Apply to the
Master of Architecture
Apply
The application fee for U.S. Citizens or permanent residents is $75 (U.S.D.). The fee for international students is $90 (U.S.D.). The application fee is paid online, via credit card, before the application is submitted.
Taubman College Fee Waivers
Taubman College is able to provide support to a limited number of Master of Architecture applicants. We offer waivers of the required application fee, upon request, to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents that fit one of the following criteria:
- Teach for America (current volunteer or alumni)
- Peace Corps alumni
- AmeriCorps alumni
- Active U.S. Military
- U.S. Military Veteran
- Significant financial need
- American Indian and Alaskan Native
- Undocumented or DACAmented Students
- National Organizations Affiliation
To request an application fee waiver, complete the Architecture Fee Waiver Request Form. After you submit your request, you will receive an email from taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu asking for a Letter of Verification or other documentation from your organization that includes dates of service. Upon receipt of the Letter of Verification, Taubman staff will confirm eligibility and determine if a waiver is available. If approved, you will receive a fee waiver code via email with additional instructions.
In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver administered by Taubman College.
- Review our list of fee waiver types administered by Taubman College, along with their criteria. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you will be required to pay the application fee at the time you submit your application.
- If eligible, only one fee waiver per applicant.
- Taubman College has a limited number of fee waivers, therefore requests are on a first come first serve basis.
National Organizations Affiliation Fee Waiver
Requirements for Eligibility
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- You must be a member of one of the following organizations:
- Current Volunteer with Vista/Peace Corps or AmeriCorps
- Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair)
- National Organization Minority Architects (NOMA)
Instructions
- Request an official verification document or letter from the organization before you are ready to submit your application.
- Email the official verification document (proof of membership) to taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu. Do not mail or fax.
Need Based Waivers
Enrolled Undergraduate Senior or Graduate Student Currently Receiving Federal Financial Aid from a U.S. College or University.
Requirements for Eligibility
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- An enrolled/current undergraduate college senior or graduate student currently receiving financial aid from an institution in the United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
- Estimated family contribution (EFC) listed on the Student Aid Report (SAR) is less than $1,500. The Student Aid Report is provided after the FAFSA is submitted.
Instructions
- Email a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) page one only to taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu. Do not mail or fax the proof of eligibility to Taubman College Admissions.
- The Student Aid Report can be obtained by using the FSA ID number and choosing Student Aid Report (SAR).
American Indian and Alaskan Native
Requirements for Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Your race must be American Indian or Alaskan Native
Instructions
For more information, email Taubman College Admissions at taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu.
Undocumented or DACAmented Students
Requirements for Eligibility
- Applicant has Undocumented or DACAmented immigrant status.
Instructions
For more information, email Taubman College Admissions at taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu.
Eligibility
Applicants to the 3-year Master of Architecture degree must have received an undergraduate degree in any subject. Admitted Master of Architecture students begin in the summer term.
We recommend that students complete two courses, Calculus 1 and General Physics, before beginning coursework in the fall (late August). These courses can also be completed during the first year of the M.Arch program. These courses must be taken for credit at an accredited institution and the student must earn a C or better in the course. The two prerequisites are:
- Calculus 1 (3 credit hours minimum – may be taken online)
- 1 general physics course (lecture and lab) (4 credits – may be taken online)
In order to use AP credit to fulfill either of these prerequisites, a student must have scored a 5 on the Calculus BC exam and/or a 5 on the Physics 1 exam, and submit an original AP score report(s) to the University of Michigan directly. Credit for AP tests on another institution transcript will not suffice. Scores of 4 or below and the Calculus AB exam do NOT fulfill the prerequisites.
We also highly recommend (but do not require) students interested in the 3-year M.Arch program take two studio art or design courses. The purpose of the studio courses is to explore the design process and the art of making, thereby solidifying an interest in architectural study, and to create work to include in the admissions portfolio. Examples of studio courses include but are not limited to:
- Architecture
- Drawing
- Painting
- Design (2D or 3D)
- Woodworking
- Ceramics
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Metalworking
- Fashion Design
- Interior Design
- Illustration
- Animation
- Jewelry Making
- Photography
Applicants to the Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing degree with advanced standing must have a bachelor of science degree in architecture or its equivalent. Admitted Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing students begin in the fall term.
