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The Graduate School at the University of Missouri–Columbia (Mizzou)

Architectural Studies Graduate Programs

Official Graduate Catalog Entry: To the Index
Contact Information
College of Human Environmental Sciences

Internal Funding

Teaching and/or research assistantships and scholarships are available to graduate students.

Professional Opportunities

Career opportunities for master's and doctoral graduates of the Department and College include leadership positions in design; consultation practices in industry, government and education; and academic and administrative positions in higher education and research.

Graduates from the MA degree program may pursue careers in the design professions, education and the advertising and entertainment industries.

Graduates of the MS and PhD degree programs pursue academic and professional careers integrating design theory with their research skills.

Degrees

  • Design with Digital Media Option
    • Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees in Architectural Studies
    • PhD in Human Environmental Sciences
  • Environment and Behavior Option
    • Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees in Architectural Studies
    • PhD in Human Environmental Sciences

Environment and Behavior (design project or research leading to MS; research leading to PhD)

Environment-behavior studies focus on the multifaceted relationships between people and their physical, social and cultural environments. Environment-behavior research explores a variety of environments, linking them to a range of behavioral concerns. This program is suitable for students who seek careers in research, consulting and/or teaching in architecture, interior design and other environmental design disciplines.

  • Design Education
  • History of the Designed Environment
  • Design Planning and Analysis
  • Interior Design Systems
  • Universal Design/Accessibility
  • Environment and Aging
  • Quality of Life and Design
  • Health Care and Design
  • Housing, Neighborhood Design and Sustainability
  • Organizational Systems and Design
  • Facility Management and Design
  • Programming, Design and Post-Occupancy Evaluation

Design with Digital Media (design project and/or research leading to MA, MS or PhD)

Design with Digital Media as an integral part of the design process, focusing on graphic ideation and the application of computer technology.

  • Digital Design Education for Architecture & Interiors
  • Study, exploration and research of generative digital representation techniques
  • Digital Design Studio
  • 3D Modeling, Rendering, Animation
  • Virtual Reality & Real Time Environment
  • 3D Analysis of Form, Space & Design Principles in Architecture
  • Video Game Technology for Architecture & Interior
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Digital and Interactive Audiovisual Media for Design Communication
  • Theories of filmic and moving images
  • Theory of Representation
  • Composite Digital Presentation

Graduate Program Requirements

The academic program should be established in consultation with an adviser by the end of the first full semester of residence or at the successful conclusion of at least nine credit hours.

Annual reviews of graduate students will be executed to include the indicators listed by the Graduate School:

  • Review of progress toward degree completion using plan of study as a guide
  • Areas in which student is meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Areas in which student needs improvement
  • Number of presentations (single or coauthored) at local, regional or national conferences
  • Number of publications (single or coauthored)
  • Notification of any grant/fellowship applications submitted
  • Notification of any grant/fellowship applications funded
  • Involvement in any partnerships programs of research, outreach or appropriate professional activity with non-university organizations
  • Notification of any teaching awards
  • Notification of any research awards
  • Notification of any other awards (specify)
  • Notification of any conference travel
  • Notification of any department/college awarded fellowship/scholarship
  • Participation and evaluation of internship experience
  • Update on job search; notification of job placement. All graduate students should submit a current resume to the Department by February 15.

Mission

The Department’s mission is to educate future design practitioners, advance research of the built environment and disseminate knowledge of architectural studies to improve quality of life for people.

The philosophy of the Department of Architectural Studies embraces the synergy created between architecture and interior design. Having a symbiotic relationship, both fields explore the design process and its final products. Promoting the meaning and value of physical settings and responding to the human condition, the program investigates the interaction between people and their surroundings to create a more beautiful and sustainable world.

The program encourages an interdisciplinary, scholarly climate celebrating aesthetic values and the human sciences.

Consistent attention is placed on planning and designing physical environments that support human needs and aspirations. Course work may include courses in supportive areas such as the human and physical sciences, art, humanities and allied design professions.