College of Fine & Applied Arts – School of Architecture
Online Master of Science in Architectural Studies – Structures Concentration Overview
Illinois’ online Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a Structures concentration is a 32-credit-hour program with fully online coursework designed for students and practicing professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in structural design.
Offered through the Building Performance Program in the School of Architecture, the program provides the same rigorous curriculum and admission requirements as the in-person degree, with the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world. Coursework explores structural design within the broader context of architectural studies, preparing you to apply advanced knowledge to real-world design and building challenges.
The Structures concentration is designed for students pursuing an advanced degree as well as practitioners who want to strengthen their expertise in structural design without relocating to campus. There is no on-campus residency requirement, and students can complete the program at a pace that fits their professional and personal commitments. Structures is recorded as a concentration on the student’s transcript under the M.S. in Architectural Studies degree.
Program Highlights
- Fully online: Complete the M.S. in Architectural Studies.
- 32 credit hours: Earn a graduate degree focused on advanced architectural studies and structural design.
- Structures concentration: Develop specialized knowledge in structural design within the M.S. in Architectural Studies.
- Same rigorous curriculum: Receive the same course content and admission standards as the in-person program, with instruction delivered online.
- Flexible pace: Complete the degree at a customized pace that works with your professional and personal responsibilities.
- Designed for practitioners: Enhance your structural design knowledge and skills without relocating to campus.
- Global access: Earn a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate degree from anywhere in the world.
What You’ll Learn
Through the Structures concentration, you’ll develop advanced knowledge and skills in:
- Structural design and analysis
- Structural systems within architectural design
- Structural steel design
- Reinforced concrete design
- Mechanics of materials
- Structural engineering principles
- Applying structural concepts to architectural projects
- Building performance and structural considerations in the built environment
Before beginning required Structures coursework, students must meet prerequisite requirements in areas such as physics, calculus, statics, mechanics of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design. Equivalent coursework may be accepted with faculty approval.
Career Opportunities
The M.S. in Architectural Studies with a Structures concentration can help practicing professionals and other students strengthen their expertise in structural design and expand their opportunities in architecture and the built environment. Potential career paths include:
- Structural design professional
- Architectural designer
- Building performance specialist
- Structural design consultant
- Architectural project professional
- Building systems specialist
- Design and construction professional
Whether you’re looking to deepen your structural design expertise, expand your architectural knowledge, or earn an advanced degree while continuing to work, the Structures concentration offers a flexible path to graduate study from anywhere in the world.
Tuition & Costs
- Tuition & Fees: View current Illinois Online graduate tuition and fees
Apply
Ready to take the next step toward a Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a Structures concentration?
- Application Deadlines – Apply by July 15 for full consideration for the upcoming fall semester. The application system opens September 15 for the following fall.
- Admission Requirements – Review the admission requirements, including transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, resume, and prerequisite coursework. The GRE is not required.
- Begin Your Application – Start your graduate application through the University of Illinois Graduate College.