About Architecture: Advanced Architectural Design, Msd in University of Pennsylvania (UPENN)
This three-semester Master of Science in Design with a concentration in Advanced Architectural Design [MSD-AAD] is for architecture students with five-year professional bachelor degrees from the US and around the world. This course of study does not lead to a professional degree in architecture. The MSD-AAD program builds on its success as a program focused on innovation in architecture design.
The purpose of the MSD Advanced Architectural Design program is four-fold. First, to prepare students for high level design research in the profession or academy in contemporary issues that affect the architecture discipline. Second, to develop skills in emerging design and cross-disciplinary tools. Third, to critically engage the theoretical dimensions of the contemporary architectural discourse around these tools; and fourth, to integrate advanced digital modeling techniques into a design methodology that has direct bearing on the development of material, production, fabrication and construction processes and their aesthetics.
The advanced architectural design-based program starts with a mandatory ten-day workshop in design technique. A coordinated semester of advanced architectural design and courses follow after which the students join the Master of Architecture program for one year. During this year students pursue an individually directed course of study by choosing from a wide range of options in advanced architectural design studios, and elective courses offered within the Master of Architecture program.
Academic qualification equivalents
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree
English language requirements
- IELTS :6.5
- TOEFL IBT: 100
University of Pennsylvania Highlights
| College Type |
Private College |
| Campus Setting |
Urban |
| Annual Endowment |
14.9 billion USD |
| Student Retention Rate |
98% |
| Work-study Program |
Available |
| Mode of Program |
Full-time, part-time and online |
| English Language Proficiency Test |
IELTS or TOEFL |
| Financial Aid |
Available in different forms |
| Admission Helpdesk |
(215) 898-5000 |
University of Pennsylvania Cost of Attendance
The following is a breakdown of the anticipated cost of studying in the United States for international students at the University of Pennsylvania:
| Course Type |
Expenses for On-Campus Undergraduate (in USD) |
Expenses for Graduate ( in USD) |
| Tuition |
54,652 |
43,860 |
| Fees |
7,058 |
19,208 |
| Housing |
11,358 |
12,840 |
| Dining |
5,946 |
6,492 |
| Books and Supplies |
1,358 |
1,800 |
| Transportation |
922 |
1,308 |
| Personal Expenses |
2,004 |
2,676 |
| Total |
83,298 |
88,184 |
University of Pennsylvania Scholarships/ Financial Aid
Since 2004, UPenn has provided 2 billion dollars in undergraduate scholarships to more than 22,000 students.
The following is a list of the scholarships available to study at the University of Pennsylvania:
| Scholarship Program |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
| Dean’s Scholarship |
The applicant should be incoming masters student, the applicant should not be a working professional, the candidate should not pursue a doctoral program |
10,000 USD |
| The Foreign Fulbright Student Program |
All masters students receiving Fulbright Fellowship offers can apply for the program |
15,000 USD |
| International Student Financial Aid |
The student needs to apply for the scholarship while taking admission, international students cannot apply after admission |
100% need will be fulfilled through grants and work-study programs |
