Hybrid Structural Engineering & Architecture Grad Programs?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hello All, </p>

<p>I'm a mature student planning my return to school and hope to get some advice from the community. I've done some sleuthing here and gleaned valuable advice already, but figured it would be efficient to post directly. I've got a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a years worth of graduate credit in Architectural engineering. I left grad school 8 years ago to pursue my interests in alternative building, which has led to my current passion for using unconventional building materials and assemblies. I am currently a designer and builder, but don't have any formal architecture training. I find myself equally interested in passionate about the design and construction of buildings, and hope to find a graduate program that can nurture both. My long term plans are to be able to design, engineer (if required) and build structures, most of which will likely be residential and light commercial in scope. Given the materials I plan to work with, heavy timber frames, straw & clay wall systems, etc. it seems wise to get the MS in structural engineering, but I also really want the perspective that comes with architecture training. I'm really only interested in the aspects of the structural track that apply to buildings.</p>

<p>Is there a Masters program that allows me to do both? I've come across the program at CalPoly, (thanks to advice from the forums!) but no others quite like that yet. Does anyone think I should reconsider the educational track I've suggested? I've considered a straight M.Arch program as well, but figured that with the engineering education I already have, I might be better served pursuing a PE and not a professional architecture license.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

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<p>UC Berkeley has a concurrent MS Structural Engineering/M. Arch program. It’s a very tough program, though.</p>

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<p>GH, I’d look at MIT’s MArch program. </p>

<p>You should post on the architecture career board which has quite a few active professionals. I’d also suggest that you pose your question directly to the M.Arch schools. Many have information sessions for prospective students, but generally not until the fall. You sound like the kind of student they’d like to have in their class.</p>

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<p>Can anyone give me feedback on the University of Kansas graduate architecture program?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>