How to Apply
Next
Send all application materials to:
School of Architecture
Graduate Admissions
117 Temple Buell Hall
611 Taft Drive MC-621
Champaign, IL 61820-6921
When to Apply
Students are admitted to the graduate programs in architecture for the fall semester only. The deadline for receipt of applications is January 15 each year.
Application Requirements
—Portfolio of student and/or professional work (see requirements below)
—Official transcripts from all previous university degree programs
—Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons who can evaluate the applicant’s academic qualifications, motivation, and potential for a career as an architect
—One Page Statement of Intent (This should clearly indicate the applicant’s plans for graduate study and professional career objectives. See Part 2 of “Application for Admission to the Graduate College.”)
—Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are NOT required for the graduate programs in architecture.
Masters Degree Programs
- MArch (2 year, professional, accredited degree)
- MArch-Limited Standing (2 years of undergraduate prerequisites to qualify for full-standing as a graduate student, essentially the same as MArch)
- MS in Architectural Studies (1 year, non-accredited degree)
International applicants also need to supply the following
—All applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. A minimum score of 590 on the paper-based test or 243 on the computer-based test or 96 on the internet-based test is required. The University of Illinois also accepts IELTS (academic exam) score in lieu of TOEFL, with a minimum score of 6.5 and 6 in all sub-sections required.
—Declaration and Certification of Finances for Admission to the Graduate College
On-line Application
Students are encouraged to apply online (click here).
Selection Criteria
Application materials are reviewed by the faculty of the School of Architecture using the following criteria in order of importance:
—Portfolio (see below) 50% of score (MArch), 45% of score (MArch-Limited Standing)
- Academic performance, grade point average (GPA) calculated for the applicant’s junior and senior year of undergraduate work. Specifically we calculate the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, or (if the applicant is a second semester senior) not less than the last 45 hours. 35% of score (MArch), 45% of Score (MArch-Limited Standing)
Score for all of the following: 15% MArch, 10% MArch-Limited Standing
—Letters of recommendation
—Statement of Intent (see below)
And to a lesser degree
—Architectural related work experience
—Extra curricular leadership and activities
Portfolio Requirements
A portfolio of student and/or professional work is required of all applicants demonstrating the applicant’s abilities in architectural design and communications. Examples of work should include design studio work, sketches, free hand drawings, and construction drawings photos of architectural models, and digital models and drawings demonstrating your abilities to use such architectural digital graphic programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, or others. To receive full consideration, professional work should include a statement from the employer stating the extent of the work performed by the applicant.
MArch-Limited Standing applicants should include items that demonstrate the student’s latent interest in architecture. Examples of submissions may include sketches, drawings, photos of architectural models, and digital models and drawings demonstrating your abilities to use such architectural digital graphic programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, or others.
Portfolio Specifications
preferred sizes: 8-1/2" x 11" or 11" x 17"; any non-standard size must be smaller than 11" x 17"
maximum number of pages: 25
maximum weight: 16 ounces.
covers and binding: simple, easy to open, read, and store
Portfolio Return Policy
Portfolios will be returned by mail to applicants if:
- self-addressed stamped envelope or pre-paid shipping carton is included
- weight is 16 ounces or less
Send all application materials to:
School of Architecture
Graduate Admissions
117 Temple Buell Hall
611 Taft Drive MC-621
Champaign, IL 61820-6921
Next
Additional Information
A studio discussion If you have any questions about these application procedures, contact the School's graduate office for further information.
Contact
School of Architecture Graduate Office
(217) 244-4723
