All M.Arch tracks follow a similar review process. Once your application is completed and submitted in Slate, a staff member in the School of Architecture and Planning is automatically notified. Staff members review applications for completeness and verify whether your application should be considered for in-state tuition (following New York State residency requirements). They also do a preliminary check for the number of studios taken and other preparatory coursework. For international applications, they translate the GPA to a four-point scale. Once the review is complete, staff notify the “NAAB faculty reviewer” through Slate, who verifies that you have applied to the correct track. This is done by a faculty member with experience in NAAB accreditation, core design studios, professional practice, and other core courses. Transcripts and portfolios determine if the applicant shows competency in the foundational coursework of architectural history, building technologies, and architectural design, thereby enabling students to complete the remaining requirements in two years (or if the 3.5-year program is appropriate). This faculty member also evaluates and scores the portfolio, reference letters, and personal statement based on quality, clarity, and depth. The application materials are then forwarded to a second faculty reviewer, who also evaluates and scores the portfolio, reference letters, and personal statement. Both faculty members also provide an admissions recommendation. The evaluations and admissions materials are then forwarded to the department chair for review and final determination of admission and scholarships. Admitted students are then eligible to apply for course waivers on a case-by-case basis. This process includes notifying the department of the intent to submit a waiver, followed by submitting documentation that demonstrates competency, review by a faculty member in that area, and a decision made by the Director of Graduate Studies.
A core goal of the University at Buffalo is to promote diversity and a climate welcoming of a diverse faculty, staff, students, and community members. The Department of Architecture, in particular, is known for its research and teaching on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the built environment. Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are also instilled in the recruitment and application process, such as holistic processes that mitigate bias. Commensurate with US Supreme Court ruling No. 20–1199, race and other diversity factors do not factor into admissions decisions.
Use this page for additional information on the admission requirements and process for:
We are currently accepting applications!
Applications deadlines are:
Join us for an online info session to learn more about our programs, or sign up for a Q&A to talk to a member of our graduate admissions team.
For those applicants wish to submit a GRE score the department encourages them to do so, and the score will be reviewed alongside other application materials.
The portfolio is a means of presenting creative work that demonstrates an interest, aptitude and talent for design. It will be analyzed by the review committee for admissions into the Department of Architecture's graduate-level programs. It must be representative of the person submitting it.
The review committee uses the portfolio to determine a student’s architectural design abilities. It should include drawings, models and renderings of projects completed academically and/or professionally. The portfolio should document competence in design synthesis and design integration.(according to the NAAB 2020 Conditions for Accreditation). Those applicants who do not meet the level of proficiency in comprehensive design will be required to take a comprehensive design studio as part of the Master of Architecture studies.
All work must carry the name of applicant, date of work and an indication of whether the work was an academic, professional or personal project. If the item is part of a group effort, the specific role of the applicant should be included.
Portfolio files submitted as PDFs must be less than 50MB in size.
Sample of creative work (50 MB upload limit): Students applying to the MArch-3.5 Year program and the MS in Architecture program (without a background in architecture) the samples can consist of creative writing, freehand drawing, sculpture, painting, photography, furniture, ceramics, graphics, set design and architectural design. These can be professional, academic or self-initiated projects. It’s length is up to the student but should be extensive enough to demonstrate the student’s creative output. Submission should be in the form of a single pdf file no larger than 50 MB.
All work must carry the name of applicant, date of work and an indication of whether the work was an academic, professional or personal project. If the item is part of a group effort, the specific role of the applicant should be included.
Individuals applying to dual degree programs must apply and be accepted in all relevant departments and meet all relevant departmental deadlines.
Senior faculty members familiar with the NAAB Student Performance Criteria (SPCs) review all students applying to the Accredited MArch program. Each faculty reviewer teaches courses that address SPCs and have experience with multiple NAAB Accreditation visits.
A review of the transcript, personal statement, letters of recommendation and portfolio determines acceptance, rejection, or re-tracking of the candidate’s application. A detailed review of the transcript and portfolio determines if course listed on the transcript meet NAAB Student Performance Criteria. Upon notification of the determination of the review, applicants can provide additional information. Upon admission, students can seek waivers from required courses. The review of a waiver from specific courses are the responsibility of the faculty member responsible for teaching that course.
