MS Architecture and Urban Design at Columbia University

Programme overview

A three-semester degree in the multidisciplinary study of cities, regions, infrastructures and ecosystems, focused on the city as an agent of resilient change. It is open to pre- and post-professional students and is not a professional architecture degree, so it does not qualify for licensure.

Faculty: Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation | Duration: 3 semesters | Intake: Summer start; early action December 15, 2026; regular January 15, 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Summer Studio I treats New York City's five boroughs as a learning lab; Fall Studio II examines the city-region; Spring Studio III addresses global urbanization and the climate emergency and typically travels to two cities. Students also take required Urban Design seminars and electives at GSAPP or the wider University.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GSAPP M.S. programmes (M.S. Architecture and Urban Design): Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution by programme start; three letters of recommendation; personal statement of about 500 words; resume/CV; transcripts; application fee $75. English test (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) required if English is not the primary language, unless two years of study were completed at an English-speaking institution; no minimum score stated. Portfolio required as a single PDF of 20 pages or fewer under 32 MB; non-architecture applicants may add a writing sample of up to 4 pages. GRE/GMAT not mentioned. Early action deadline December 15, 2026; regular January 15, 2027.

Intake: Summer start; early action December 15, 2026; regular January 15, 2027

Duration: 3 semesters

Apply through the official page: https://www.arch.columbia.edu/admissions

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