graduate admissions

The School of Architecture maintains all information regarding its programs and the admissions process on our web site. Therefore, we do not have any printed materials available.

Admissions Information

Applicants to all graduate degree programs are evaluated on the basis of the following common criteria (special programs may have additional requirements):

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited collegiate institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) in all upper-division — junior and senior level — undergraduate work together with any graduate work previously completed. Various graduate programs have more particular additional requirements. Please refer to individual descriptions.
• A combined minimum score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination, with a verbal score of at least 500. Please note that this is not a cut-off, but rather, a recommended minimum. Information on the GRE administration is available at most universities or may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08541-6155. Applicants whose first language is not English are additionally required to present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test or 79 or higher on the internet-based test.
• Intellectual, communicative, and leadership abilities, maturity, and ability to work well with others should be made evident through the three required letters of recommendation and especially the candidate's statement of purpose.

Prerequisites for each of the degrees are outlined in the descriptions of individual degrees and programs.

Graduate Application Instructions

Prospective graduate students must submit application materials to BOTH the UT Austin Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) and the School of Architecture Graduate Coordinator.

1. UT Austin GIAC Materials

   Applicants to each of the architecture and planning graduate degree programs must follow the instructions in the appropriate "How to Apply" section of the GIAC web site. Materials you will be required to submit include:

   1. Application for admission to graduate study at: www.utexas.edu/student/giac. Please note that you do not need to submit a statement of purpose online, since you will be mailing a copy directly to the School of Architecture (see below). It is in your best interest to complete the online application as quickly as possible.
   2. One official copy of transcripts of work done at each senior college attended. Processing an application will be greatly expedited if all required transcripts (other than UT-Austin transcripts and those transcripts on file at UT Austin) are attached to the application form or if transcripts are sent electronically.
   3. An official report of Graduate Record Examination score. Also, TOEFL scores for international applicants. Copies will not be accepted.
   4. Application fee. A $50 nonrefundable fee is charged to U.S. applicants. A nonrefundable fee of $75 is charged to international applicants.

2. UT School of Architecture Materials

   In addition, the following completed forms and material must be sent to:

   Graduate Admissions Coordinator
   School of Architecture
   The University of Texas at Austin
   1 University Station, B7500
   Austin, TX 78712-0222

   1. Application for Admission [pdf] to graduate studies in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Community and Regional Planning.
   2. Statement of purpose. This essay of approximately 1,000-1,500 words should address your interest in your intended degree program with respect to your academic and professional objectives; a situation or job that helped you define your interest; the factors that led you to apply to the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin; and any other factors related to your academic or professional experience that you wish to convey to the admissions committee.
   3. Recommendations from three persons, including former instructors and professional employers. References should comment on the applicant's intellectual, communicative, and leadership abilities as well as their capacity for creativity and relevant personal characteristics. References should submit recommendations via the GIAC online form. When the applicant enters the email addresses of references on the online application and hits "submit," the references will receive an email with instructions on how to submit their recommendation online.
   4. One copy of undergraduate transcript.
   5. Additional program-specific materials:
      • First professional and post-professional M.Arch. applicants
        Portfolio of creative work. For manageability, a size of 8½" by 11" is suggested. (Please provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of portfolio.)
      • Landscape Architecture
        Portfolio of creative work and documentation of life and work experience (such as a resume or vita).
      • Community and Regional Planning
        Any documentation of life or work experience including a resume or vita, writing sample, or example of a work product.
      • Architectural History
        M.A. program applicants must submit a writing sample. Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit a substantial writing sample, such as a thesis.
      • Historic Preservation
        MSHP applicants must submit a writing sample, and may submit a portfolio (non-returnable) and other examples of work. PhD applicants must submit a substantial writing sample demonstrating research abilities.
      • Sustainable Design
        Applicants must submit a writing sample related to the proposed area of inquiry.
      • Urban Design
        Applicants must submit a portfolio of creative work.

   All UTSOA application materials must be submitted in one complete packet.

International Students

Non-U.S. citizens, including those who have attended another institution in the United States, must follow the instructions for International Graduate Admissions from the UT Austin Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC). International students must use the Texas Common Application available on the GIAC's web site.

Students who hold bachelor's degrees from a U.S. institution or from an institution in another English-only speaking country will receive a waiver of the TOEFL or IELTS.

Application Deadline
January 9: deadline for fall semester entry

This deadline is the date by which complete credentials must be received by the Graduate Adviser. Students are therefore advised to make certain that necessary credentials (including GRE results) are received by the UT Austin Graduate and International Admissions Center at least 2 weeks prior to the actual deadline. Notification of the admission decision is generally made within 6 weeks of the application deadline.