Graduate Admissions
Application deadline for Fall 2010 is JANUARY 15, 2010
NOTE: Starting in fall 2010, tuition for all Master of Architecture students will be at the same rate of tuition. This flat rate replaces a two-tier system of in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.
Master of Architecture
Application Requirements
Applicants applying to the M. Arch Program are technically applying to the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota. Thus, all application materials are submitted through the Graduate School except for the Portfolio which is sent directly to the School of Architecture as described below.
CHECKLIST OF APPLICATION MATERIALS
1. Graduate School Application Form
Complete the application online at:
http://www.grad.umn.edu/prospective_students/
2. Transcripts
Official transcripts of all college/university coursework. Transcripts must be forwarded directly to the Graduate School at the address below.
3. Essays/Statements
The School of Architecture requires two brief essays, each one no more than 500 words. Select from two of the following three options. Upload these two essays at the "Graduate Program Supplementary Information" section and use the "UPLOAD #1" and "UPLOAD #2" buttons.
PLEASE NOTE: The online application menu has a button for "Applicant Statements" that requests two statements on career objectives and diversity. These 2 statements are OPTIONAL. The 2 essays selected from the 3 options below, however, are required.
- A. Write about a formative personal experience that helped to inspire your interest in pursuing the professional study of architecture and the built environment.
- B. Describe a place that is meaningful and state why you find it meaningful.
- C. Describe an object (at any scale) that you find sublime, grotesque or culturally significant and state why.
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Applicants should take the general test and submit scores for verbal, quantitative and analytical skills. The UMN-Twin Cities Graduate School code is 6874. The departmental code, for architecture, is 4401.
5. TOEFL (International Applicants)
Submit scores from one of the four English language tests. Applicants must have a minimum score of 550 (TOEFL paper test); 213 (TOEFL computer test); 6.5 (IELTS Test); or, 80 (MELAB test). Preference is given to applicants with an equivalent TOEFL paper test score of 600 or higher.
6. Three Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are processed through the online application. For details, visit web site listed above. Applicants are encouraged to submit 2 of the 3 letters from faculty members who are familiar with their aptitude for academic work. If an applicant majored in architecture as an undergraduate, then faculty letters should be from design studio faculty.
7. Portfolio
Applicants to the standard 3-year program and those for advanced standing should submit a portfolio that indicates an ability to produce drawings of architectural form and space, as well as a broader design sensitivity. Architectural drawings and design studio work should be included. Other work showing artistic or design ability or facility with digital technology may also be included. The portfolio must be bound and no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Please do not send slides or CDs.
3+ Option Portfolio Applicants for the 3+ Option Program should submit a portfolio of 5-15 pages. The portfolio should indicate design ability through drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic art, industrial design, or photography (2 pages of photographs maximum). The portfolio must include a hand-drawn self portrait. The drawing must not be copied from a photograph. The portfolio must be bound and no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Please do not send slides or CDs.
Send portfolio directly to the School of Architecture at the address below. Portfolios will be returned to applicants only if a self-addressed mailer and sufficient postage is included.
IMPORTANT: CAREFULLY IDENTIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO WITH YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION. INDICATE YOUR PREFERRED ENTRY AS 3+ OPTION; 3 YEAR PROGRAM, OR ADVANCED STANDING.
Contact Office for Application Deadline Date
Send Portfolio to: School of Architecture |
Send Official Transcripts to: Graduate School Admissions |