A student must have completed the following prerequisite courses as part of their undergraduate degree in architecture. These courses must be taken for credit at an accredited institution and the student must earn a C or better in every course.
- 4 sequential architecture design studio courses (5-6 credits each course)
- 1 construction course (3 credits)
- 2 structure courses (6 credits)
- 1 environmental systems course (3 credits)
- 2 history of architecture courses (6 credits)
- 1 architecture theory course (3 credits)
Any course deficiencies must be fulfilled in addition to the regular 60 credit hours of the advanced standing curriculum.
Please see course descriptions to compare prerequisite course content from other schools to determine eligibility.
Guidance and Policies Related to Use of GenAI for Graduate Architecture Degree Applicants
Required Information
Statement of Purpose
Please write a concise statement outlining your reasons for applying to Taubman College’s Master of Architecture degree. Your ideas should be clear, well stated, and specific. The following questions serve only as a guide. The essay should be 800 words and clearly communicate to the admissions committee:
- Why you want to study architecture.
- Your career objectives and long-term goals.
- What you want to learn/gain from the degree.
- How the degree supports your career objectives.
- What led you to apply to Taubman College.
- Specific area of emphasis/specialization that you are interested in.
- Previous professional experiences that have had a profound effect.
- Your current strengths and weaknesses in reaching your goals.
Resume
A good curriculum vitae or resume will give us another view of who you are and elaborate your strengths and skills outside of the classroom, showcasing your accomplishments. In addition to your educational experience, your resume should contain professional experiences, other jobs you have held, groups or organizations you are involved in, programming languages or other computer skills you have and any community involvement or volunteer work that you do.
Transcripts
Applicants will scan and upload an unofficial transcript or certified credentials from all universities, colleges, community colleges, study abroad, and summer programs attended.
Taubman College only requires official transcripts from those students accepting our offer of admission.
Letters of Recommendation
Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required and should testify to your academic and professional capacity and promise. If possible, two of these letters should come from former professors.
Master of Architecture (3-Year Degree Applicants)
Two (2) letters of recommendation are required (a third letter is optional) and should testify to your academic and professional capacity and promise. If possible, these letters should come from former professors.
Portfolio
Master of Architecture applicants are required to submit examples of their academic work and, if possible, their professional work.
The portfolio is required and is submitted through SlideRoom. There is a $6 fee to submit your portfolio.
The first page of the portfolio (cover page; required) must include the following information
- Your last name, first name
- Email address
- Whether you are a 2-Year OR 3-Year applicant:
The portfolio must be formatted together in one Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)
There are no specified page dimensions or formats, but please note that portfolios will be reviewed electronically on a variety of screens and devices. Please ensure that all text and images will be legible in a variety of contexts. Portfolios may be no longer than 30 pages total and no larger than 20 MB. Portfolios that exceed these sizes may not be reviewed. Your portfolio will not be reviewed if you upload individual pages. Application processing time may increase if your file is incorrectly titled or if a cover page is not included.
Portfolio Submission
Filename Format: LastName_FirstName_Portfolio
Upload Master of Architecture w/ Advanced Standing Portfolio
Generative AI
Generative AI is an emerging design tool used in architecture and other disciplines. Students may include work that was produced or aided by generative AI software (such as Dall-E, Firefly, Midjourney or others) but this work must be clearly labeled and identified.
If the review committee comes across images or drawings that appear to be AI-generated and are not clearly identified, they will exclude this work from their assessment of the portfolio.
English Proficiency Requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency unless they meet one of the criteria for an exemption listed below. Please contact one of the testing agencies shown in the following chart and have an official score report sent to the University of Michigan at least 6-8 weeks prior to the application deadline. The scores must be received from the testing agency no later than the application deadline. Language test scores are valid two years from the test date. Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted. Please take note the minimum requirement is: 95 iBT.
| Description of Test | Assessment Provider | Speaking Test | Minimum Overall Score | Submission of Test Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBT TOEFL (ITP Plus and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) | Educational Testing Service | Yes | 95 | TOEFL scores are sent by ETS electronically to institution code: 1839 |
| Paper/Pencil TOEFL & TWE | Educational Testing Service | No | 600 | TOEFL scores are sent by ETS electronically to institution code: 1839 |
| IELTS | Cambridge, United Kingdom | Academic version | 7.0 | Official IELTS scores are sent electronically to the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. |
English Proficiency Exemptions
Non-native English speakers who have earned their degree from a university, where English is the primary language of instruction, are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS. U.S. citizenship does not exempt applicants from taking the test if his/her native language is not English. Students only need to take one of the above listed tests. Taubman College does not admit students that have not met minimum score requirements.
