Name

Eric Haddenham

School

Ohio State University

Degree Program

Second year Master of Arts student in Architecture with a concentration in Urban Studies and Planning

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Art from Willamette University

Thesis Topic

Los Angeles architecture depicted in film

Research Interests

Architecture and urban planning in film; sustainability in a lunar-based facility

Hobbies

Football, trumpet, jogging, reading, music, film

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I chose Ohio State University’s masters degree program in architecture because of the curriculum, the facilities, and the financial aid options. The plan of study for an architecture student is clearly laid out from the very beginning, so there is no guessing about what classes to take. Also, the architecture building was only constructed about 4 or 5 years ago and has a great atmosphere. Besides the courses and the environment, I also chose Ohio State because they offered me great financial aid, which included loans and grants in addition to a work study option.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared for graduate school in architecture by developing my interest in architecture and working on my portfolio for my application.

Because my undergraduate degree was not in architecture, I first spent time familiarizing myself with the field. For example, when I was first considering graduate school in architecture I spent time with an architect to make sure that architecture was the correct path for me. After that, I completed a few art projects that had an architectural slant by examining experimental models for buildings. I also observed buildings and cityscapes quite intensely once I began to consider pursuing a masters degree in architecture.

In addition to developing my interest in architecture, I also worked on constructing a quality portfolio that would show my research interests. For my portfolio I compiled examples of creative work that I had done as an undergraduate. The pieces were not required to be architectural in nature, so I searched for the best art projects and research papers that I had, and selected the ones that best showcased my creative approach to design.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, I was required to submit GRE scores. Applicants have to score at least 1000 or 1100 to be accepted into Ohio State’s architectural program.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I discussed how sports architecture has influenced me. Instead of focusing exclusively on stadiums and other structures that host athletic events, I also discussed the economics and politics surrounding sports. When a city acquires a sports team there is often a political tug-of-war that occurs over the costs and economic impact. I found this topic to be worthy of research as an undergraduate and worth mentioning in my personal statement because my interest in the subject has influenced my interest in architecture.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my application to Ohio State University, I only needed 2 letters of recommendation. As an undergraduate I double majored in math and art, so I asked my advisor from each of those departments to write a letter of recommendation. I chose my advisors because I worked more closely with them than other faculty.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in architecture?

If you are considering applying to graduate school in architecture, I would advise you to start your applications well in advance and also read a few architectural texts before the program actually starts. In my own experience with graduate school applications I felt somewhat rushed as the deadlines neared. To avoid any last minute panic, I would recommend that you allow at least 2 months to complete your applications.

In addition to allowing plenty of time for applications, it will also be helpful if you spend some time reading up on architectural design. I would recommend a text that discusses how to view architecture critically so you can begin to think of architecture from a design perspective. A guide to surviving architecture school will also help you with the demands of studying architecture.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

The length of my masters program in architecture at Ohio State University is about 3 years. During my first year I took undergraduate courses in history, construction and structures because my undergraduate degree was not in architecture. Once I had a basic understanding of architecture, I was eligible to enroll in more advanced graduate-level courses. In my second year I have completed a few field-specific courses, including a seminar about how architects can meet the needs of clients. Next year, I will begin to work on my thesis.

What is the focus of your masters degree research?

For my masters research, I am studying the urban layout of Los Angeles. I became interested in this topic from films that depict the city, and from my personal exposure to its architecture. I have personal connections in Los Angeles and I have been able to visit the city for a first-hand view. I find Los Angeles fascinating because it is infamously sprawled out, in contrast to other big cities with a lot of condensed skyscrapers, like New York.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your thesis?

Architecture is unique from other fields of study because I can actually visit sites and tour the world to do research. My research has mostly involved on-site observation. For example, I went on an architectural tour of Los Angeles over spring break. I also visited New York the year before and was able to compare the 2 cities. I spent some time researching the buildings in Chicago, as well.

Does your program have an internship component?

My masters degree program at Ohio State University does not require an internship but there are internships available and also numerous other opportunities to get hands-on experience, such as study-abroad programs.

I participated in an internship last summer and I have also studied abroad. For my internship I traveled to Chicago and I learned about the intersection of information technology and architecture. I also enrolled in a study abroad program in Dresden, Germany and toured the architecture there. In the future, I may go on a trip to China or join a European study tour that examines historical and modern architecture throughout the continent.

Does your masters degree program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

No, my masters degree program in architecture does not require any comprehensive exams prior to graduation. However, to practice as a licensed architect, I will be required to work in the field for 3 years to gain experience and then take a state licensing exam.

How does a masters degree program differ from undergraduate study?

A major difference between graduate school and undergraduate school is the amount of time I devote to my program. In fact, I think of a masters program as a job with overtime. I work late at night for several days in a row to complete projects and I am under constant scrutiny from professors. It is not uncommon to have professors ask me you to redo my work almost every other day.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters degree program cost?

The costs of graduate school come from several sources. In-state tuition can be tens of thousands of dollars per year while out-of-state tuition is often twice as much. Other expenses such as books, equipment and costs of living can add another $6,000 to $7,000 yearly, even though I live cheaply. I also include the cost of travel for research and personal reasons. Travel makes up the bulk of my expenses beyond tuition.

How are you funding your education?

I am paying for my masters program in architecture with loans and grants, a scholarship and a graduate assistant work study position in which I manage my school library’s digital information. Financial aid, my scholarship and my work study income each cover about a third of my expenses.

How difficult do you anticipate it will be to pay off your loans after graduation?

I am optimistic that I can repay my loans without much trouble. I have already lined up a job after I graduate with the firm where I completed my internship. Finding employment is the worrisome part, but since I will have a job and I am not a big spender, I am not worried about repaying my loans.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in architecture?

I devote about 80 to 100 hours a week to work and study. I spend around 20 hours in class each week. In addition to attending class, I spend about 12 hours a week fulfilling a studio requirement that is part of the curriculum, where I build my portfolio of designs. My job as a graduate assistant in the library comprises about an additional 10 hours per week. Generally, I wake up at 8:00 a.m. and work until around midnight, 6 or 7 days a week. I take Friday night off, but generally I work on weekends.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has not had a major effect on my personal life because of how I manage my time. The best strategies for staying on top of my responsibilities are to find a rhythm and to stay organized. If I stick to the same schedule every week, I can get more work done in less time than it would take otherwise. Keeping a calendar helps me control my workload as well. All of those strategies leave time open for personal obligations.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I will either go to work in Chicago or Europe. I already have an established internship in Chicago, so that will be the easiest path to securing a job. I would also like the opportunity to work in a German-speaking country like Germany, Austria or Switzerland, because I speak German and can gain more exposure to different architectural styles.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in architecture?

If you are a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in architecture, I recommend that you first explore architecture as an undergraduate. Even though I enjoyed studying math and art during my undergraduate years, I had to compensate for the lack of architecture classes on my transcript by taking those courses as a graduate student. If you major in architecture at the bachelors level you will be able to focus on graduate level courses when you enter a masters degree program in architecture.

In addition to having an undergraduate background in architecture, you need to understand that in a masters degree program in architecture you are going to be criticized a great deal. Your professors will scrutinize your work and ask you to redo projects that you may have already worked hard on. And at the end of your masters program you will be expected to present your thesis project to the public.