prospective change of majors and internal transfers FAQ
I was accepted into another College/School at UT Austin, but I want to enroll in the School of Architecture. What do I need to do?
During the spring semester of your first year here, you can apply as a change of major into our school. You must: 1) complete 24 UT Austin in-resident hours by the end of the spring semester in which you apply; 2) attend ONE of the information sessions; 3) have a GPA of at least 3.25; and 4) turn in a completed application by the deadline. Dates and times of the information sessions are posted on our website in the fall (soa.utexas.edu/admissions/undergraduate).
If I am accepted, when and how will I be notified?
Decisions are made at the end of the spring semester. You will receive notification of our decision via mail and email.
How many students are accepted and who is accepted?
Admissions for change of major students is limited and will vary from year to year depending upon available space. Our decisions are based on, whether the student turned in a completed application by the deadline; the written essays; the number of spaces available in our program; and the student's UT GPA.
What is the average GPA for students who are accepted into The School of Architecture?
The average GPA of those admitted in 2008 was a 3.6 or above. This varies from year-to-year depending upon the applicant pool.
Can I start taking classes in my desired major?
Yes, UT Austin students who are applying for change of major can take particular architecture and interior design courses.
Architecture majors:
ARC 308, Architecture and Society
ARC 318K, History of Architecture, Survey I
ARC 318L, History of Architecture, Survey II
The remainder of your schedule should be filled with courses that fulfill university core requirements.
Interior Design majors:
ARI 318K, Interiors and Society, with instructor permission. After permission is attained, contact the Undergraduate Deans office to be added.
ARI 318M, Interior Design History I
PSY 301, Introduction to Psychology
ARC 318K, History of Architecture, Survey I
ARC 318L, History of Architecture, Survey II
The remainder of your schedule should be filled with courses that fulfill university core requirements.
What are the requirements to be considered as a summer start design student?
Students who intend to begin in the summer must: 1) indicate on their application that they intend to begin the design sequence in the summer; 2) register for the summer sessions of Design I and II and Visual Communication I and II courses during their first registration access period in the spring; and 3) meet the pre-requisites (M408C or M408K and PHY 302K/102M).
The summer program consists of both summer sessions and students are in class from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. every day.
Are there other opportunities I can take part in to prepare?
Yes. Attend The School of Architecture Lunch Forums on Fridays at noon in Battle Hall; attend the School of Architecture Lecture Series. Visit soa.utexas.edu/news/index.php#events for information on these events. You may also get involved in the student organization that interests you. A list and description of them are available at soa.utexas.edu/students/organizations.
How long will I be in school to get my degree?
It depends on the degree plan (BARCH, 5yrs; BSAS, 4yrs; BSID, 4yrs;) and whether you are admitted for a fall start or summer start.