Name

Roya Seyedsadry

School

Ohio State University

Degree Program

Graduate of Master of Arts program in Architecture

Previous Degrees

Masters of Architecture from University of Tehran; Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Iran University

Research Interests

Modern architecture

Hobbies

Watching movies, traveling

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose Ohio State University for my masters degree in architecture because it is a very strong program. Cost was the second most significant factor. Although Ohio State did not offer as much financial support as the other schools that I applied to, the cost of living in Ohio is relatively low. This helps to make up for the difference in financial support.

To select a graduate program in architecture, I first looked for curriculum that would be design-based, rather than research-based. This was important to me because I had already earned a masters degree in architecture from University of Tehran. I decided to pursue a second masters degree in architecture in order to expose myself to a different learning environment with new ideas and designs.

In order to select a school, I applied to 10 schools with masters degree programs that interested me and offered the type of design experience I wanted. I was accepted to about half, so I researched those particular schools more thoroughly. I made campus visits, asked about the types of financial support I would receive, and researched the cities where the universities were located.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

In preparation for my masters program in architecture, I determined which parts of my application would hold the most weight. For applications to graduate programs in architecture, students must include both a personal statement and a portfolio. These were both weighted heavily in the application process at Ohio State and admission was highly selective.

Because the personal statement was an important component of my application, I put a lot of effort into drafting a strong document that would exhibit my strengths. I included a resume detailing my experiences, and I also wrote about my goals, my intentions and why I was interested in this particular program.

In addition to a strong personal statement, a stellar portfolio was crucial because it showcased my abilities, talents and personal design style. I made a booklet presenting all of my best designs. Along with my written statement, I believe my portfolio demonstrated that I was a strong candidate for the program.

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

I would advise a student who is considering applying to graduate school for architecture to brush up on topics like sociology and psychology before the program begins, because architecture involves all types of social sciences. Once the program begins, the workload will be too heavy to review other subjects but understanding the social sciences will help students to understand and design architecture.

Graduate School – The Program

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

My masters program in architecture took 2 years to complete because I already held masters and bachelors degrees in architecture from universities in Iran. For students who enter the program without previous education in architecture, University of Ohio offers a more comprehensive 3-year program.

For my masters degree program at Ohio State University, I completed 90 credits of coursework in total, which was divided between hands-on studio time and lectures on architectural theory. During the first year, I attended classes on basic architectural theory, which included lectures and readings. In addition, during the first year I spent a great deal of time in studio classes, where each quarter was devoted to a specific design for a real site. I had to start from scratch researching a site and designing the building to produce the finished design at the end of the quarter. Each studio course was very practical but also very intense and demanding.

In the second year, I still attended studio classes but those involved more complicated designs. In the second year there were also seminars in which practicing architects gave lectures on topics like management within architecture firms, understanding building codes and real world design issues.

Did your program have an internship component?

No, my program did not include an internship component. If I had it to do over again, I might seek out a program with an internship component. Having an internship as part of the curriculum would have offered more practical experience than what can be taught in the classroom.

What role did your advisor play in your education?

Each student in my program had an assigned professor as an advisor, but I found that mine did not play much of a role in my education. My advisor was available when I had a question, but I really only interacted with my advisor a few times a year. It was not a relationship where I performed specific research under a professor's guidance.

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

No, I did not have to take any comprehensive exams for my masters degree program in architecture.

How did a masters degree program differ from undergraduate study?

I think the biggest difference between studying for a bachelors degree and studying for a masters degree was the way each program related to my goals. During graduate school I was much more serious and dedicated than during my undergraduate study because I knew that the material I was learning in my masters program related directly to my future. I was not quite as serious about my undergraduate program because I did not feel that my bachelors degree was as applicable to my career.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much did your masters degree program cost?

My architecture program at Ohio State University cost nearly $50,000 each year, including personal expenses.

How did you fund your education?

I funded my masters degree partly from my own savings and partly from a job that I held at the university.

Graduate School – Living Life

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

My masters degree program in architecture required a big time commitment. Each week I had lecture classes and studio classes, and I also spent a lot of time on homework and class projects.

I had long days on campus where I attended lecture classes for 9 hours a week, and spent about 4 hours each day in studio classes. Outside of my lecture classes, I had daily homework assignments and many pages of material to read. The first-year theory classes had a notoriously heavy workload and it was common for my peers to simply give up before even reaching the end of the quarter.

In addition to homework from lecture classes, studio work was incredibly time-consuming. Unlike traditional courses where doing poorly on an exam or assignment was private, in studio classes I had to take ownership for my designs. I was often required to present my work to my peers and practicing architects for critique. Knowing my work would be public, I had to put in a lot of effort all term. I worked through the night on many occasions.

How did graduate school affect your personal life?

My program was very intense so it really affected my personal life. The biggest impact was on my sleep schedule. There never seemed to be enough time in the day to complete the readings and the studio projects. I felt like I never had free time for leisure or catching up on sleep.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself in some sort of design role but I am open to other possibilities. I would like to work for a company as a practicing architect, doing design work each day. I would also like to teach a class while working for an architecture firm.

I understand that my goals are dependent on outside factors, particularly the economy, so, I am flexible. Right now the architecture industry is not thriving and even if I can find a job as an architect, I may not find a position that will offer me rewarding design projects. Although I am not planning to make teaching my primary career, I am open to that as a more stable option.

Graduate School - Advice

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

If you are interested in pursuing a masters degree in architecture the most valuable piece of information I can give you is that this is a very intense major that takes dedication, hard work, and a lot of involvement. You must be prepared for long days and many nights spent working rather than sleeping. Even if architecture is your passion, it will still be hard, but also very interesting and rewarding.

In addition to readying yourself for a difficult program, you should think about your career goals and understand that architecture is not always a stable career in a bad economy. For example, I may need to take a job teaching instead of designing architecture despite my passion for design. Before pursuing a masters in this field I advise you to consider whether you can be flexible in your career options.

If you still decide to pursue a masters degree program in architecture knowing that it is difficult and the job market can be unpredictable, I recommend that you do research on a lot of potential programs. When you are deciding on a program, one factor you might consider is whether the school operates on a quarter system or a semester system. Personally, I found the quarter system to be so rushed that I often did not feel that I learned as much as I could have. Particularly in studio classes, I felt the quarter system was detrimental because there was so little time to work on projects before the end of the quarter.