Overview

The interdisciplinary Design program of the University of Massachusetts Amherst introduces students to knowledge in a specialized area as well as to modes of research/practice in architecture, design, and related disciplines. It also provides mid-career professionals, as well as graduates with degrees in fields related to architecture (such as history or engineering) the opportunity to pursue advanced architectural design and scholarship.

The degree is a 36-credit-hour (minimum) intensive course of study, developed in consultation with the Graduate Program Director for Master of Design students and faculty in the student's area of interest. The program requires each student to develop a research focus that draws from disciplines and departments across the university and the Five Colleges, working in concert with the Program Director, the Graduate Program Director and/or a faculty member who is the student’s designated advisor. The program, designed as a terminal degree, should take a full-time student four semesters. Some exceptionally well-prepared students may be able to transfer in up to six credits of previous course work, and finish the program in three semesters. Funding opportunities are limited, and most students should be financially able to complete the program without relying on assistantships.

Requirements

For the Master of Design degree, students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. All students must complete coursework in history, technology, practice or research methods, studios, and electives related to the concentration. All course selections are made on the basis of area specialization and in consultation with the student’s adviser.

Programme Structure

All students must complete coursework in history, technology, practice or research methods, studios, and electives related to the concentration. All course selections are made on the basis of area specialization and in consultation with the student’s adviser.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-07 00:00:00

More details

Priority Deadline: Applications will be accepted until July 15 (Fall) and November 15 (Spring) if space allows.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Duolingo English Test

115

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amherst Center, United States

Disciplines

Design View 402 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcripts

3 Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement, no more than 3 pages. We encourage applicants to ask themselves “Why a Master of Architecture Degree?" "Why now?” “Why UMass?” and “What will I contribute?”

Portfolio and/or documentation of previous creative work and/or research. A portfolio of creative work should include no more than twenty pages of art, architecture, and/or design work.

TOEFL is required of foreign student applicants

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Massachusetts Amherst and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

35714 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 35714 USD per year during 12 months.
National

35714 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 35714 USD per year during 12 months.
In-State

17399 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 17399 USD per year during 12 months.

Regional Tuition: $31,727

Living costs for Amherst Center

1228 - 2543 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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