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    University of Illinois Chicago

    Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Chicago, USMAIn-person2 years
    $78,484.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    50%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    56
    Credits
    $70.00
    App fee

    Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago is a 56-credit, 2-year, in-person MA program based in Chicago, US. Tuition is $78,484.

    About the program

    Two-year program developing textual and visual argumentation in architecture, urbanism, landscape, and allied design practices through intensive writing seminars, publication workshops, and overlapping coursework with MArch and MS programs. Focuses on design criticism as a platform for future production and public discourse.

    Focus: coursework

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Feb 15, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are not required but will be accepted for applicants who believe them to be beneficial to their overall application package
    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL iBT (exams taken on or after January 21, 2026): 4.5 overall (Reading 4, Listening 4, Speaking 4.5, Writing 4.5); TOEFL iBT (exams taken prior to January 21, 2026): 80 (Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 21)
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $14,000.00
    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 Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago is $78,484 across 56 required credits.
    Is Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago online or in-person?
    Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago take to complete?
    Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago is structured around 2 years and 56 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study
    How competitive is Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago?
    Master of Arts in Architectural Design Criticism at University of Illinois Chicago reports an acceptance rate of approximately 50%.