Graduate Programs
Advance your ideas, expand your expertise, and make a lasting impact
Graduate programs in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design are designed for curious, driven thinkers ready to take their work to the next level. Whether you're deepening a creative practice, pursuing rigorous research, or preparing for professional licensure, you’ll be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary community of scholars and practitioners committed to shaping the future of their fields — and the world around them.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program is a professional degree focused on advanced architectural design, theory, and practice. It prepares students for careers as licensed architects and leaders in the built environment.
Questions about the degree? Contact David Dugas, associate professor and chair of the graduate architecture program, at ddugas@vt.edu.
Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.Arch.)
The Master of Science in architecture (M.S.Arch.) program offers an in-depth exploration of architectural research, focusing on areas such as sustainability, technology, and building sciences.
Questions about the degree? Contact David Dugas, associate professor and chair of the graduate architecture program, at ddugas@vt.edu.
Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.)
The Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) program emphasizes sustainable design practices and urban planning, equipping students to address complex environmental challenges creatively and responsibly.
Questions about the degree? Contact Terry Clements, professor and landscape architecture program chair, at tclement@vt.edu.
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Technologies
The M.F.A. in creative technologies program combines art, design, and technology, offering students opportunities to create innovative digital media and interactive works.
Questions about the degree? Contact Zach Duer, associate professor and chair of the creative technologies M.F.A. program, at zachduer@vt.edu.
Master of Arts in Material Culture and Public Humanities
The Master of Arts in material culture and public humanities program explores the relationship between material artifacts and public discourse, focusing on critical engagement with cultural heritage.
Questions about the degree? Contact Michelle Moseley, associate professor and chair of the material culture master's program, at mymc@vt.edu
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatre
The M.F.A. in theatre program offers intensive study in theatre. The areas of study are applied theatre and public dialogue, arts leadership, costume design, lighting design, scenic and properties design, stage management, and technical direction.
Questions about the degree? Contacts are listed below by area of study:
- Applied theatre and public dialogue – Professor Bob Leonard
- Arts leadership – Associate Professor Amanda Nelson
- Costume design – Assistant Professor of Practice Tyler Holland
- Lighting design – Associate Professor John Ambrosone
- Scenic and properties design – Assistant Professor Kerry Chipman
- Stage management – Instructor Stacy Blackburn
- Technical direction – Associate Professor John Ambrosone
Accelerated Undergraduate and Master’s Programs for Music Majors
These accelerated graduate programs offer undergraduate music majors the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in music and a graduate degree in as little as four years. The pathways are designed for students passionate about music and eager to develop hybrid skillsets for diverse careers in the arts. There are two options:
- Master of Education in curriculum and instruction
- Master of Science in business administration – business analytics
Questions about the degrees? Contact Derek Shapiro, assistant professor and director of bands, at derekshapiro@vt.edu.
Ph.D. in Architecture and Design Research
Architecture Track
The architecture track focuses on advanced research in architectural design, history, and theory, contributing to scholarly discourse and practice in architecture.
Questions about the degree? Contact David Dugas, associate professor and chair of the graduate architecture program, at ddugas@vt.edu.
Design Research Track
The design research track encourages innovative investigations into design processes, methodologies, and applications, supporting scholarly and creative inquiry.
Questions about the degree? Contact David Dugas, associate professor and chair of the graduate architecture program, at ddugas@vt.edu.
Landscape Architecture Track
The landscape architecture track provides opportunities for research in landscape design, urban ecology, and environmental systems, preparing scholars for academic and research careers.
Questions about the degree? Contact Mintai Kim, associate dean and coordinator of the landscape architecture track in the Ph.D. in architecture and design, at mintkim@vt.edu.
Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning – Design Track
This degree program equips students with the professional and academic skills needed to tackle the challenges of designing, constructing, and maintaining tomorrow's built environment, preparing them for successful careers in both industry and academia. The program is housed in the College of Engineering, but the design track will be managed by AAD faculty. Program development will begin in fall 2025.
Questions about the degree program? Contact Mintai Kim, associate dean for graduate studies, at mintkim@vt.edu.
Individualized Interdisciplinary Ph.D.
The degree program is designed for exceptional students pursuing doctoral studies across AAD and other colleges. This option is also an option for faculty in the Schools of Performing Arts and Visual Arts whose scholarship often intersects with education, business, social sciences, liberal arts, engineering, and related disciplines.
Questions about the degree? Contact William Huckle, the program director, at wrhuckle@vt.edu.