The program offers an opportunity to pursue self-directed, in-depth study of a specific area in the fields encompassed by architecture. Such areas may include urban design, preservation, housing, lighting, cultural studies, design computing, sustainability, and other areas where individual faculty have particular expertise.

This program is not accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). Candidates holding a four-year architectural degree (particularly those awarded outside the U.S.) who intend to seek a license to practice architecture in the U.S., should apply for the two-year M.Arch. Degree. Candidates holding an accredited architectural degree, or a degree in an allied design discipline, who wish to pursue advanced study in design computing (both research and applications) or the history and theory of architecture, should apply to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Architecture degree program, not the one+year post-professional M.Arch.

Candidates for admission to the Master of Architecture program must apply to both the M.Arch. program and the Graduate School of the University of Washington.

Admission to the M.Arch. Program is a highly competitive process. The Department of Architecture faculty gives priority to applicants whose apparent abilities will enable them to complete the program expeditiously and with a high level of achievement. In evaluating applicants, select faculty consider the materials listed below. Please pay special attention to the requirements for the statement of purpose and program of study:

• The Master of Architecture application form. This form must clearly indicate the degree program for which the applicant wishes to be considered. (Application form)
• All applicants to the Master of Architecture program must also apply online to the Graduate School of the University of Washington. For more information and instructions please go to the Graduate School application website.
• The applicant's statement of purpose and program of study. This statement must include a specific and clearly-articulated plan of study. Applications that do not include a clear plan of study cannot be evaluated seriously. This statement shouls also include a list faculty in the department who are best qualified to work with the candidate on the program of study. The Graduate Program Coordinator will ask the faculty on this list, and others who can comment on the proposal, to evaluate the application. In order to be admitted to the program, it is essential for candidates to gain the support of faculty who share academic interests with them.
• Official transcripts from all instituions of higher education attended.
• Official GRE test scores. The institutional code for the Department of Architecture is 4401.
• TOEFL score (if required). The department of Architecture cannot admit candidates for the 1+year M.Arch. program who score below 570 on the TOEFL or 230 on the TOEFLC.
• A portfolio of work in graphics and design (or similar work appropriate to the program). The portfolio should be no more than 20 pages in a format no larger than 1.5 x 10.5 x 11.5 inches. It must show evidence of the applicant's preparation for advanced study in architecture. (Advice on preparing the portfolio)
• Written recommendations from three people who can evaluate the applicant's past record and future promise of success in the M.Arch. program. (Letter of recommendation form)

The application form and all supporting materials must be sent to the following address on or before January 15:

University of Washington
Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Architecture
Box 355720
208 Gould Hall
Seattle, WA 98195-5720

Decisions will be mailed to applicants no later than April 15.

Applicant files will be retained for one year. Reapplication for the following year requires the submission of a new application to the Graduate School, along with the application fee. When reapplying, candidates should also consider updating the proposal of study and portfolio, as well as transcripts or other application materials, to reflect current activity or coursework.

M.ARCH. ADMISSION FORM
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORM
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
M.ARCH. THESIS