The Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design recently rose four positions to tie Cornell University and Rice University for sixth in the nation, according to a survey by DesignIntelligence.
Harvard University, the University of Cincinnati, Yale University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Virginia ranked first, second, third, fourth, and fifth in the survey, respectively.
“Last year, we ranked tenth [in the nation],” said Carmon Colangelo, dean of the Sam Fox School. “This is a result of the tremendous effort put forth by the faculty and quality of our students.”
The ranking focuses primarily on alumni experience. DesignIntelligence polls directors of design, managing principals, and human resource directors from architecture firms nationwide. Those polled rank programs based on the professionalism and preparation graduates exhibited over the last five years. Sustainability, analysis and planning, construction methods and materials, research and theory, communication skills and computer applications are also taken into consideration.
“The commitment of the faculty alongside the unique international experiences offered to our graduate students are apparent,” said Colangelo.
Although Colangelo and his colleagues are proud of the program’s rise in the rankings, they look forward to additional improvement in the future.
“We are not finished,” said Adrian Luchini, a professor of Architecture. “I personally aim for the program to be number one and I am not being idealistic. Before I leave this institution, I see the program closer to, if not, number one. The caliber of Washington University allows us to aim high.”
Luchini shares similar feelings with Colangelo about the faculty and students.
“Both the faculty’s and students’ level of commitment and level of talent is really stunning,” said Luchini. “We seldom have to deal with bad cases; they love what they do.”
The increased popularity of the program is visible when examining the growth of the student body.
“The recruitment of students has risen dramatically,” said Colangelo. “We now have 179 graduate students and are moving closer to 200.”
Colangelo also noted the increasing selectivity of the program. Application numbers are rising more dramatically than enrollment, thus lowering the graduate student acceptance rate.
Luchini has noticed a significant change in the architectural program during his ten years at the university.
“Our ability to really run alongside the pulse of society has introduced pertinent changes to the program,” said Luchini. “Among these include aggressive design programs abroad. Students are encouraged to study both in St. Louis and outside the [United States].”
Programs are currently offered in Helsinki, Finland; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Barcelona, Spain. A new program will be offered next fall in China.
“[Programs abroad] provide students the opportunity to be exposed to talented and rich cultures outside of the U.S.,” said Luchini. “I believe this has contributed to the improved ranking.”
DesignIntelligence is the monthly journal of the Design Future Council, a global network of professionals involved with the design community. Its mission is to explore trends, changes and new opportunities in design, architecture, and building technology.
Published as “America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools 2007,” the eighth annual survey assessed 114 programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Washington University ranked first in the Midwest region.
Currently, the graduate program offers students several courses of study. Options include the accredited Master of Architecture degree, a professional degree for students with an undergraduate degree in architecture, and for students with a background in non-architectural studies; the post-professional Master of Architecture degree, for individuals already holding professional degrees in architecture who are interested in pursuing opportunities in research, teaching and independent studies; and the Master of Urban Design degree, a post-professional degree focused on issues of the metropolitan landscape for those holding professional degrees in architecture or landscape architecture. Joint dual degree programs also exist, combining the Master of Architecture or Master of Urban Design degrees with studies in other divisions at Washington University. These programs lead to dual degrees in architecture and urban design and a Master of Business Administration, Master of Social Work or Master of Construction Management.