It is designed for mid-career professionals seeking further study of a particular area of technical or scholarly interest, or new graduate students who do not seek a professional architecture degree but, rather advanced interdisciplinary study in architecture and related fields. The interdisciplinary program introduces students to knowledge in a specialized area as well as to modes of research and practice in architecture, design, and related disciplines. It also provides mid-career professionals and graduates with degrees in fields related to architecture (such as history or engineering) the opportunity to pursue advanced architectural design and scholarship.

The degree is a 36-credit-hour (minimum) intensive course of study, developed in consultation with the graduate program director for Master of Design students and faculty in the student's area of interest. The program requires each student to develop a research focus that draws from disciplines and departments across the university and the Five Colleges, working in concert with the program director, the graduate program director, and/or a faculty member who is the student’s designated advisor. The program, designed as a terminal degree, should take a full-time student four semesters. Some exceptionally well-prepared students may be able to transfer in up to six credits of previous course work and finish the program in three semesters. Funding opportunities are limited, and most students should be financially able to complete the program without relying on assistantships.