Applications for the master's degree programs are reviewed on a rolling basis. Once an applicant is admitted by the University, the School of Architecture and Planning will be in contact with each admitted student to provide information opportunities for scholarship possibilities as well as teaching and research assistant positions.

 Apply for Graduate Programs

Requirements

A minimum of a 2.8 GPA in undergraduate studies is required, though a 3.0 GPA is strongly desired. 

Minimum Required Documents for Graduate Admission

  • A completed Catholic University online application (No fee is required)
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (Unofficial transcripts can be used for the admissions review)
  • English proficiency test scores (International students only)
  • A portfolio is required for the 2 year Master of Architecture programs and is recommended for the 3 year March programs. Portfolios should be emailed to em-operations@cua.edu

Official transcripts and English proficiency scores must be submitted for full admittance to the University. Official copies should be sent from the institution to em-operations@cua.edu.

For international students, a credential evaluation of your coursework will be provided free of charge by the University.

Recommended Documents for Graduate Admission

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • One letter of recommendation 
  • A professional goal statement

Scholarship Dates

Once an applicant is admitted by the University, the School of Architecture and Planning will be in contact with each admitted student to provide information opportunities for scholarship possibilities as well as teaching and research assistant positions.

Advanced Placement and Course Waivers

The School reviews students on an individual basis and makes an effort to honor completed courses that have sufficient equivalency in learning outcomes with courses required to earn a Master of Architecture degree.

The following steps explain the process behind course waivers and credit transfers:

  1. Students with non-accredited architecture degrees are placed in the MArch III track (Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture as well as other non-architecture majors).
  2. Students with a background in architecture, but do not hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture or the five-year Bachelor of Architecture, may submit a portfolio presenting mastery of orthographics and physical model making skills in order to waive the introductory design tools course (ARPL 500) required during the summer prior to the start of courses. Further studio waivers are based on transcript, syllabus and portfolio.
  3. The credits earned in an equivalent course in which a student achieved a C or better is the basis for a course waiver. 
  4. Courses are reviewed by topic faculty for equivalency and approved or denied based on course content and learning outcomes.
  5. One year of advanced placement (~36 credits) is the maximum number of credit hours waived. Additional equivalencies that a student may have earned satisfy required course topics, but not required credits.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • July 1 for international students 
    • August 15 for domestic students
  • Spring Semester
    • November 1 for international students
    • December 15 for domestic students
  • Summer Semester
    • April 1
  • Cherry blossoms in front of campus building

    Graduate Admission

    Your Catholic University story starts here. Learn about the application process, schedule a visit, meet admission counselors, and apply.

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