Master of Architecture in Technology and Media in Architecture and Interiors

The Master of Architecture with a concentration in Technology and Media in Architecture and Interiors (TMAIn) at The Catholic University of America’s, School of Architecture and Planning focuses on digital technology and media as a means of exploring the transformative opportunities of emerging technologies during all phases of design, from theory and conception through visualization, representation, construction and beyond. Interdisciplinary in nature, the concentration engages emerging and innovative fields of inquiry and research by working with professions within the field. It is the intent of this concentration to respond to the continual application of digital tools and media to an ever-expanding process of research, conceptual modeling and design, sophisticated testing and effective communication of the work. The concentration operates under the notion that digital design technologies are catalytic tools in the process of design thinking, critical inquiry, and will lead to the creation and crafting of new solutions and strategies for today and the future of architecture.

Interior Architecture is a fundamental component of how humans are able to shape the environment around them, and the natural extension of a building structure and envelope. Ultimately, it is the “interior shell” of a built environment that the majority of individuals experience most frequently in their professional and domestic lives. Through interior design the architect is able to complete hisher vision of the experience of space, facilitating functionality, sensation, lighting, etc. Furthermore, it is often the interiors of a project that help to complete the program for design, meeting a client’s desires for attributes such as openness, brightness, specific aesthetical styles, evocative design, special experiential issues, etc. Accomplishing a truly meaningful space requires a continuous dialogue between interiors and exteriors at nearly every point of the design process, whether designing for a private home or for a complex commercial space.

A minimum of a 2.8 GPA in undergraduate studies is required, though a 3.0 GPA is strongly desired. A completed Catholic University online application (No fee is required.) Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (Unofficial transcripts can be used for the admissions review.) English proficiency test scores (International students only) Official transcripts and English proficiency scores must be submitted for full admittance to the University. Resume or curriculum vitae One letter of recommendation A professional goal statement Minimally accepted TOEFL scores, when applying for graduate programs, are 550-paper; 213-computer; and 80 Internet. Students taking the TOEFL should have at least 20 out of 30 in each of the TOEFL subcategories. The minimally accepted graduate IELTS score is 6.5. Individual IELTS test module scores are also reviewed in addition to the overall IELTS score.