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The following are some of the more frequently asked questions and answers to them. Please consult this page before you contact us.

Question: Do you offer a BFA in Architecture?
Answer: We offer a 4 year pre-professional degree (BFA Architecture) and a 2 year professional degree (MArch). The 6 year program (4+2) is our accredited degree. Students can enter the 2 year MArch with an architecture degree from another university. We don't offer a BArch (typically a 5 year degree).

Question Regarding Transfer:  I am working on an Associates in general studies but am contemplating changing my major to fit my career choice (Interior Design).  Is it more important for me to continue a major in General Studies or Liberal Arts and Science, or should I switch and begin working toward a Visual Fine Arts major?

Answer:  Our design program is structured with one year of art foundations classes (4 art studios, some art history, etc.) followed by 3 years of Architecture + Design courses.  So you would be better off majoring in visual arts.  Also note that our undergraduate design major focuses on architecture and interior architecture---it is not a full fledged "interior design" degree.

Question: I will be graduating with an Associates Degree in computer aided drafting and I want to continue my education by getting a bachelors degree...what is the schools' policy about transfering students?

Answer: Our BFA is set up as a "2+2" so it is easy to transfer if you have taken art classes. If not, they may add a year or so to the 4 year program. We require a portfolio of artwork for admission to the architecture major. Alternatively, you could apply to UMass as an undeclared major and take art classes in order to build up a portfolio.

BFA Admissions or How to Apply

Question: Do you have a program set up for people interested in Interior Design and Decorating?

Answer: We have a four year BFA-Architecture program which integrates architecture and design. So, it is not a typical interior design program- it is more "interior architecture".

Question: Why are you not FIDER accredited?

Answer: We have not been FIDER accredited since 2003 and are focusing all of our resources on the NAAB accreditation process. FIDER accreditation is not an absolute requirement to practice Interior Design. Our graduates have gone on and been very successful Interior Designers and Architects.

Question: Is the M.Arch program as still working toward accreditation?  

Answer: We have full NAAB accreditation. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the first public institution in New England to offer a professional architecture degree after its recent accreditation by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). The accreditation is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007.

Question: I am wondering if your program allows for students with a bachelors in another major, either, to apply to the BFA program leading into a M.Arch, or possibly to enroll in a substantial number of undergraduate classes in order to satisfy the background requirement for applying to the Master's program?
Answer: Our 3 year Master of Architecture program is designed for students who do not have a background in architecture. The pre-requisites are
physics, calculus, and some experience in the visual arts (as
demonstrated through a portfolio). If you do not have these kinds of
courses/experience, you can take courses at any convenient college,
including UMass (or you can take "non credit" art classes).

A note about applying to our department online:
Note that the online UMass application does list BFA Architecture as a major.

FAQ's will be added as they arise.