then may a schedule be submitted to the residential college dean’s office.
Requirements of the Major
To graduate as a Yale College major in Urban Studies, a student must complete thirteen course credits approved by the DUS, including three survey courses, three methods courses, five or six electives depending on the senior requirement; and a one- or two-term senior requirement. The two senior requirement options are:
- A yearlong senior project, which includes the Senior Research Colloquium (ARCH 490) in the fall and Senior Project (URBN 491) in the spring. The senior project may be a written paper or a project that could encompass a variety of media. The primary adviser must be a member of the architecture faculty.
- A final paper of twenty to twenty-five pages produced in an advanced seminar, selected in consultation with the DUS. Students pursuing this option will also have to take an additional elective course.