ELI 530: Students who are non–native English speakers and do not have a four-year degree from an English-medium institution are required to take and successfully complete ELI 530, a two-credit hour architecture-specific English course offered by the English Language Institute (ELI) at U-M in their first fall term. ELI 530 is taken in addition to their regular architecture coursework and does not count toward degree requirements.
International Student Information
If you need an F-1 or J-1 visa, the University of Michigan is required by the U.S. government to obtain documentation proving that international applicants (non-U.S. Citizens) have adequate financial resources to provide for their expenses while in the United States. Taubman College Admissions is the U-M office that will prepare your I-20 or DS-2019 after you have provided the required documents.
Taubman College will request your Financial Certification form and financial documentation AFTER you have accepted your admission offer.
Undocumented and DACAmented Students
Tuition Costs and Funding
Can undocumented or DACAmented students qualify for in-state tuition at the University of Michigan?
In state residency is determined by the Registrar’s Office and may be granted if the student attended Michigan schools and graduated high school in the state of Michigan within the last 28 months, regardless of the student’s citizenship status. If you believe that you should be granted in-state tuition, you should file an application for Resident Classification or an appeal with the Appeal Committee.
Please Read: Information on legal developments regarding DACA as of February 26, 2018
In October 2015, the U.S. Department of Education released a Resource Guide Supporting Undocumented Youth: A Guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings. Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is committed to supporting undocumented and DACAmented graduate students. Below are resources available throughout the University of Michigan and answers to questions you may have.
Application Status and Evaluation
Checking Application Status
Applicants can verify application data and status online approximately 10 – 15 days after their application is submitted. The admissions office will send an email to each applicant that includes the University of Michigan Identification Number (UMID). You will need to use a login ID and password to confirm some personal data before viewing your application status. Student Service staff will try to keep all materials received current. However, please allow sufficient time for processing before contacting the office.
For Applicants Who are Current Students or Employees: Log into Wolverine Access using your existing University of Michigan Uniqname and password, click New and Prospective Student Business.
For Applicants New to the University:
About five business days after you submit your application you will receive an email confirming that Taubman has downloaded your application from ApplyWeb. This email will direct you to set up your friend account.
- Go to the Friend Account Request Form and enter your email address.
- You will receive a confirmation email with a link to create your friend account.
- For more information, see the Information and Technology Services website.
Please allow 10-15 business days for your application status to update.
Evaluation
Applications will not be evaluated until all credentials have been received and the application fee has been paid. Applications missing credentials cannot be guaranteed a review by the admissions committee. Eligible applicants are considered for admission on the basis of the following criteria:
- Quality and content of all previous academic education
- Evidence of professional commitment and direction, including statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, portfolio, etc.
- IELTS or TOEFL test scores (if applicable)
- The number of openings available
- The suitability of the program to the applicant’s area of interest
Using Wolverine Access
Through your Wolverine Access account you will be able to:
- Verify the application information you submitted, including, portfolio, test dates and scores, and letter of recommendation that are received.
- View the transcripts representing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and/or Doctoral degree that are received.
- Receive your admission decision.
- Update your address, phone number, and e-mail address.
Allow 5 business days, after creating your account, to verify that your application and materials have been received in Wolverine Access.
Notification of Decision
Applicants will be notified of their admission status by early March. Notification letters will be sent via email. Any merit scholarship award decisions made by the Architecture Program will be noted in the letter of admission.
Admitted students are invited to Preview, which is held in late March. Preview is an opportunity for admitted students to visit Taubman College, meet faculty and students, tour the facilities, campus, and Ann Arbor, and attend Taubman College events. Further details will be provided in the letter of admission.
