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    Carnegie Mellon University

    Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Pittsburgh, USMAADIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $116,200.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    165
    Credits
    $75.00
    App fee

    Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University is a 165-credit, 2-year, in-person MAAD program based in Pittsburgh, US. Tuition is $116,200 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Four-semester post-professional program focusing on design-research in materiality, technology, and design across scales, leveraging strengths in design fabrication, architectural robotics, computational design, and ecological thinking. Culminates in a year-long independently determined design research project.

    Focus: research
    QS World University Rankings: #52 | US News: #24

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 10, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min For the 2025-2026 admission cycle, the GRE is test-optional for Master’s and PhD program applicants. No minimum GRE score requirement.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min 100 (minimum subscore of 22 in each category)
    IELTS
    required
    Min 7.0 (minimum of 6.5 in each category)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $32,590.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University is $116,200 across 165 required credits.
    Is Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University online or in-person?
    Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University take to complete?
    Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University is structured around 2 years and 165 credits.
    Is Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) at Carnegie Mellon University: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)