Declaring the BS in Architecture Major

Application to the BS in Architecture Major Process

Admission to the Architecture major will require successful portfolio review in addition to fulfillment of the standard University admissions requirements.

Prospective applicants are welcome to email the department or call (413) 577-0943 for information about the program and building tours.

Freshman Admissions

High school seniors with exceptional visual arts backgrounds will apply directly to the Architecture major when they apply for admission to the University, subject to portfolio review.

Application Deadlines

Early Action Deadline: November 5
Regular Decision Deadline: January 15

How to apply to the Department of Architecture:

Apply to the University of Massachusetts Amherst as directed on the university website: Undergraduate Admissions.

In the Common Application, indicate your plan to declare Architecture as your major.
Submit a portfolio and statement via SlideRoom as directed.

Transfer Admissions

Please note: Because our small program is at capacity, we are not able to accept MassTransfer or external transfer applications during the 2022-23 academic year. Current UMass students may apply to transfer to the first year of the program by clicking the link below.

Prospective transfer applicants are encouraged to contact the department for information about the curriculum prior to applying to the program. Please email the department or call (413) 577-0943 for information.

Application Deadlines for all transfer students

For FALL Registration: March 1. All applications received and completed (inclusive of both application to UMass and application to the Department of Architecture) by this date will be given full consideration for admission. Applications received or completed after this date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
For SPRING Registration: November 5. All applications received and completed (inclusive of both application to UMass and application to the Department of Architecture) by this date will be given full consideration for admission. Applications received or completed after this date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Current UMass Students:

Current UMass Amherst students in other majors (or undeclared/exploratory tracks) interested in declaring Architecture as their major can apply directly to the Department of Architecture while taking foundations level studios and art history survey courses. Due to the requirements of the program, current UMass students must apply during their first year at UMass. Applicants must submit a portfolio, statement, and Spire ID to the Department of Architecture.

Current UMass Amherst applicants, click here to access SlideRoom, our online portfolio submission platform.

External Transfer Students:

External transfer students with strong visual arts backgrounds can apply directly to the major when applying to the University, subject to portfolio review.

Apply to the University of Massachusetts Amherst as directed on the university website: Undergraduate Admissions.
In the Common Application, indicate your plan to declare Architecture as your major.
Submit a portfolio, statement, and transcript directly to the Department of Architecture using the link below.

Massachusetts Public Community College MassTransfer Students:

Please refer to the UMass Amherst MassTransfer web page. You may also consult with your community college transfer advisor or contact a transfer counselor in the UMass Amherst Admissions Office at mail@admissions.umass.edu or (413) 545-0222.

MassTransfer students must also submit a portfolio, statement, and transcript directly to the Department of Architecture using the link below.

Portfolio Content and Presentation

Your portfolio should represent your best artwork, and it should also demonstrate independent thought and the diversity of your experience in visual arts. Your portfolio can include finished pieces and work in progress and can include that you have made in art class, during a summer exploration program, or on your own.

The Architecture Department accepts only digital portfolios. High school seniors and external transfer students applying via the Common Application will submit statement and images as part of the Common Application process. All transfer students (including External, On-campus, and MassTransfer) will submit portfolio images, statement (and transcript as required) via the portfolio submission link on this page.

Statement

Your portfolio should include a statement that speaks about your interest in architecture and your aspirations in response to the following prompt: Tell us why you are interested in studying Architecture at UMass Amherst.

Limit 3000 characters. Note that the UMass Admissions Office does not share application information with the Department of Architecture so please be sure to let us know any relevant info about you.

Images

Submit 12 – 15 pieces.

Drawings: The portfolio should emphasize works from real-life observation such as still life, figure drawings, portraits/ self-portraits, and landscapes.
Other media: In addition to observational drawings, you are welcome to include a limited number of works in other media such as painting, 2-D and 3-D designs, photography, woodworking, sculpture, ceramics, architectural designs and models, stage designs, fashion or costume designs or any other visual media that demonstrate your interest and aptitude in creative and graphic work.

Submit only high quality digital images (JPEG and PDF). You are invited to provide the following information for each image:

Title
Dimensions
Media
Date created
Whether it was done on your own or in class
Any additional information that may provide context for the artwork

Transcript

External transfer students and MassTransfer students must also include their most recent academic transcript. An unofficial transcript is fine for this purpose.

Academics

Useful Links