P R O G R A M

Taliesin, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture offers two fully accredited degrees:

Master of Architecture (M.Arch)
The M.Arch degree is a professional graduate degree leading to qualifications for architectural licensing. An undergraduate degree in a related or an unrelated field and post-secondary prerequisites are required for admission. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter leadership roles within the architectural profession and become licensed architects upon completion of internship experience and passing the architectural exam.

Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS)
The BAS degree is an undergraduate pre-professional degree. High school graduation and post-secondary prerequisites are required for admission. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter professional-level graduate schools in architecture and related fields.

Both degree programs are designed for students who thrive in a multifaceted environment focusing on rigorous design, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. The small-scale of the School facilitates an individualized educational experience and fosters a close relationship between students, faculty, and staff.

Students are active participants in the design of their path through the curriculum, and draw on a variety of resources throughout their education. Students explore architecture through the resources of design, technical and professional practices, liberal studies, and the Arts throughout the learning process. Project-based learning is central to the educational experience.

The program is rigorous but noncompetitive; traditional grading is replaced by assessment of the student's learning by faculty, mentors, and practicing architects on the basis of evidence in semi-annual portfolio documentation.

The Taliesin educational experience is closely linked to its two architecturally stunning campuses and is fueled by the intense year-round educational community that is marked by residency at the main Arizona campus (Taliesin West) and the summer Wisconsin campus (Taliesin). All students are provided with on-campus housing at both locations, including the celebrated “desert shelters” at Taliesin West, experimental dwellings dotting many of the 600 acres of Sonoran Desert preserve surrounding the main campus.

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The Education Fee is a comprehensive fee for a twelve month period. The Education Fee includes Tuition, Room, and Board. For students enrolling in 2008, the Education Fee is $30,000 per year. Subsequent years are subject to increase by the action of the Board of Trustees; however, all students 'lock in' their tuition at time of enrollment. In addition to the Education Fee, an estimate of $4,000 per year is considered a minimum for personal expenses.

School-sponsored and endowed financial aid is available in the form of scholarships and work-study. Scholarships are awarded based on documentation of financial need and proof of merit. The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture interfaces with most lending institutions providing student loans.

The M.Arch degree program is generally completed in 2-1/2 to 3 years, based on prior experience and academic progress while enrolled in the program. Students with a prior professional B.Arch or M.Arch degree may be eligible to complete the program in 2 years, based upon entry assessment levels and academic progress.

The BAS degree program is generally completed in 3 years, based on prior experience and academic progress while enrolled in the program.

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P R E R E Q U I S I T E S

Students entering into the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree program must have an undergraduate degree from a program accredited by a regional accrediting body or their international equivalent.

Students entering into the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree program must have high school graduation or equivalent.

Both the M.Arch and BAS students require satisfactory completion of the following postsecondary coursework with a grade of C (2.0) or above:

Applicants who are deficient in one of the above courses may be accepted on condition that they complete coursework while enrolled at Taliesin.

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications prior to completion of prerequisite coursework and/or graduation from their high school or university.

International Students: English speaking and writing proficiency for applicants whose native language in not English, may be asked to submit the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination with a minimum score of 550, and/or can show evidence of having passed the TSE (Test of Spoken English).

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P R O J E C T S . A N D . R E S E A R C H

The School's curriculum supports applied project-based design and research. Innovation in architecture is explored through experimentation of materials and processes related to a project, through the lens of the social and cultural context of that project.

An example of this aspect of the curriculum is the Shelter Construction Program, which challenges students to design and build small structures as case studies of how materials come together, how they withstand severe environmental conditions, and how the project realization can happen with resourcefulness and invention. The shelters form a core component of the housing stock for enrolled students.

Many of the studio-based projects center around architectural work for non-profit and entrepreneurial organizations with specific focus on projects that are socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and culturally relevant.

Study Abroad opportunities are encouraged for students in both degree programs either in conjunction with other schools, as interns in architectural offices, or as part of an off-campus project. During the final year in the M.Arch program, students are encouraged to pursue a thesis project, which enables them to explore a project in both depth and breath in an area related to their research and design interests.

A C C R E D I T A T I O N

The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and School's Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
Phone: (800) 621-7440 / (312) 263-0456
Fax: (312) 263-7462
http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
info@hlcommission.org

In addition, The Master of Architecture degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The NAAB is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture.

To request an application form and receive additional information on the School, click here.

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The Red Square, Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin, Taliesin West and other indicated marks are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in the United States and in certain other countries.