Admission Procedures

Application Guidelines

Application guidelines and instructions for all Sam Fox School graduate degree programs are available on the Graduate Admissions website. Applications are accepted for fall entry only.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and employment. The university does not discriminate in access to, treatment in, 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.

Criteria for Eligibility

Master of Architecture (MArch)

  • Bachelor’s degree in architecture or equivalent academic preparation with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Satisfactory completion of one course in college calculus and one course in college physics.
  • GRE scores are not required.
  • Advanced placement: Applicants with a background in architecture are considered for advanced placement based on design portfolio evaluation and the extent of their previous architectural studies. To be considered for advanced placement, students must have completed an Architectural History course that covers the following topics: Greco Roman Classicism, European Middle Ages, Renaissance + Baroque, and 18th/19th century Neoclassicism and the Industrial Revolution. Advanced placement leads to a two-year course of study for qualified applicants. 

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

  • Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or equivalent academic preparation with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • GRE scores are not required.
  • Advanced placement: Applicants with a background in architecture or landscape architecture are considered for advanced placement based on design portfolio evaluation and the extent of their previous relevant studies. Advanced placement leads to a two-year course of study for qualified applicants.

Master of Urban Design (MUD)

  • Completed professional or pre-professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or planning with demonstrated ability in spatial design and visual, analytical, and critical thinking.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • GRE scores are not required.

Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MSAAD)

  • Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree or a Master of Architecture (MArch) degree from an NAAB-accredited degree program in the United States or its international equivalent.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • GRE scores are not required.

Master of Science in Architectural Studies (MSAS)

  • Completed undergraduate or graduate degree in architecture or current enrollment in another graduate-level architecture program within the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • GRE scores are not required.

Dual Degree Programs

  • Dual degree candidates for programs fully within the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design must fulfill the eligibility requirements for each program comprising the dual degree.
  • For a dual degree that combine studies with a program outside of the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design, candidates must fulfill the eligibility requirements for each program and be admitted separately into both programs.

Application Materials

Admissions decisions are based on a thorough review of all application materials. 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 a Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design program until all required materials have been received.

Master of Architecture (MArch)

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Transcripts from all previous higher education institutions attended
  • Two personal essays addressing the application prompts
  • Portfolio demonstrating architecture, design, or visual art work
  • Three references
  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Transcripts from all previous higher education institutions attended
  • Two personal essays addressing the application prompts
  • Portfolio demonstrating architecture, design, or visual art work
  • Three references
  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Master of Urban Design (MUD)

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Transcripts from all previous higher education institutions attended
  • Two personal essays addressing the application prompts
  • Portfolio demonstrating architecture, design, or visual art work
  • Three references
  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MSAAD)

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Transcripts from all previous higher education institutions attended
  • Two personal essays addressing the application prompts
  • Portfolio demonstrating architecture, design, or visual art work
  • Three references
  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Master of Science in Architectural Studies (MSAS)

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Transcripts from all previous higher education institutions attended
  • Statement of purpose with a specific research focus for the proposed program of study
  • Portfolio demonstrating architecture, design, or visual art work
  • Three references
  • English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

Dual Degree Programs

  • Within the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design, three dual degree options are available:
    • Master of Architecture + Master of Urban Design
    • Master of Architecture + Master of Landscape Architecture
    • Master of Landscape Architecture + Master of Urban Design
  • Dual degree candidates submit one application with one set of application materials addressing the candidate's potential for accomplishment in further study in both programs.

Dual Degree Programs: Combined Studies

  • Dual degree programs are also offered in conjunction with other divisions of WashU, including Business Administration (MBA), Construction Management (MCM), Social Work (MSW), and Public Health (MPH).
  • Dual degree candidates for combined studies must submit applications to both programs and be granted admission to each program. Application materials for the architecture and urban design applications are outlined above.

International Student Admissions

Applicants to any graduate program within the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design for whom English is not the native language must provide verification that they have sufficient English language proficiency to succeed in the academic program. Options and procedures for demonstrating English language proficiency are outlined in detail on the WashU Office for International Students & Scholars webpage.

Contact Info

Phone:314-935-2740
Email:samfoxgradadmissions@wustl.edu
Website:https://samfoxschool.washu.edu/admissions#graduate