The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, commonly known as Cooper Union, is a prestigious private college located in Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1859, it is one of the few institutions in the United States that offers full-tuition scholarships to all its students. In the 2019 Forbes rankings, Cooper Union was ranked 58th among U.S. colleges.
Founded by Peter Cooper, the institution consists of three schools: Architecture, Art, and Engineering. Cooper Union's programs in architecture and engineering are highly regarded, with the architecture school being one of the most academically rigorous and selective in the world. The institution is consistently ranked among the best for small, liberal arts colleges in the U.S. and is renowned for its excellence in both education and innovation.
Cooper Union has received numerous prestigious national awards, including 33 Fulbright Scholar awards. It is one of the most renowned higher learning institutions of its kind, attracting outstanding students from around the world. The college remains the only U.S. institution offering undergraduate programs in architecture, art, and engineering. For a long time, Cooper Union provided full-tuition scholarships to every admitted student, demonstrating its commitment to making high-quality education accessible to talented individuals regardless of financial means.
Alumni and Faculty Insights
Cooper Union is a small, prestigious private university located in Manhattan, New York, with three schools: Architecture, Art, and Engineering.
The architecture graduate program lasts one year, split into three semesters. The first two semesters focus on studio work, and the third semester is dedicated to the thesis.
The first two semesters have fixed studio projects, which are research-based but allow for freedom in direction and outcomes. The program combines design and theory, and students take a theory course, Proseminar, that prepares them for their thesis. Electives are available in both theory and design, and students can choose 2-3 courses. There are many options, such as art exhibitions, machine learning, and small-scale construction.
The summer thesis studio allows students to choose their own advisors.
Cooper Union values tradition and community. The school's archive holds thesis works from every class since the school’s founding, including works by famous architects. Students respect each other’s independence in their work. The campus feels like a safe place from external distractions.
Undergraduate and graduate students share a large studio space in the first two semesters, encouraging collaboration, and also share a well-equipped workshop with tools for woodworking, metalworking, and plastic work. Students can also borrow books from nearby universities.
While the one-year program is fast-paced, it offers an exciting and fulfilling opportunity for self-discovery. Students who want to explore their own path will find it to be a rewarding experience.
Related Program List
Bachelor of Architecture Professional Degree
The School of Architecture offers a five-year program leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree, which is the first professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a wide range of opportunities in architecture, providing a solid foundation in the liberal arts as they relate to environmental design at all scales. Architecture is seen as a cultural practice and is regarded as the foundation for a well-rounded undergraduate education. Students develop their knowledge and design skills through studios and courses that stimulate research and discussion on architecture’s social and environmental roles.
Master of Science in Architecture (MS Architecture)
The Master of Science in Architecture, formerly known as Master of Architecture II, is a post-professional program designed to extend the intellectual rigor of the undergraduate program. It allows for further development of the school’s leadership in architect education. Applicants must hold a first professional degree in architecture (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture I) from an NAAB-accredited program or an equivalent agency in another country. At least one year of work experience after the first professional degree is required before applying.
The program focuses on design research and offers three main areas of study:
Bachelor of Architecture Professional Degree
The School of Architecture offers a five-year program leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree, which is the first professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a wide range of opportunities in architecture, providing a solid foundation in the liberal arts as they relate to environmental design at all scales. Architecture is seen as a cultural practice and is regarded as the foundation for a well-rounded undergraduate education. Students develop their knowledge and design skills through studios and courses that stimulate research and discussion on architecture’s social and environmental roles.
Master of Science in Architecture (MS Architecture)
The Master of Science in Architecture, formerly known as Master of Architecture II, is a post-professional program designed to extend the intellectual rigor of the undergraduate program. It allows for further development of the school’s leadership in architect education. Applicants must hold a first professional degree in architecture (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture I) from an NAAB-accredited program or an equivalent agency in another country. At least one year of work experience after the first professional degree is required before applying.
The program focuses on design research and offers three main areas of study:
- Theory, History, and Criticism of Architecture: This area examines modernism and contemporary architecture, architectural philosophy and aesthetics, the mediation of architecture, and broader cultural and historical issues through critical readings, project development, and a written thesis.
- Urban Studies: This field studies key issues in the design, planning, and development of cities and regions, including the effects of globalization, local urban culture survival, and the redevelopment of central cities, suburbs, and exurbs. It also addresses issues specific to New York and other cities.
- Technologies: Focused on technological challenges in architecture, this area includes the impact of new information technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes; mapping and modeling techniques; and the role of fabrication technologies in influencing design strategies. It also explores sustainability, new structural systems, materials, and the economic and ethical dimensions of architecture.
Master of Architecture (MS Arch)
The Master of Architecture program is a two-year post-professional degree program that aims to deepen students’ architectural knowledge and design skills after completing the first professional degree. It emphasizes research-based design and critical engagement with contemporary issues in the built environment. Students may choose an area of concentration such as design theory, urban studies, or architectural technology.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements for Each Program
- Applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or an equivalent degree from an accredited international institution.
- At least one year of work experience after obtaining the first professional degree is required.
- Please submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Application fee
- Official college transcripts
- GRE scores
- TOEFL scores
- 3 recommendation letters
- Resume
- Statement of purpose (outlining your interest and specialization in the field)
- Writing sample
- Portfolio (including your most representative design and academic work; portfolio dimensions must be smaller than 9" x 12", and avoid submitting CDs, PPTs, paper, or original artwork; simple packaging is preferred) - After becoming a candidate, you will need to prepare for a personal interview.
Master of Science in Architecture Program:
Applicants to the MS in Architecture must:
- Hold a professional degree in architecture (either a Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture I, or an equivalent accredited degree from a foreign institution).
- Have at least one year of work experience after obtaining their first professional degree.
The program is structured to be completed in two full-time semesters, followed by a thesis semester in the summer. The Summer semester runs from late May to early September, with final thesis presentations occurring in the second week of September.
Graduate students must complete all 30 credits of the MS in Architecture degree requirements in full-time, contiguous resident study at The Cooper Union.
Application Materials
- Application Form
- Proof of Enrollment/Graduation Certificate
- Language Test Scores: Including GRE scores and TOEFL scores
- Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose: A brief description of your interest and research focus in the field
- Writing Samples
- Portfolio: Including the most representative design and writing works, with portfolio size requirements no larger than 9" x 12".