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How to Apply to the Graduate Program in Architecture

Overview

The Department of Architecture at Portland State University offers a two-year Master of Architecture professional degree program complementing its existing pre-professional undergraduate degree. The Master's program extends the Department's established focus on urban, issue-led design research through creative hands-on material fabrication, conceptual speculation and critical inquiry in a context of sustainable practices. Graduate studies culminate in original student-generated Design Thesis propositions fully focused on Portland's unique urban environment.

 

Applicants must have earned a 4-year pre-professional Bachelor’s degree in Architecture prior to entering the graduate program.

 

The program has achieved candidacy status for accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Application Process

To apply for the Master of Architecture program at Portland State University all applicants must submit two separate application packets. One is sent to the PSU Office of Admissions and the other is sent directly to the PSU Department of Architecture.

Deadlines

Students are admitted to the Master of Architecture program each Fall term. The Department Admissions Committee will review applications beginning February 1, 2012 and will continue accepting applications through June 22, 2012. For those who apply by February 1, notice of acceptance or regret will be sent out beginning the first week in April. Later applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis dependent on space in the program.

PSU Office of Admissions Checklist

Full details about the PSU Graduate Admissions Application process are found at www.pdx.edu/admissions/graduate-admission.

  • University Application for Graduate Admissions form (click "Apply Online," or download and print the pdf form)
  • $50.00 non-refundable application fee
  • Sealed official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
  • TOEFL Scores for those applicants for whom English is not a first language

Department of Architecture Checklist

  • Completed Department of Architecture Master's Degree Application (download and print pdf)
  • Copy of your completed University Application for Graduate Admissions form (see PSU Applications Checklist above)
  • Sealed official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
  • Portfolio of creative work
  • Statement of Intent
  • Resume listing work experience, educational background and travel experiences
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE Scores
  • TOEFL Scores for those applicants for whom English is not a first language

Portfolio Specifications

The Admissions Committee is especially interested in each applicant's creative capacities, use of imagination in architectural design and other creative pursuits, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to communicate ideas through an exploration of diverse media and representational formats. These qualities are best presented in a well-composed portfolio. Please follow the following format in putting together the portfolio.

  • The portfolio must be no larger than 9" x 12" and can be either portrait or landscape format.
  • Use no more than 10 bound pages (20 sides).
  • Include your name, mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address on the first page.
  • Use supporting text and annotation informatively and with strong editorial control.
  • Illustrate your work in a manner that enables a reviewer to perceive the creative journey you experienced in pursuit of design propositions, including a sense of process as well as final resolution.

Portfolios will be returned only if a self-addressed, appropriately stamped mailer is included in your application packet.