Graduate Admissions

For more information please see the School of Architecture’s Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Admissions.

NOTE

Application and supporting material must be postmarked by 4 January 2008.

Inquiries

Inquires concerning Graduate Admissions to the School of Architecture should go to arch-admissions@virginia.edu.

Postal Mail should go to:

Graduate Admissions
School of Architecture
Campbell Hall
P.O. Box 400122
Charlottesville VA 22904-4122
Telephone: (434) 924-6442

Physical Address (for overnight mail):

Graduate Admissions
School of Architecture
Campbell Hall
Rugby Road
Charlottesville VA 22903

Please note that admissions for the Graduate (Ph.D.) Program in the History of Art and Architecture are handled by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, not the School of Architecture.

Application Forms

Online Applications are encouraged but not required.

Apply Online — Available October through March.
Online Application Form including supporting materials and ongoing application status.

UVa School of Architecture Graduate Application Package
Includes Instructions and Application for Admission.

Additional Forms

The School of Architecture and the University of Virginia offer several forms of financial assistance.

Application Requirements

Please see also the individual department instructions for the special requirements of the program to which you are applying. The application and supporting materials should be sent to the address below when completed.

The Application to Graduate Degree programs and required materials must be received by January 4.

Applications must be accompanied by:

1. Statement of intent. A concise statement of intent is required by the Admissions Committee in order to determine how well conceived are the applicant’s plans for graduate study. The statement should be specific, well written, and should reflect your understanding of the discipline and your interest in this graduate program, and provide some indication of your professional goals or intentions.
2. Letters of Recommendation. Each applicant is required to submit three letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be from former teachers. Letters from former employers are also encouraged. These should be given to each person you have asked to write a letter for you. When completed, the recommender should send the form and letter directly to the School of Architecture. These letters must be received by the application deadlines given above. Letter of recommendation forms can be downloaded in PDF format through this Online Application or from the School's admissions website. Please follow the instructions on the letter of recommendation form.

3. Portfolio showing evidence of interest in design is required for all applications to the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Programs. The portfolio should be carefully conceived, well designed, and neatly prepared. It should provide an indication of the applicant’s aptitude for design. Such items as photographs of executed art-work, pottery, sculpture, photographic essays, and weaving have been submitted in the past. In addition, we have received prose, poetry, published writings, and illustrated reports as evidence of an applicant’s interest and experience in dealing with design or aesthetic matters. All of these can be meaningful, and we encourage applicants to think freely about the manner in which they may meet this application requirement. No portfolio should be larger than 8 1/2 x 11 in. A thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 in. is desirable. When submitting your portfolio, a self-addressed, first-class postage stamped envelope for return of your portfolio is required. When no return envelope is provided, the portfolio will be retained by the School of Architecture.

   Supplementary Materials. The portfolio is the primary means for communicating an applicant’s aptitude for design. However, the portfolio may be supplemented with a few select examples of work which may be best viewed digitally. Please provide an accurate web address to a site that displays these supplementary materials. The admissions committee will not review slides, CD’s, DVD’s, or tapes.

4. Official transcripts are required for all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. Transcripts should be sent directly to the School of Architecture by the registrar of each school. (Transcripts submitted which are not in the original, unopened envelope provided by the registrar of each school will not be considered official and will need to be replaced.)
5. Resume / CV.
6. GRE scores. The general test of the Graduate Record Examination is required of all applicants. Test scores should be forwarded directly from Educational Testing Services to the School of Architecture. The School of Architecture institution code number on the GRE form is 5820.
7. TOEFL Scores. International applicants whose first or native language is not English are also required to take the TOEFL examination. Test scores should be forwarded directly from Educational Testing Services to the School of Architecture. The School of Architecture institution code number on the TOEFL form is 5820.
8. A $60 non-refundable application fee per program applied to, due by January 4. Do not send cash. Checks or money orders should be made payable to U.Va. School of Architecture. Foreign checks accepted in United States dollars only.

Additional Requirements

1. Architectural History applicants are required to submit a 250 word essay on a book in Architectural History that you have found important for your interests.
2. Architecture applicants are required to submit a 250 word essay on one designed or vernacular work of architecture or an urban condition that you have seen and found significant.
3. Landscape Architecture (Path A and Path A Advanced Standing) applicants are required to submit a 250 word essay on one designed or vernacular landscape that you have seen and found significant.
4. Landscape Architecture (Path B) applicants are required to submit a 250 word essay that should answer the following questions.
1. What design issues and research topics do you want to explore in graduate school?
2. Which faculty would you particularly like to study with at U.Va., and why?

All admissions material should be sent to:

Graduate Admissions Office
School of Architecture
University of Virginia
Campbell Hall
P.O. Box 400122
Charlottesville VA 22904-4122

For Ph.D. deadlines please see the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.