Admission Information

The School of Architecture and Interior Design bases admissions decisions on a balanced consideration of the following indications of excellence:

  • a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university
  • official transcripts from previous college coursework.

Note Successful candidates have earned, on average, a GPA of 3.30 (based on a 4.00 scale)

  • a bound portfolio of creative work

Note We encourage applicants to consider the portfolio as an opportunity to demonstrate your imaginative and critical thinking skill and talents. Creativity occurs in all fields so the content does not have to be architectural. Please send us a bound paper copy of work. Please do not send cd's or original work.

  • 3 letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to evaluate your abilities and your potential for success as a graduate student.

Note There is no form for these letters. They must be on professional or academic letterhead.

  • a brief resume of your academic and professional experiences

Note Your resume should indicate both educational and professional accomplishments. The statement of interest should be a concise, articulate presentation of (1) academic and career goals and (2) specific interests in architectural topics for graduate research and design and can include prior intellectual and professional engagement with these topics.

  • a one- or two-page statement of the candidate's interests in graduate study in Architecture. Candidates for the MArch 2 program may consider possible thesis research topics.
  • the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Successful candidates have earned the following average scores: verbal 500; quantitative 650; analytic 4.5. The ETS University code is 1833. You do not need a department code.
  • applicants whose native language is not English should achieve at least 600 (paper version) or 250 (computer version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Application Process

Applications and all supplemental materials are due January 1. Applicants are typically notified in late March and April, but the admissions process can extend into May and June. We can not offer admission deferrals. International students should refer to the International Student Services Office for University admissions information and requirements.

Part One

Part one begins with an on-line application to the Graduate School.

Part Two

The second part of the admissions process is the supplemental material that is submitted directly to the School of Architecture and Interior Design. Mail your portfolio, recommendation letters, statement of interest, transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores to:

Kim Lawson
Records Manager
School of Architecture and Interior Design
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
7210 DAAP
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210016
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0016

Additional Information

  • University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science in Architecture graduates whose GPA is between 2.8 and 3.2 should submit a resume, letter of interest, and portfolio for consideration.
  • UC students with a 3.2 GPA or above should apply through the seamless admission program.
  • All candidates benefit from having a liberal arts education that includes coursework in Art History, Physics and Drawing or Studio Art.
  • MArch 1 students enter the program in the Autumn (mid-September)
  • MArch 2 students enter in the Summer
  • Cincinnati B.S. in Architecture graduates enter in Summer quarter, with half the class in academic work and half in the Option Quarter.