MDesign Master of Design at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

The architecture programme at UMass Amherst offers an education in architecture and design within the ecological and political context of the built environment. It is interdisciplinary and emphasizes socially progressive, environmentally responsive and sustainable design, with community design initiatives that serve the Commonwealth.

Faculty: College of Humanities & Fine Arts | Department: Department of Architecture | Study mode: full-time | Location: Amherst, MA, United States

What you will study

Architecture and design coursework developed in collaboration with landscape architecture, building and construction technology, civil engineering, studio art and art history, with community-based projects in local design, planning and sustainable communities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School (all UMass Amherst graduate programmes): bachelor's degree from an accredited US institution or an equivalent international degree; minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale (some programmes expect more); most programmes require at least two letters of recommendation; personal statement and resume; 600-word short essay on community; $90 application fee. Applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL iBT 80 (tests taken before January 2026; combined score of 4 on the new scale for tests from January 2026), IELTS Academic 6.5, Duolingo English Test 115 or PTE Academic 53.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

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