Undergraduate Admission
Degree - B.A. in Architectural Studies
PLEASE NOTE: The B.A in Architectural Studies is only available to transfer students either at UCLA or from an outside institution.
Step 1: Complete the UC Application
Students who wish to apply to the School of the Arts and Architecture (Architecture and Urban Design, Art, Design | Media Arts, Ethnomusicology, Music, and World Arts and Cultures) must complete the University of California's Application for Undergraduate Admission filed between November 1–30. Students may apply directly online from the University of California website.
Current UCLA undergraduates with sophomore standing who would like to change their major to Architectural Studies must go to the Department of Architecture and Urban Design located in 1317 Perloff Hall and submit an "Undergraduate Petition For Change of Academic Program" form. This form must be submitted along with your supplemental requirements by mid to late January (please check department website for specific deadlines).
Step 2: Departmental Supplemental Requirements
*DO NOT complete the supplemental requirements without first completing the UC application in Step 1.
After the UC application has been filed, applicants are required to submit a Department of Architecture and Urban Design supplemental application. Beginning in January, applicants for the Architectural Studies major at UCLA will be emailed detailed instructions for, and a link to, the online supplemental application. This material is due in mid-January (applicants will be notified of the exact date), and will include the following specific departmental requirements:
Questionnaire
Personal Statement
Unofficial Transcripts (in PDF format)
Portfolio
Portfolios submitted should be a single PDF file consisting of three to six (3-6) pages. Please feel free to submit works in different styles, mediums and/or concepts.
All supplemental material must be submitted through the online upload system; any physical material submitted to the department cannot be considered in the review process. A supplemental application worksheet is available for PDF download, which includes detailed instructions on submission as well as formatting guidelines:
Architectural Studies Supplemental Application Worksheet
Students are recommended for admission into the department based upon evidence of creative talent and academic achievement. A Department of Architecture and Urban Design faculty committee reviews all applications for the major. Successful candidates must also meet minimum eligibility requirements for the University of California.
Step 3: Official Notification
Transfer applicants receive notification of their admission status in April.
Admitted transfer students must notify the University of their plans to attend the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture by no later than June 1.
Graduate Admissions
Degrees - M.Arch I, M.Arch II, M.Arch I/Urban Planning MA (joint degree), MA, Ph.D.
A complete outline of admissions and degree requirements, are available on the Architecture and Urban Design website and accessible on the Graduate Division web page.
The Department of Architecture and Urban Design accepts applications for the fall quarter only. Admission to the department is based on acceptance by the UCLA Graduate Division and a faculty review of the applicant's work. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an acceptable institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last two years of upper-division coursework.
Step One: UCLA Application for Graduate Admission
Complete and file the UCLAApplication for Graduate Admission (AGA), which is due in December (please check department website for specific deadlines). Do not submit supplemental requirements without first completing and filing the AGA.
Step Two: Supplemental Requirements
1. Statement of Purpose(submitted through AGA)
Applicants have the opportunity to explain to the Admissions committee how they selected architecture as a career and why they consider UCLA the best place to pursue this goal. Be explicit in stating reasons for application to graduate study, particular area of specialization within the major field, plans for future occupation or profession, and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for study. A brief resume would also be helpful. In addition, all M.A. and Ph.D. applicants must specify their intended area of concentration, and Ph.D. applicants must discuss specific research interests and possible plans for dissertation.
2. Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, and submitted online through the AGA. These letters should be from individuals who are able to judge your academic and professional abilities as they would relate to graduate study in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design.
3. Academic Records
Two official copies of transcripts from each college or university attended in the United States and abroad must be submitted to the Departmental Admissions Office directly from each institution. Use Part E “Cross Reference Sheet” of the AGA if applicable. The Graduate Division of the University sets a minimum grade-point requirement of 3.0 (B) or its equivalent for the last two years of undergraduate and any post baccalaureate study.
4. GRE
Applicants to all programs are required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of their application. These scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service and received by the department by the deadline, therefore schedule your exam at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline. The GRE codes for our department are 4837 for the Institution Code and 4401 for the Department Code.
5. Portfolio
(M.Arch Applicants Only) - A portfolio is required as a central part of the application to the professional Architecture and Urban Design degree programs. Content is not restricted to any particular subject area, but the material should be in the form of a cohesive presentation and should be representative of your previous experience and creative abilities. It may include both graphic and written material. Images should be in the form of prints. We recommend that the portfolio not exceed an 11x17 inch format, and that any loose pages be marked plainly with your name. If applicants wish to have the portfolio returned they must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Because of the large volume of material received, we cannot guarantee the safe return of all submitted work. Although every effort is made to protect these submissions, applicants are urged to keep duplicate copies of all of the work contained in their portfolios. UCLA and the Department of Architecture and Urban Design are not responsible for the loss or damage of this material.
6. Writing Sample
(MA and Ph.D. Applicants Only) - A written work sample is required from all applicants to the academic MA and Ph.D. programs.
7. International
Applicants - Students whose native language is not English are required, for admission, to score at least 580 (paper and pencil test), 237 (computer-based test) or 92 (Internet based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Because processing, sending and receiving TOEFL and IELTS scores often takes several weeks, international students must schedule the TOEFL examination no later than October in order to meet the Departmental deadlines. TOEFL scores should be sent directly to the Departmental Admissions Office. The TOEFL codes for our department are 4837 for the Institution Code and 12 for the Department Code. In addition, students whose native language is not English must take the English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE) on arrival at UCLA and, beginning in their first term in residence, take any English as a Second Language courses needed as determined by the results of the ESLPE. Because such courses may not be applied toward the minimum course requirement, students who are required to take them should expect to spend additional time in residence.
For more information, please refer to the UCLA Department of Architecture and Urban Design website.
