Architecture

Architecture | Admission Requirements


I. Deadline: January 5, 2012

     Applicants to the Master of Architecture Program can be considered for one of the three application 
     categories  (described below) depending on their background and undergraduate experience. 

  • Master of Architecture (MArch 3*): Applicants who have earned their undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture are welcome to apply to our three-year Master of Architecture Program. Advanced standing placement in the MArch 3 program may be granted should a candidate show evidence of undergraduate coursework in architecture and demonstrate their abilities through a qualified portfolio. Advanced placement will be determined based on a portfolio and undergraduate transcript review.
  • Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing (MArch 2*): Applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree in a related or parallel field of study, such as a bachelor of architectural studies, bachelor of environmental design, or equivalent, are invited to apply for advanced-standing within the complete two years (60 units) of study. All requirements of the three-year curriculum must be met. A review of previous transcripts and course descriptions will determine which professional requirements are credited. 
  • Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD): This one-year interdisciplinary postprofessional degree program is tailored for advanced students and mid-career professionals. Students focus on research and design through mentored study and a range of elective offerings. There are three possible areas of concentration: (1) digital design technologies; (2) urbanism, landscape, and ecology; and (3) design theory and critical practices. These areas reflect the diversity of emerging domains within architecture, allowing for a course of study that has a high level of specialization but is also rigorously cross-disciplinary.
             * NOTE: MArch 3 and MArch 2 are designations used for our admissions purposes only that will 
             appear on the application. These are not separate architecture degrees. 


II. Admission Requirements:
  1. Application document: 
  • Application ($70 nonrefundable fee required)
  • Portfolio: Submit a portfolio as either a URL, noted on resume or personal essay or by submitting a portfolio via SlideRoom.com; a maximum of 15 images
  • Personal essay: 500 to 1,000 words. Describe what motivates you to pursue a degree in architecture and how this motivation overlaps with one or more of our program's particular strengths:
    • the integration of critical, artistic, and materiel approaches to architecture
    • alternative models of practice and fabrication
    • current investigations into culture, media, and technology and their relationship to architectural production
    • our location in a multidisciplinary art school in vibrant San Francisco 
  • Resume/Curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official college transcripts
  • Interview
  • Proof of English-Language Proficiency
    • TOEFL: a minimum score of 100 on the iBT or 600 on the PBT
    • IELTS: 7.5 or higher 

III. Tuition: $1,285 (cost per unit)