School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Undergraduate program: Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Graduate program: Master of Architecture, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy
Number of students: Approximately 285
Number of faculty: 38
Notable alumni: Cass Gilbert, I.M. Pei, George Nakashima, Louis Skidmore, Gordon Bunshaft, William Pedersen, Charles Correa, Nader Tehrani
Website: architecture.mit.edu
Strengths: Intensive research opportunities and vast possibilities for integration in a leading global institution
Overview: A crown jewel of MIT’s arts and humanities framework, the School of Architecture + Planning defines its raison d’être as “creating a culture of experimentation to expand the discipline and change the world” in an environment where “individual creativity is cultivated and nurtured.” It is the oldest architecture school in North America and offers unprecedented access to some of the most cutting-edge science and technology research in the world. Architecture degrees are offered at all academic levels, with unique specializations (via assets like the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture) opening up once students get to the graduate level. Labs focusing on everything from sustainable design to self-assembly foster technical skills, while access to other MIT research – in areas like computation, materials and new modes of design and production – gives Architecture students and faculty deep multidisciplinary advantages.