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Apply to Graduate Architecture Programs



Thank you for your interest in the graduate architecture programs at Washington University in St. Louis! We accept applications for the following programs:

  • Master of Architecture (MArch)
  • Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
  • Master of Urban Design (MUD)
  • MS in Advanced Architectural Design (MSAAD)
  • MS in Architectural Studies (MSAS)

Applications for fall 2024 are open
Apply now through Jan. 3, 2024.

Timeline


Sep 1, 2023

Applications for fall 2024 open

Dec 15, 2023

Application fee begins

Submit your application before this date to avoid the $85 application fee.

Jan 3, 2024

Applications close

Feb 1, 2024

Financial aid applications due

International students must apply for financial aid by Feb. 1. Domestic students who submit a FAFSA will be considered for financial aid.

Criteria for Eligibility


Requirements vary by program. Applicants are NOT required to submit GRE scores for admission to our graduate architecture programs.

Master of Architecture

Prior to enrollment, applicants to the Master of Architecture program (MArch) must show satisfactory completion of the following college-level courses:

  • One (1) course in elementary calculus
  • One (1) course in college physics

Students must also demonstrate ability and experience in freehand drawing and/or two- or three-dimensional basic design exercises in their portfolio.

MArch 2 placement

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to place students in the program it deems appropriate on the basis of portfolio evaluation, transcript evaluation, and overall preparation. Learn more about program placement.

Master of Landscape Architecture

Prior to enrollment, applicants to the Master of Landscape Architecture program (MLA) must show satisfactory completion of the following college-level courses:

  • One (1) course in the natural sciences
  • One (1) course in the visual arts, such as drawing, sculpture, or design

MLA 2 placement

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to place students in the program it deems appropriate on the basis of portfolio evaluation, transcript evaluation, and overall preparation. Learn more about program placement.

Master of Urban Design

The Master of Urban Design (MUD) is a post-professional degree. Applicants must hold a professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or planning to enter this program.

However, students may work towards a professional degree in architecture or landscape architecture concurrently with their studies in urban design through our dual degree programs.

Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design

Applicants to the Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design program (MSAAD) must hold a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree, or a Master of Architecture (MArch) degree from a NAAB-accredited degree program in the United States or Canada.

Master of Science in Architectural Studies

Applicants to the Master of Science in Architectural Studies program (MSAS) must:

  • hold an undergraduate degree in architecture
  • or be currently enrolled in another graduate-level architecture program at the school

Dual & Joint Degree Programs

We offer dual degree options within the school’s MArch, MLA, and MUD programs. No separate application needed! Simply select one of the dual degree program options in your online application.

We also offer several joint master’s degree programs in conjunction with other divisions of WashU. To apply for joint degree programs, applicants must submit separate applications to both programs and be granted admission to each.


Application Materials


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, with the exception of 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.

You will need:

Curriculum vitae
Transcripts
PDF copies of your official transcript(s). See details below.
Personal Essays (2)
See instructions within the application.
Portfolio
10-12 examples of your strongest architecture, design, or visual art work. See details below.
References
Names, titles, and email addresses for three (3) professors, instructors, or professionals with whom you have recently worked or studied. Obtain their consent to provide a letter of recommendation for you. They will receive a request from the school once you have applied.
International students: English test scores
Applicants whose native language is not English must provide English language proficiency test scores from TOEFL IBT, IELTS, or Duolingo. See details under “International Applicants” below.
Application fee

Non-refundable $85 application fee, paid online by credit card.

Note: there is no application fee for students who complete their application before Dec. 15.


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:

TOEFL IBT (preferred)
Minimum Score: 90
Send scores electronically through ETS to school code 6929
IELTS
Minimum Score: 6.5
Send scores electronically to Washington University in St. Louis Graduate Admissions
Duolingo
Minimum Score: 115
Duolingo tests will only be accepted for students who cannot access TOEFL or IELTS testing centers. Send PDF or link with scores to samfoxgradadmissions@wustl.edu.
Please note, it takes six weeks for scores to arrive, so plan to take the test well in advance of the application deadline.

Applicants from China

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.