M.Arch - Admissions

Admissions Review Process

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.

Our Values

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: 

  • 2 year Master of Architecture program (for students with a Bachelor’s in Architecture)
  • 3 year Master of Architecture program (for students with any Bachelor’s degree)
  • Master of Science in Architecture (for students seeking a specialized research experience)
  • M.Arch Dual degree programs

We are currently accepting applications!

Applications deadlines are:

  • Spring 2025 -  November 15: ONLY research track M.Arch applicants are eligible to apply for Spring admissions.
  • Fall 2025 – For preferred scholarship consideratoin, please submit your complete application by January 15, 2025. Both research and synthesis track applications accepted. 

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.

Application Requirements

Complete applications must include the following, uploaded to your online application:
 
 
(Please DO NOT send hardcopies. All documents must be uploaded into the online application)
 
  • Transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended. 
    • Transcript review during the admissions process verifies that the following requirements meet NAAB Student Performance Criteria:
      • Structures 1 content
      • Environmental Systems 1 content
      • History 1 content
      • History 2 content
  • Two letters of recommendation: Please identify in your application the names of persons who will be writing recommendations. You are strongly encouraged to arrange for at least one from a person who knows your academic work. The individuals will receive an automated email message requesting a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
  • Resume that outlines your work and educational background and experiences.
  • Personal statement, 500 words or less, of your current position on the discipline of architecture. Please be specific about influential courses, instructors, books, personal or professional experiences, and goals. In addition, please feel free to provide relevant context related to unique challenges (personal and or academic) you may have encountered during this current environment on how it may affect your application.  
  • Please visit the UB Graduate School for general admissions requirements to the University at Buffalo.
GRE scores are not required for graduate architecture applications

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.

Apply Now!

Individuals applying to dual degree programs must apply and be accepted in all relevant departments and meet all relevant departmental deadlines.

The Process for Evaluating the Content of Non-Accredited Degrees

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.