Program of Study

The Master of Science in Architecture with a concentration in High Performance Buildings is focused around the use of building physics and building technology for sustainable architectural design. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the energy performance and environmental impacts of buildings, as well as on the integration of these metrics in the development of innovative architecture. The program is founded on a first-principles approach to building physics, envelope design, modeling and analysis, life-cycle assessment, applied simulation, AEC Integration, and critical ecological thinking.

The program is structured so that students with a professional degree in architecture, architectural engineering, or mechanical engineering can complete the MS degree in one year.

The program has been developed to address the need for architecture firms and integrated practices to have “in-house” experts on building technology to judge the impact of architectural design decisions on building performance at the early stages of design. These green building practitioners will be able to oversee the engineering and detailing of the building at later stages of the design process to ensure that performance targets are documented and fulfilled. Graduates of the program will be able to co-engineer and integrate novel building technologies into buildings.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Required Courses:
ARCH 6226	Green Construction	3
ARCH 6242	Building Physics Modeling	3
ARCH 7103	Integrated Building Systems III	3
ARCH 6209	Building Enclosure: A Tectonic Element	3
ARCH 6731	Zero Energy House	3
ARCH 6241	Building Simulation in Design Practice	3
Capstone:		6
ARCH 6049	Design + Research Studio 1
or ARCH 6050	Design + Research Studio 2
ARCH 8833	Special Topics in Architectural Technology 1
ARCH 7000	Master's Thesis
Electives:		6
Faculty Guided Electives
Total Credit Hours		30

1	Independent Study guided by Faculty