Below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pertaining to graduate admissions. For questions related to undergraduate admissions, visit the CED Undergraduate Advising website. For graduate admissions questions not answered in this FAQ list, please email Jamie Lee at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or give her a call at (510) 642-5577.

• Do I need an undergraduate degree in architecture to apply to the Master of Architecture program?
• What is the application deadline?
• Can I apply to more than one program at a time?
• Is there a different application for international students?
• I won’t graduate from my undergraduate institution until the end of this spring. Can I still apply for the upcoming fall?
• I am currently enrolled in another graduate program. Are my earned units transferable?
• Are interviews required?
• Is there a minimum GPA, GRE, or TOEFL score?
• If I have applied to the program before and want to apply again, do I need to submit a new application?
• Will you return my application materials and portfolio?
• How do I apply for departmental fellowships?
• How do I find out more information about financial aid?
• What are the California residency requirements?
• How do I request application materials?

Do I need an undergraduate degree in architecture to apply to the Master of Architecture program?

No. While the Option 1 and Option 2 M.Arch programs require an undergraduate degree in architecture, the Option 3 program is designed for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than architecture. Option 3 is a three-year, 72-unit coursework program that focuses on design as the core curriculum and requires enrollment in an architectural design studio each semester.

What is the application deadline?

The Fall 2009 application deadline is December 1, 2008, for the Master of Science (M.S.) and Ph.D. in Architecture and December 15, 2008, for the Master of Architecture (M.Arch). All supplemental application materials must be postmarked or uploaded by the corresponding program deadline.

Can I apply to more than one program at a time?

At Berkeley, you may apply to only one graduate or concurrent degree program during a given admission cycle. Please contact the department for information about the program in which you are interested, or review the information on the web.

Is there a different application for international students?

No. Every applicant regardless of citizenship is required to submit the University application and supplemental department materials.

I won’t graduate from my undergraduate institution until the end of this spring. Can I still apply for the upcoming fall?

Yes, you may still apply for admission as long as you complete your undergraduate degree prior to the start of the program. If admitted, you will need to provide a final transcript from your undergraduate institution that reflects your conferred degree.

I am currently enrolled in another graduate program. Are my earned units transferable?

Transferable units will be decided upon after review of official transcripts. If admitted, you will be notified by the department as to which transfer units have been accepted and what program course requirements have been satisfied. Transfer coursework will waive a student's course requirements but not unit requirements. Depending on the program option, students are required to complete 24, 48, or 72 units in order to graduate.

Are interviews required?

No. The admissions process for the M.Arch, M.S and Ph.D. in Architecture does not require or offer interviews. However, if you are interested in visiting the department or speaking with a graduate advisor regarding the program, please contact the Department of Architecture’s Graduate Admissions Office at (510) 642-5577 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Visitors in general are always welcome on the Berkeley campus. Regularly scheduled campus tours are available through campus Visitor Services.

Is there a minimum required GPA, or GRE or TOEFL score?

The University requires a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0, B, or equivalent. Students who attended a U.S. institution: The department will calculate your GPA based on coursework taken after the first two years of your undergraduate studies. Students who attended an international institution: GPA calculations will be based on all undergraduate coursework taken. You are welcome to download the department's GPA calculator [Excel spreadsheet].

There is no minimum required score for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE test scores are good for five years. The minimum required scores for the TOEFL are 570 for the paper-based test, 230 for the computer-based test, and 68 for the iBT (internet-based test). TOEFL test scores are good for two years. Please note that test scores are just one component of review when deciding admissions. 

If I have applied to the program before and want to apply again, do I need to submit a new application?

If you are reapplying to the program, you will need to submit a new online University application and fee. If you are interested in reusing some portion of your initial application (letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.), please email the Graduate Admissions Advisor at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name and year of application. You must also state what application items you will reuse and what items you will submit as new. If you will be reusing transcripts and letters of recommendation, please include the names of the institutions and recommenders. The department keeps applications on file for only three years, and you may not reactivate an application that exceeds three years.

Will you return my application materials and portfolio?

With the exception of the portfolio, the application and submitted supporting materials will not be returned to the applicant. Beginning with the Fall 2009 admission cycle, applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio; therefore, only applicants who choose to submit an optional hard-copy portfolio and who provide a prepaid, self-addressed/labeled envelope to the department will have their portfolios returned. We will not return portfolios unless requested by the applicant and accompanied by the required envelope and postage.

How do I apply for departmental fellowships?

There is no separate application for departmental merit-based fellowships. Submission of your application will automatically qualify you for fellowship review. If you are awarded a departmental fellowship, you will be notified in your admission letter.

How do I find out more information about financial aid?

Graduate students are automatically considered for departmental fellowships upon application. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident interested in Federal need-based aid you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please visit the University Financial Aid Office for additional information. While typically not encouraged during the first semester, you may also apply for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) and Graduate Student Research (GSR) positions (see the Graduate Division's Graduate Services: Appointments Office website for more information). Positions are listed on the departmental website under Employment—Student Positions during the preceding appointment term.

What are the California residency requirements?

The University of California resident classification policy for tuition purposes can be found on the Office of the Registrar's Establishing Legal Residence webpage.

How do I request application materials?

All program and admission information is posted online. The department no longer provides applicants with the paper University application, as it is available online at the Graduate Division website. However, if you have any admission- or program-related questions please contact the Graduate Office at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (510) 642-5577.