Who will design sustainable spaces honed by the poetics of place? You will.
Prospective students are required to submit application materials directly to the University of Arizona Graduate College. We are here to help you through the process.
Funding may be available for qualified students.
Applications are now open.
From the West? Get Arizona Resident Tuition Pricing for the M.Arch!
If you're from one of 16 Western states and territories, you're now eligible for Arizona resident tuition pricing for the Master of Architecture through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP).
PROGRAM COST
Students receive guaranteed tuition once the program is started. If tuition increases, student tuition rates will not increase.
Admissions Requirements
Students applying to the program must meet University of Arizona Graduate College admissions standards.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college/university or an equivalent degree from a non-US institution of higher learning.
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or a GPA of 3.0 in the last 90 graded quarter credit hours or last 60 graded semester credit hours is required.
- Prospective students who may not meet the required 3.0 GPA threshold have the option to apply as Graduate Non-Degree Seeking student. After successfully completing 6 to 12 consecutive semester units of graduate-level courses and attaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, applicants may then be considered as a graduate degree-seeking applicant, utilizing their earned graduate GPA for the application.
- English proficiency: International students must demonstrate English language proficiency and submit current test scores. Please review UArizona Graduate College English Proficiency requirements.
Application Process
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required to apply to the Master of Architecture.
Prospective students must submit application materials directly to the University of Arizona Graduate College. Apply online using GradApp, the Graduate College's online admissions application.
All applicants must upload the following documents using PDF format:
Personal Statement: Please submit a two to three-page statement of purpose that articulates your interest and motivations for seeking graduate study in the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture.
Resume or CV: Please include a resume or CV outlining your academic and professional background.
Letters of Recommendation: Please provide the names and email addresses of three people who can speak to your potential for success in graduate studies. A combination of academic and professional recommendations is preferred.
Portfolio: Please follow the instructions in GradApp for uploading your portfolio, which may include various forms of creative work including drawings or paintings, graphic design, creative writing, woodwork, designs of outdoor/indoor spaces, photography, sculpture, etc.
Transcripts: Please include unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework. If not in English, please be sure to include English translations in addition to the original. Upon admission, you are required to submit official copies of all transcripts to the University of Arizona Graduate College. Please view the Graduate College website for more information on transcript requirements.
Additional Application and Portfolio Considerations for Standard Pathway Candidates
CAPLA receives great variation in Master of Architecture applications and portfolios because prospective students come from diverse life, professional and educational backgrounds—some nearer to architecture such as interior design, graphic design, art and engineering, and some from less obvious backgrounds such as medicine, education, communications and business.
The admissions committee is comprised of four faculty, one staff member and one student. When we review applications and portfolios specifically, we are looking for the capacity and promise of an applicant to become an architect, generally technical, aesthetic, creative and social impact potential. In conceiving and developing your portfolio we encourage you to:
- Concisely frame your understanding/interpretation of architecture
- Present your motivation for studying architecture
- Present your relevant qualities, skills and experience
Things you may want to illustrate in your portfolio could include 1) creative and/or utilitarian personal projects: crafts, furniture, home additions, creative/technical writing, pastries or drawings/illustrations, etc., and 2) academic or professional projects that exhibit technical, aesthetic or social experiences. Technical drawings are a plus; preferably drawn with a sensitive hand/eye rather than dry quantitative color-coded line weights (showing architectural potential beyond engineering experience).
In essence, we recommend being straightforward about who you are and why you want to become an architect, and to present any visuals that help depict your relevant experiences and qualifications. It is very helpful if you can express why you want to study at the University of Arizona and in the Sonoran Desert.
TOURS & INFORMATION SESSIONS
CAPLA’s facilities include dedicated studio space, world-class materials and model-building laboratories and unique spaces inside and outside—including the award-winning Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory. This oasis is a place for students to showcase their work or just hang out. Join us in person or virtually.
You're ready to design sustainable spaces honed by the poetics of place.
Begin your application now: