Slightly confused why you want to go to Architecture school if you are not interested in architecture. Do you want to go just for the design education? That being said I know many people who get M.Archs do not practice architecture per se, but instead are interested and participate in collaborative design projects, urban-social interventions through design, etc. I know there are some programs that have some courses in acoustics, Boston University is supposed to have a good set/lighting design in their theatre department. Sculpture might be a little artsy, where a professional M.Arch is not what you are looking for. Aren't really 'pre' masters programs beyond the career discovery programs (have you looked at these?) at most schools. Harvard, MIT, GSAPP, Berkeley, etc. have summer programs you may be interested in.

Might check out this http://www.karch.dk/uk/Menu/Education/Master%E2%80%99s+Programmes

Some of the different non prof. arch programs here

http://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/programmes/msc_be/light_overview.htm

As well as

http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/programs/ma_design

and do some searches for master of architectural design or master of arts in architecture

It isn't a ridiculous idea at all -- but not many schools would be capable of exciting the breadth of your interests. But rather than spend a year in school as a postbac to get into a three year professional degree program you aren't sure you. Want as a career, why don't you take a 1 year masters in design that can help you focus your interests, while building a. Portfolio? There are several to choose from, and not all at architecture schools.

you can definitely do all that with an MArch, and there are people who do.  however, an MArch would take you 3-3.5 yrs. where other design master's degrees (industrial design, lighting design, etc.) would take you 2.  if you want to keep your options open for an architectural career in the future, the extra time might be worthwhile.  if you're pretty sure you don't want to go into architecture per se, i'd say take the shorter path.

Listed below is a question on the topic of summer programs that I addressed in my blog.

http://archcareers.blogspot.com/2010/04/summer-architecture-programs-for-career.html

I can certainly attest that graduates of an architectural education can enter of number of related design professions, but I would challenge you to determine what your end goal is and work backwards.  What skills and abilities are needed for what you wish to do?  What education would best provides those skills and abilities.

Best.

Hi All -

Thank you so much for your feedback. Unfortunately, summer programs are out of the question. I have a prior job commitment that lasts through the end of July.

I realize this is an architecture forum, but my career center and google-fu are failing me. What Masters in Design programs do you know about? What do you know about them? It seems like you all are probably right - while I appreciate and have a great interest in architecture, I would probably be attending graduate school for the design elements of the education, and not to have a professional career as an architect.

A separate question, in case I decide to do the M. Arch route after all: What are some programs that have an emphasis on design and art (as opposed to a sustainability focus, an engineering focus, etc.)? I have been looking at faculty and student work on some schools' websites, and from that I've compiled a small list of programs that sound up my alley. Broaden my horizons, please!

Thank you.

California college of the arts, savannah college of art and design, Cranbrook academy, art institute of Chicago, parsons academy.

You can create the program for yourself, just find a school that offers electives or other schools within the U that have things that interest you.  I'd suggest schools in LA that have exposure to film/set design (although I can't personally verify this, just assumptions on my part) - UCLA, Sci-Arc, particularly UCLA.  Perhaps a school like RISD would be worth looking at.

There are plenty of ways to educate yourself along the path.  I pursued a lot of business and graphic/web/3D/video while in school, which led to my career path.

Good luck, don't get too caught up with one path, it'll change, but good you are keeping a broad horizon from the start.  I say it all the time, but get some business knowledge in there, it is applicable to any and every profession out there.

check out parsons- they have lighting program and dual march + lighting.