The architecture program has three points of selective admission:
the beginning design course for incoming freshman, the third year review and the fifth year review.
The undergraduate program starts with the beginning design course (ARCH 1001).
Because space is limited to the top 80 students who request architecture as their major, admissions are selective. Students are admitted
to this class based upon high school gpa and ACT or SAT scores. Admitted students generally have a minimum gpa of 2.75 and ACT score of 22,
although a higher gpa may allow for a lower ACT score, and a higher test score may allow for a lower gpa. ]
If you do not meet this requirement but believe you deserve a space in the beginning design course, you may contact the School of Architecture
to present additional information and request an exception to the requirement.
If you are approved for admission will be notified in writing. Students not admitted to the beginning design course can register for architecture courses listed as general education courses.
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Transfer students are considered for admission to the architecture program and beginning design courses on a space-available basis. Admission is competitive and you should have earned a minimum gpa of 2.75 (on a 4-point scale) based on 30 hours or more or college courses. You should apply by February 15 for admission the following fall semester. Transfer credits for architecture courses may fulfill program requirements if you took them as part of an architectural program accredited by the NAAB. If you want credit for design studio courses, you will need to submit a portfolio for faculty evaluation. ]
Personal Computer Reqirement: The School of Architecture requires all second-year students and graduate students to have a notebook computer. This notebook computer is an integral tool in your architectural education. In addition to a notebook computer, you must purchase specific software, including modeling and drafting software. ]
Third Year Admission Review: At the end of year two, the school conducts an academic and
portfolio review. Admission into the upper division is competitive, limited to a maximum of 36 students each year. You present a portfolio of work completed in your first two years of study.
A panel of reviewers evaluates your work, assessing technical skill and execution, design capabilities, creativity, personal expression, organization of the work, and other key factors.
In compiling the portfolio, take into account the areas of achievement considered by the panel:
• Knowledge, Skill and Abilities -- A good portfolio contains multiple examples of graphic and modeling skills that exhibit development of the fundamental knowledge necessary to become an architect.
• Organization -- Creation of a theme that systematically arranges and unites the independent projects into a coordinated whole shows reviewers an understanding of cohesive presentation.
• Craft -- Choose pieces that depict skill, ingenuity and dexterity in applying the presentation techniques learned in the first two years of study.
• Voice -- Strong portfolios contain personal expression in the presentation and convey design intent.
• Aesthetic Values -- Consider the role of aesthetics in design, including pieces that are compelling and demonstrate the development of a design aesthetic.
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Fifth Year Admission Review: Entrance to the fifth year will be granted only to those students who have successfully completed all required course work in years one through four. Admission to the fifth year will be in the fall semester only.]