Apply to Graduate Architecture Programs

You will be prompted to upload a digital copy (PDF format) of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Over the summer, enrolling students will receive a request for official transcripts to be sent to us directly from their previous college or university, which must include the name of the degree that was awarded and the date when the degree was conferred. Specific instructions will be provided to matriculating students in spring.

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 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.

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.

Specifications:

• 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

As part of the application review, we are required to verify that each nonnative English speaking applicant has sufficient English language proficiency to succeed in the academic program.

The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of Australia, Cameroon, Commonwealth Caribbean nations, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It may also be waived for students who have completed three or more years of study in an English-medium academic program in any of the above countries, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, or the United States.

If you are required to provide proof of English proficiency, the application will prompt you to self-report English proficiency scores that are less than two years old. Official scores should be sent to Washington University in St. Louis at the time of application. We accept the following English proficiency tests:

Please note, it may take up to six weeks for scores to arrive, so plan to take the test well in advance of the application deadline.

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).

Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and employment. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. Applicants with a prior criminal history will not be automatically disqualified from consideration for admission. Inquiries about compliance should be addressed to the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Washington University in St. Louis, MSC 1190-853-03, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130.

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. Application reviews are done holistically, with reviewers required to consider all the materials submitted by each candidate. We look for a strong portfolio and materials that show clear proficiency or potential in challenging undergraduate work. We also consider other types of experiences that enhance candidate endeavors and future trajectory, whether in extra-curricular or professional circumstances.

Review committees are made up of multiple faculty and one student per team. Our faculty reviewers are asked to assess candidates who are applying to the program or programs in which they teach. Each application is reviewed by our committees, with final decisions made by the program chair.

Competitive applicants for admission will have a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) or above on a 4.0 scale. For those who have pursued undergraduate degrees in architecture, special attention will be given to grades obtained in studio coursework.

The criteria that affect placement decisions include the extent of previous of experience in design studios (number of studios, range of projects undertaken, and complexity achieved in the most advanced work) as well as sophistication and skill evidenced in the graphic representation evidenced in the portfolio. Integration of technical and site considerations are also important. A strong portfolio is very important in the evaluation of an application, although the academic transcript, letters of recommendation, and statement of intent are also significant. 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 all of elements described above.

Applicants to the Master of Architecture selected for advanced placement must have a bachelor of science degree in architecture or its equivalent. A student must have completed the following prerequisite courses as part of their undergraduate degree in architecture. 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.

• 4 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)