Rice University
Rice University, founded in 1891, is located in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. As one of the premier institutions in the southern United States, it is a distinguished member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and is renowned as a top-tier private research university of global acclaim. Rice is also recognized as one of the 25 "New Ivy" universities in the United States.
The Rice University School of Architecture offers an exceptionally creative curriculum that envisions architectural design for the coming decades. The program focuses on addressing the urgent and broad challenges within the architectural discipline in the 21st century, exploring practical solutions, and utilizing hands-on practice to reshape and enhance our shared environment.
Alumni and Faculty Insights
The graduate program at Rice School of Architecture (RSA) only offers one direction: the Master of Architecture. It is divided into three tracks: MArch I, MArch II, and MArch III.
- MArch I: A three-and-a-half-year program designed for students without a background in architecture, starting to run parallel with the MArch II program in the second year.
- MArch II: A two-and-a-half-year program.
- MArch III: A one to one-and-a-half-year program focused on research. Applicants are advised to directly contact the program advisor for detailed information, as it will not be elaborated upon here.
Compared to other architecture schools in the U.S., the RSA is small in scale, which gives it the advantage of a high student-to-faculty ratio, providing many opportunities for one-on-one discussions with professors. Studio sizes are typically around 7-10 students. The focus is primarily on architecture, with occasional urban-scale design projects. Each year, a Visiting Professor is invited to teach one studio, and the school also offers an RSA Paris studio, giving students the chance to spend a semester at the Paris campus.
A distinctive feature of the program is the Totalization Studio, where renowned consulting firms in the U.S. are invited to guide each student in areas such as structure, MEP, and other technical aspects, teaching them how to integrate architectural design with practical application.
Design courses at Rice focus heavily on theory, with each studio involving a significant amount of case study research to develop a unique theoretical system as the basis for design. The History & Theory series of courses includes at least one required course per semester, covering topics from Western classical architectural history to contemporary architectural theory. These courses are among the most popular in the school. The school also hosts weekly lectures, seminars, and other events.
In the final semester of the graduate program, students can choose to complete a thesis project or continue working in a design studio. Thesis topics are entirely determined by students, and after the proposal is approved, they can select a preferred advisor for guidance.
Overall, the RSA graduate program is small but focused, offering many opportunities for students to explore and innovate within the traditional field of architecture.
Related Programs List
The architecture-related programs at Rice University primarily focus on architecture and are offered under the School of Architecture.
- Master of Architecture Option 1 - 3.5 years (7 semesters)
- Master of Architecture Option 2 - 2.5 years (5 semesters)
- Master of Arts in Architecture (Present Future) - 1.5 years (3 semesters)
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Requirements for Each Program
M.Arch. Option 1 - Intended for students with a B.S. or B.A. degree but with limited or no prior architectural background.
M.Arch. Option 2 - Designed for students with a B.S. degree in Architecture but not a professional B.Arch. degree.
Applicants must have completed a minimum of four advanced undergraduate design studios.
M.A. in Architecture (Option 3: Present Future)
Open to students with:
Professional degrees in Architecture (B.Arch. or M.Arch.)
A B.A. or B.S. in Architecture who are not pursuing a professional degree in Architecture
Equivalent degrees in allied disciplines.
2. Language Requirements
GRE
- Rice University requires all applicants to submit GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test scores.
- Scores must be no more than five years old, and an official copy must be sent directly to Rice University by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Personal copies are not accepted.
- While there is no formal minimum score requirement, it is recommended to retake the GRE if your scores do not exceed the 70th percentile in at least 2 out of 3 categories.
Institution Code and School Name: 6609 - Rice University
Department Code: 4401
TOEFL / IELTS
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required for applicants whose native language is not English.
- Scores must be no more than two years old, and an official copy must be sent directly to Rice University by ETS.
TOEFL Minimum Scores:
- Paper-based TOEFL: 600
- Computer-based TOEFL: 250
- Internet-based TOEFL: 100
IELTS Minimum Score: 7
Institution Code and School Name: 6609 - Rice University
Department Code: 12
For more information on test score requirements, please contact ETS at (609) 771-7100, email [email protected], or visit a testing center in your native country.
Application Materials
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- GRE Scores
- TOEFL/IELTS Scores
- Short Statement
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Transcripts
- Degree Certificate/Diploma or Proof of Enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Application Materials
Short Statement - "What's at Stake?"
Please submit a short statement (one paragraph to one page) that articulates what you think is at stake for architecture today. Upload a PDF of this statement to the Admissions Document section of your online application.
Personal Statement
Provide a personal statement specifying the program you are applying to (M.Arch. Option 1 or 2; M.A. in Architecture Option 3) and articulating why you are drawn to Rice Architecture (what experiences have prepared you and what ambitions you have for your potential graduate studies).
Portfolio
A digital portfolio of an applicant's creative work is required for all Rice Architecture applicants and must be uploaded to the online application. It must be uploaded in PDF format as a single document no larger than 15 MB. The file name must list the program, option, last name, first name, portfolio; each field separated by an underscore (“_”). File naming example: MArch_Option1_Smith_Jane_Portfolio.pdf
For those applying to the Option 1 program, the design portfolio should contain examples of your creative work.
Transcripts
The minimum GPA is 3.0 for applicants applying to the Master of Architecture and Master of Arts in Architecture programs. We require one copy of the official, confidential transcript from every institution (undergraduate and graduate) that you have attended. These transcripts are an essential piece of your application. Send transcripts from all institutions where you earned (or will earn) a degree, studied for one year or more, or took classes that relate to your current application for graduate study.
You may also wish to upload an unofficial copy, for information purposes only, in the online application; however, you must still provide an official, confidential transcript.
We must also receive certification of degrees received, including the date the degree was awarded. This information may be included on the final transcript.
Note Concerning Transcripts of Foreign Applicants:
The academic records that we refer to as transcripts should provide a listing, year-by-year, of all courses taken and the grade or marks received for each course. It is helpful to have the grading scale of the institution and the student's rank in class included when such information is available. Do not submit secondary school records.
Transcripts must bear an official signature in ink of the appropriate official of your institution(s), such as the registrar or recorder of records, and must bear the institutional seal. If your college or university will not provide original official academic documents, exact copies that have been verified as "Certified True Copies" by the appropriate institutional official of each institution that you have attended should be sent. Uncertified photocopies are not acceptable.
To be considered, all documents not in English must be accompanied by official English translations. These translations must bear an original ink signature and seal, and translations alone will not be acceptable.
Transcripts should be mailed directly to:
Rice University
School of Architecture MS-50
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
If sent by Express Mail:
Rice University
School of Architecture MS-50
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005-1892