Department of Architecture - UC Berkeley - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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 the Graduate Office at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (510) 642-5577.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in architecture to apply to the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program?

No. While the Option 1 (one-year) and Option 2 (two-year) M.Arch programs require an undergraduate degree in architecture, the Option 3 (three-year) program is designed for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than architecture. The Option 3 program focuses on design as the core curriculum and requires enrollment in an architectural design studio each semester.

What is the application deadline?

The Fall 2010 application deadline is December 1, 2009, for the Master of Science (M.S.) and Ph.D. in Architecture; December 17, 2009, for the Master of Architecture (M.Arch); and February 1, 2010 for the Master of Arts in Design (M.A.). Note: All supplemental application materials are required to be submitted electronically. Please upload material through the Candidate Registration page by the corresponding upload deadline.

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

UC Berkeley graduate admissions policy only allows an applicant to apply for 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 online University graduate application and supplemental department materials.

I will not graduate from my undergraduate institution until the end of this spring. Am I still eligible to apply for the upcoming fall?

Yes, applicants may apply for admission as long as the completion of the undergraduate degree is prior to the start of the fall program. If admitted, a final transcript with a conferred degree must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions.

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

Transferable units are determined upon review of official transcripts. If admitted, the Graduate Office will provide a course check-off sheet indicating what coursework has been transferred and what program 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 department does not conduct interviews for admission in the architecture graduate programs. However, if interested in visiting the department or speaking with a graduate advisor regarding the program, you may contact the Architecture Graduate Office at (510) 642-5577 or email 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. The Graduate Office is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m. 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: GPA calculations are based on coursework taken after the first two years of undergraduate studies. Students who attended an international institution: GPA calculations are based on all undergraduate coursework taken. Please 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 Test of English as a Foreign Language (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 reapplying to the program, submission of a new University graduate application and fee is required. If interested in reusing some portion of the previous 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, year of application, and list of application items to be reused. If reusing transcripts and letters of recommendation, please include the names of the institutions and recommenders. The department keeps applications for three years. Application files from Fall 2007 through Fall 2009 are currently available.

Why can't I access the Architecture Candidate Registration page to upload my application materials?

Access to the Architecture Candidate Registration page is available only after submittal of the online University graduate application. It is recommended that applicants compile the electronic documents (resume, GPA sheet, transcript, writing samples, portfolio, etc.) early and have them ready for upload once access is granted.

How do I apply for departmental fellowships?

There is no separate application for departmental merit-based fellowships. In addition to completion of Forms C and E of the University graduate application, submission of the required application components will automatically qualify an applicant for fellowship eligibility. If awarded a departmental fellowship, the applicant will be notified in the departmental admission offer.

How do I find out more information about financial aid?

Loans, awards, and graduate student instructor positions comprise financial aid. Completion of Forms C and E of the University graduate application are required. 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. Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions (see Graduate Services: Appointments Office for general information) provide partial fee remission and a stipend. Departmental positions are listed under Architecture 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 graduate 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.