Enrollment Deposit Requirement
Students choosing to accept admission to the Master of Architecture must pay a $500 enrollment deposit. Payment may be completed online by echeck through Wolverine Access, credit card, or in the form of a check or money order (in US dollars) made payable to University of Michigan. This deposit reserves your space in the program. The $500 payment will be credited to your student account and applied toward your tuition. Deadline for receiving your acceptance and enrollment deposit is April 15th.
Residency Classification
Residency Classification Guidelines have been developed to ensure that decisions about whether a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition are fair and equitable. Applicants for admission or enrolled students who believe they are Michigan residents understand they may be required to complete an Application for Resident Classification and provide additional information to document their residency status. Please see the University of Michigan Residency Classification Guidelines.
Making decisions about the next step in your educational journey is a time full of opportunity and potential; however, it may also be accompanied by concerns regarding paying for your degree. There are numerous financial resources to help you manage tuition and living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How and when do I apply?
All Taubman College applications open annually by September. Submit both the ApplyWeb Online Application and SlideRoom Portfolio by the annual M.Arch application deadline on January 6. The application opens annually by early September.
Do you admit on a rolling basis? Is there an advantage to applying ahead of the January 6 deadline?
No, we do not admit on a rolling basis. All materials for all applicants are reviewed before final decisions are sent in early-March. Starting your application early ensures that there is plenty of time to contact us if you have questions. As long as you submit your materials by the deadline, your chance of admission is not impacted by the timing of when you applied.
Should I apply to the M.Arch with Advanced Standing or the 3-year M.Arch program?
Please select the appropriate track when applying, either the Master of Architecture (see 3-year program prerequisites) OR the Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing (see 2-year program prerequisites). Please review our ‘Apply’ page for additional information.
Will you still consider my application if I apply to the wrong program (i.e. applied for Advanced Standing without the appropriate prerequisites)?
We rely on applicants self-selecting the correct program to avoid delays in the admissions process. Your admission decision will likely be delayed if you have the appropriate academic background for Advanced Standing but apply for the 3-year M.Arch program.
Do I need to have completed Calculus and Physics in order to apply?
Applicants for the 3-year M.Arch program can complete the Calculus and Physics prerequisites after receiving an offer of admission, preferably before the program start date in late-June. We notify admitted students of course deficiencies in the admission offer letter. Applicants to the M.Arch with Advanced Standing program do not need to complete the prerequisites for the 3-year M.Arch program (see 2-year program prerequisites instead).
I have all the prerequisites for the M.Arch with Advanced Standing except one or two courses (e.g. Structures II). Should I apply for the 3-year program instead?
Studio course deficiencies will disqualify students from advanced standing eligibility, but any other course deficiencies (no more than four courses) can be fulfilled in addition to the regular 60 credit hours of the advanced standing curriculum. We notify admitted students of course deficiencies in the admission offer letter. See 2-year program prerequisites for additional information.
Do I need to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score? How do I send the report?
All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency. We will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement when processing applications for students who have a degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. Please submit either a TOEFL, Internet Based TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, or IELTS score report to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Institution code 1839) by the application deadline on January 6. Test scores must be no older than two years old to be valid. The minimum TOEFL score is 95 iBT; the minimum IELTS score is 7.0 (students only need to take one of the tests). U.S. citizenship does not exempt applicants from taking the test if his/her/their native language is not English. Taubman College does not accept Duolingo scores.
Do letters of recommendation need to be submitted by the application deadline?
Ideally, all of your materials should be submitted by the deadline. We understand that some recommenders might need a few extra days, so we do allow a grace period. Please ensure all recommendations have been submitted within 2 weeks of the deadline so that our faculty review committee can offer your application a complete and holistic review process.
How do I apply for a scholarship and need-based financial aid?
All applicants, including international students, are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Scholarship offers are included in admission letters in early-March. About one-third to one-half of Architecture students receive a scholarship, and the awards range from $5,000 to full tuition. Please note, full tuition awards are very rare and do not cover non-tuition expenses. Please see our ‘Paying for Your Degree’ page for more information.
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, we also encourage you to complete the FAFSA so you can be considered for M.Arch need-based grants and other financial aid (use U-M Federal School Code 002325).
Can I apply for a position as a TA (teaching assistant) or similar position for a tuition waiver?
Students are eligible to apply for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions within Taubman College after their first semester in the M.Arch program. GSI positions are very competitive.
Link copied