Joint-degree Programs

The Yale School of Architecture and the Yale School of Management offer a joint-degree program in Architecture and Management. This program is especially oriented to individuals who wish to integrate the design, urban development, and management professions in pursuing careers in government or the private sector.

Joint-degree students in the three-year first professional M.Arch. program must complete all requirements for the degree, including six terms of design studio, with the first four terms taken consecutively. This is an accredited, professional degree and specific requirements may not be bypassed, except when waivers are granted for course work previously completed at other institutions. Students in this program will have their overall number of course credits required for the M.Arch. degree reduced from the normal 114 credits to 96 credits. This means they will take 18 fewer elective credits (six elective courses) and may be waived from the History and Theory and/or Urbanism and Landscape elective requirements. Normally this adjustment will allow the student to divide the final (fourth) year schedule between the two required advanced studios at the School of Architecture and courses at the School of Management.

Joint-degree students in the two-year post-professional M.Arch. program must complete 54 credits in the School of Architecture, including three advanced studios and the post-professional research studio (ARCH 1121). They will complete the joint-degree program in three years, normally consisting of one full year in each school and a final year divided between the two schools.

At the conclusion of the required studies, the joint-degree program awards both a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.). Withdrawal or dismissal from the School of Management will automatically obligate a student to complete all normal requirements for the M.Arch. degree (114 credits for first professional degree; 72 credits for post-professional degree option). The M.Arch. degree will not be awarded to joint-degree candidates until they have completed all requirements for both degrees.

Admissions are determined independently by the two schools. Students may apply to both schools at the same time and, if accepted, will begin their studies at the School of Architecture, since admission to the School cannot be deferred; or they may apply to the School of Management prior to their final year at the School of Architecture. Students enrolled at the School of Management may apply to the School of Architecture during their first year. Those who apply simultaneously should so indicate on both applications. Applications to the School of Architecture must be approved by the committee of the joint-degree program. Inquiries may be directed to the registrar at the School of Architecture and to the director of student services at the School of Management.

Mae-Ling Lokko, YSOA Faculty Director
Jen Shin, YSOA Joint Degree Coordinator

The Joint-Degree Program (YSOA+E) between the Yale School of Architecture (YSoA) and the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) trains future leaders at the forefront of design and environmental action. Leveraging full access to two globally acclaimed professional schools, students of YSOA+E gain the knowledge, skills, and vision for meaningful environmental change in the context of global urbanization, materials and resource use, and ecological protection. Graduates of YSOA+E are uniquely positioned to provide the leadership needed to shape the built environment toward powerful climate solutions.

Program of Study

Students of YSOA+E complete and integrate two rigorous masters programs. Graduates of the joint-degree program receive one of two accredited architectural degrees (MArch I or MArch II) and one of four environmental or forestry degrees (MEM, MESc, MFS, MF) in one year less than would be required if each degree were pursued independently. Through their course of study, students gain expertise in cutting-edge approaches to the design of the built environment with the most current research on environmental science.

Each YSOA+E cohort is trained to merge environmental science with architecture at the material, building, site, city, regional, and global scales. Harnessing the breadth and depth of expertise of both YSE and YSoA, students work side-by-side with faculty at the forefront of interdisciplinary practice and research. Depending on their chosen degree pathway, students may choose to focus their studies within two focus areas - Cities and Climate Change or Circulate Design within the Built Environment - while satisfying the requirements and specializations within their two degrees.

For additional information on the course of study, please reach out to either Mae-Ling Lokko or Jen Shin.

Admissions

The Yale School of Architecture (YSoA) and the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) each admit students in accordance with their own criteria. Prospective students may apply to the program prior to matriculation by submitting a separate application to each school during a single admissions cycle. For more information on admissions, contact Jen Shin.

Learn more about the M.Arch-MEM Course of Study (PDF).

Yale School of Architecture students who are enrolled in the M.Arch. program and who are interested in continued advanced study in an area of specialization in architecture, environmental design, or planning/development, may apply for admission to the M.E.D. program. Students may take courses supporting areas of advanced study during the M.Arch. curriculum and, after receipt of the M.Arch. degree, may qualify for up to one term’s advanced standing in the M.E.D. degree program.