DAAP Graduate Programs FAQs
Application and Admission Questions
For the Master of Design, a bachelor’s degree in one of the Design disciplines (Communication/Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design) is the preferred degree, however we consistently have successful applicants with other backgrounds (Mechanical Engineering, Neurobiology, Psychology, Architecture, to name a few).
The Master of Architecture program is open to students who have already earned a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture (MArch 2), as well as those who received an undergraduate degree in a subject other than architecture (MArch 1).
The Master of Science in Architecture program is intended primarily for students already in possession of a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field such as interior design, planning, or landscape architecture. The MSArch degree leads to the PhD in Architecture program.
For the Master of Fine Arts, we are very enthusiastic about our MFA students arriving with a range of non-art experiences as these can be influential in stimulating new directions for your work. If you have degrees in other fields than art, you should definitely not feel this disqualifies you from embarking on MFA studies. Some of our most successful MFA graduates have come from academic backgrounds that don’t directly relate to art.
The Master of Arts in Art Education is designed to advance the professional careers of artists and educators. The degree may be integrated with the 42 credit-hour Ohio Visual Arts Licensure Program for those looking to get into education.
The Master of Community Planning program does not require a bachelor’s degree in planning. Successful graduates come from a range of backgrounds.
The Master of Landscape Architecture first professional degree program is for those who demonstrate an affinity with landscape architecture, but do not have a professional degree.
The Master of Science in Landscape Architecture is for those who already have a professional landscape architecture bachelor’s degree.
The PhD in Architecture is a post-professional degree intended primarily for students already in possession of a graduate degree in architecture or a related field such as interior design, planning, or landscape architecture.
PhD in Regional Development Planning students have completed a Master’s degree in planning or a related discipline (economics, architecture, landscape architecture, and design).
Most of our graduate programs only accept admission for the Fall Semester of each academic year: Master of Design, Master of Architecture, Master of Science in Architecture, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Community Planning, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Science in Landscape Architecture, PhD in Architecture, and PhD in Regional Development Planning.
The Master of Arts in Art Education and the Master of Urban Design begin in the summer term.
Please visit each graduate program page to learn about the application requirements:
Master of Science in Architecture
Master of Arts in Art Education
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Science in Landscape Architecture
The DAAP Graduate Programs that support part-time study include: Master of Community Planning and Master of Arts in Art Education. Please note that scholarships are not available for part-time enrollment.
Graduate Application fee waivers are only granted to undergraduate participants in one of the following programs: McNair Scholars, State of Ohio STARS Scholars, or GEM Scholars.
To indicate your participation in one of these programs, check the appropriate button in the application and add your advisor's name when completing the online application, then email documentation to graduate admissions at grad.admissions@uc.edu.
The DAAP Graduate Programs that have a required Co-Op/Practicum include: Master of Design, Master of Architecture, Master of Community Planning, and Master of Landscape Architecture. The number of co-ops available are listed on each program’s curriculum page.
Master of Design, Master of Fine Arts, and Master of Arts in Art Education are all accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).
Master of Architecture is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Master of Community Planning is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree is an accredited program recognized by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). The MLA program’s next scheduled accreditation review is Spring 2027.
Please visit the following link to learn about the cost of attendance for all UC graduate programs.
The Master of Architecture Program is a special fee in the drop down list. In addition, all DAAP Programs have a program fee.
Non-Ohio residents have a surcharge fee. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an Ohio institution of higher learning will receive Ohio residency tuition rates for graduate studies if enrolled for the immediate year following their graduation. See residency classification C11
DAAP Graduate Scholarship Awards are merit based. Eligibility is based on applications submitted by the individual program application deadlines: See step 4 in the DAAP Graduate Admissions Process. Scholarships range from 10% to 100% of the tuition fee.
Underrepresented minorities who are American citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for the Yates Fellowship program offered through the UC Graduate College. This award requires program nomination; students cannot directly apply.
In addition, Master of Design applicants who are unerrepresented minorities may be eligible for the P&G Diversity in Design Scholarship.
Graduate Assistantships are normally 10 hours/week and can be assignments working on campus, or with off campus partners. Positions range from research assignments, professional staff support positions, co-teaching courses, or teaching assistant positions.
Letters of acceptance and award offers are generally emailed through the application portal in mid-February or early March each year for applications received by the scholarship deadlines. The deadline to accept award offers is April 15 of each year.
Yes. The admission confirmation fee is $500 and will be credited to your tuition bill when you register for classes your first semester of attendance. The admission confirmation fee is due by April 15 if you have been awarded a Graduate Scholarship. For all others it is due by May 1st to hold your seat in the program.
DAAP Graduate Admissions Process: https://daap.uc.edu/academic-programs/graduate-programs/daap-graduate-admissions.html
FAQ for the Graduate College: https://grad.uc.edu/admissions/faqs.html