Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design Admissions

Admission requirements vary by program. The Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design is looking for candidates with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and interests, to create diversity within an incoming group.

Placement in the M.Arch 2 program is highly selective. Students are considered based on their design portfolio and the extent of their undergraduate architectural studies. To be considered for advanced placement, students must have a bachelor of science degree in architecture or its equivalent and must have completed the following prerequisite courses as part of their undergraduate degree in architecture.

• 8 sequential architecture design studio courses (5-6 credits each course)
  
• 1 construction course (3 credits)
• 2 structure courses (6 credits)
  
• 1 environmental systems course (3 credits)
  
• 2 history of architecture courses (6 credits)
  
• 1 architecture theory course (3 credits)

These courses must be taken for credit at an accredited institution, and the student must earn a C or better in each course prior to fall enrollment.

Advanced placement decisions are based on:

• extent of previous of experience in design studios (e.g. number of studios, range of projects undertaken, and complexity achieved in the most advanced work)
  
• sophistication and skill evidenced in the graphic representation in the portfolio
• integration of technical and site considerations
  
• academic transcript, letters of recommendation, and statement of intent
  

The Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design reserves the right to place students at the level the admissions committee deems appropriate, with particular attention to the elements described above.

Students who have prior degrees in architecture or landscape architecture are eligible for the two-year, accelerated MLA program. Applicants are considered for advanced placement based on their design portfolio and extent of previous relevant studies.

Admissions decisions are based on the applicant’s portfolio, academic records, personal essays, and references. Application materials may be submitted over time. However, all parts of the application, except for the letters of recommendation, must be received by the application deadline. No applicant will be offered admission into the program until all required materials have been received.

Applicants are NOT required to submit GRE scores for admission to our graduate architecture programs.

A digital portfolio showing examples of design work or work in the visual arts must be uploaded to our online application system. The work represented in the portfolio—whether it includes drawings, photographs of architectural models, or artwork (including various types of media such as paintings, sculpture, ceramics, or photography)—should be the best examples of the applicant’s efforts.

Applicants who have pursued formal studies in architecture or landscape architecture must include examples of their design work related to those areas, but are also welcome to include examples of other artistic endeavors.

• One combined PDF document in horizontal orientation, 20MB maximum file size, 150dpi
• 25 pages or fewer, plus cover pages
• Include 10-12 examples of architecture, design, or visual art work
• Include a brief, textual description along with each project. If the work was done collaboratively, be specific about the extent of your personal involvement in the project.
• Text must be 8pt or larger so that it is legible on screen

Applicants who have not studied architecture previously should submit at least 10-12 examples of work in the visual arts and—if available—in the constructive arts (for example, photographs and drawings from small, three-dimensional built projects such as furniture, kiosks, or decks). The overall intention is to show work that demonstrates potential for accomplishment in further creative study.

WashU is responsible for confirming that visitors and students possess the necessary level of English language proficiency to succeed in their respective course of study and/or program. For more information on WashU’s accepted English language proficiency tests and minimum score requirements, please visit the Office for International Students & Scholars website.

WashU accepted tests and minimum score requirements:

• Duolingo English Test (DET) – 125 minimum overall score
  
• GATEWAY English Test – 495 minimum overall score
  
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – 6.5 minimum composite score
  
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT – 5.0 overall (new scale) OR 4.5 ≥ 90 overall (old scale)
  

WashU does not accept super-scored results (a combination of the highest scored sections) such as TOEFL MyBest.

Exemptions from the English language proficiency test requirement may be granted if you meet the criteria outlined in the policy. For more information, please visit the Provost website.

Upon acceptance, students who attended a Chinese university must also have their official transcripts and qualification certificates verified (in English) by the Center for Student Services Development (CSSD).

We recognize that financial support is an important part of your graduate school decision-making process, and the Sam Fox School is committed to providing assistance to as many students as possible. Currently, 94% of graduate students in the Sam Fox School receive support.

Some of our full and significant tuition scholarships and fellowships require separate application. Others, students are automatically considered. We encourage you to learn about your options early.

A campus tour is a great way to get a feel for what it would be like to join us at the Sam Fox School. Schedule your visit with one of our recruiters today. Or, reach out to a recruiter to schedule a portfolio review.

Our team of recruiters are here to help you. Reach out to them with questions about applying, scheduling a visit, and more.