I can't really answer any of your questions, but I think I am in somewhat of a similar situation. I am strongly considering pursuing a m.arch degree, but I did my undergrad in business and have very little formal design education.

I have been researching arch programs for months now and the BAC is the one that has seemed to stick out most in my mind primarily for its open admissions given my background. The concurrent learning in theory also sounds good, and I think that Boston would be a great place to learn.

I guess I am just curious as to how your are coming along. Do you mind if I ask about your background? How soon are you considering starting? I am really considering starting this fall, and it seems like the BAC probably the only place I could still manage to do that.

Hello all,

I am still needing help with this issue... Also, I forgot to include SCAD...

Thanks in advance!


@ CMarshalle:

I think you having an Business background will serve you well in most fields.

I've been looking into M.ID and M.Arch prog's off-and-on for about 2+ years now. My undergraduate degree is in Computer Aided Drafting & Design.

When I set out searching for graduate schools my goals were to:
1.) Find a M.Arch/M.ID program that had a balance of theory and practice within their curriculum.
2.) Make sure it was affordable and wouldn't add to much debt onto of the debt that I have from Undergraduate loans [especially since I haven't had any luck with finding drafting jobs since 2007 b/c of the declining housing market -- things only got worse throughout 2008/09]. Although I respect the value of a great education, I find it insane to go into extreme debt, especially over a school's name or b/c of some misconception that a private institution's program with yield more than a public institution's.
3.) Choose a location where I would be able to use the city as a working and learning environment as much as possible.

To date, I have applied and been accepted to BAC. I would like to take a chance at applying to some of the others, but due to my limited finances (as far as app fees, portfolio cost, campus visits, etc.) and the lack of current (2008 or sooner) information that I have gathered outside of what I've seen on the school's websites, I have yet to do so.

With that said, I hope to try to start at the BAC this fall (spring at the latest). Considering my finances, BAC's open-admission policy and the option to enroll in both the Fall AND Spring semester is a plus. At the most, I feel that attending the BAC will allow me to get a feel for the school & program, gain M.Arch credits, decide if I want to follow thru. w/ a M.Arch or M.ID degree, as well as add to my portfolio and explore Boston. I figured if I enrolled this fall and liked the program then I would not have lost anything, especially time as far as the expected completion time being an average of 5yrs. However, if by December I decided I wanted to change programs, I would have a portfolio, credits and the winter break to apply elsewhere. I think its worth a shot to at least try things out... In the meantime, I'll continue to gather information on these other schools in case a switch is needed....

Well let me know what you decide... feel free to email me (if that's possible here on archinect)... Good luck in whatever you decide on.

I'll plug Harrington College of Design, which has new MID as well as MAID (master of arts in interior design, for individuals with no design background) programs. The degree programs are both designed to be part-time, evening and weekend programs, so you can work full time, or double up and finish quickly. The school has a very strong reputation for practical skills and has made several key theory hires in recent years. Rolling admissions are open for the fall quarter for at least another few weeks.