Admissions FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions we receive. Questions specific to the application are detailed under Application Questions.
Can I apply with a non-architecture degree?
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The MArch is the first professional degree in architecture, accredited by NAAB, leading to licensure as an architect. Those with no previous background in architecture are welcome to apply. Applicants will be considered according to the background they have, and their potential as an architect is determined from the application materials.
Our faculty strive to admit a class that has half of the students with a background in architecture, and half who do not. Those without a background in architecture are advised to not submit architectural renderings. Instead, provide evidence that you have the aptitude and aesthetic sensibilities to be able to become an architect, with proper training. This can be in the form of graphic design, furniture design, product packaging, or photography. Others have found success translating their previous education through visual representations of data or other means. Show what interests you and what creative skills you have, and if possible, how those relate to architecture and your future goals.
What is the difference between MArch and SMArchS?
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The MArch is the first professional degree preparing students for a career as an architect. It is 3.5 years, consists of six studios, followed by a semester working on thesis. Courses are drawn from each of our discipline groups, as well as electives from the Department and MIT.
The SMArchS degree is a two-year, post-masters program, enabling students to conduct individualized research in a particular area within architecture. We offer this degree in each of our discipline groups, with some overlap between groups.
There is no MArch 2 program at MIT.
What are the English language test requirements? (IELTS or TOEFL)
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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of each and every single applicant whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship or residency in the US while attending other educational institutions. No exceptions are made. If you did your undergraduate studies in the US but are from a non-English speaking country you DO need to take the IELTS/TOEFL. If you are from the US but were raised speaking another language, you DO need to take the IELTS/TOEFL. However, if you were raised in a non-English speaking country but have spoken and been educated in English all your life, you do not.
NOTE: We will NOT see your ETS My Best Scores. We will only see the total scores. You must achieve a total score of 100 on a single test for your application to be reviewed.
Can I qualify for MArch Advanced Placement?
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Students with extensive and sophisticated undergraduate architectural education may be granted Advanced Placement in the professional MArch Program at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. All applicants apply to the full MArch 3.5 year program, and the faculty will decide upon admission if a student can complete the program in 2.5 years.
There is no MArch 2 program at MIT.
Can I apply to two programs in the Department of Architecture?
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You may apply to two different programs within the Department of Architecture. If you are considering two programs, it may be useful for you to discuss your plans with our admissions staff.
Before applying to two programs, here are some guidelines for you to consider:
The career path of an MArch applicant is to become an architect. The SMArchS degree is for advanced research, usually after the MArch degree.
If you are unclear which SMArchS program is right for you, contact the discipline group of your choice, and discuss your goals. If you wish to apply to two or more SMArchS programs, just apply to one, and express your interest in the other SMArchS areas in your Essay. If faculty think your work better suits another area, they will circulate your application among the different SMArchS admissions committees. You may be admitted to a different area from which you applied.
If you wish to apply to a SMArchS and a PhD program, just apply to the PhD program. The admissions committees may choose to admit some PhD applicants to the SMArchS program, but they will not admit SMArchS applicants to the PhD program.
Applicants will need a second credit card in order to submit a second application.
Do you have a dual degree program?
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The only formal dual degree program is between the Department of Architecture, and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning: the dual Master of Architecture and Master of City Planning degree. Other dual degrees have been crafted by qualified students already in the program, by arrangement with their advisors.
Applicants to the MArch/MCP program have two choices for applying:
- Apply to both programs simultaneously. Application must be accepted by both programs in order for student to enroll;
- Apply to either the MArch or the MCP program. Once admitted, at the end of the first year, apply to the second program. Admission to the second program is not guaranteed.
- Students already enrolled in a graduate program at MIT need to have their study plans approved by both Architecture and their home departments. Applicants will need two letters of recommendation from MIT faculty. Be aware that the Architecture application deadline is December 31. MIT students are not charged the application fee. Contact arch@mit.edu to request a fee waiver.
What is the application deadline?
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December 31 at midnight. Those uploading their portfolios in the last hour will likely experience slow response times from the system. Plan to apply earlier. All tests scores and documents must be provided with the application. Letters of recommendations may arrive up to one week late, but be sure to follow up with your recommenders.
When will I hear the result of my application?
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Each of our admissions committees will notify applicants at different times and in different ways, beginning in early March. All applicants will know their status by April 1. Please do not contact us to inquire about the status of your application. Problems we encounter with your application will be emailed to you, and displayed on the application site. Be sure to monitor these correspondences.
Can I visit the Department?
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The Department of Architecture offers regularly scheduled tours of the Department of Architecture facilities on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. Admissions staff or students lead the tours as well as answer questions about our programs. No tours are offered in January and February during the admissions application period.
To arrange a tour, complete our Tour Request Form [8]. Please, no drop-ins outside of scheduled tour hours. We are unable to conduct tours without notice.
What are the costs, and can I receive financial assistance?
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All students, US or International, compete equally for financial aid from the Department on a merit basis. This means that the more faculty are impressed with your application, the more financial aid you may receive. A large number of students qualify for our merit-based fellowships, based on the faculty review of the portfolio. The financial aid awarded on an admissions letter is guaranteed throughout a student's time at MIT as long as they stay in good academic standing. We encourage applicants to begin research on additional funding sources early in the process. Details about tuition and living expenses are available from Student Financial Services: http://sfs.mit.edu/graduate-financial-aid.
What Degrees Have STEM Classification?
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The majority of our programs are classified as STEM, allowing students to extend their Optional Practical Training an additional two years, for a total of three. The only programs NOT classified as STEM are the Master of Science in Art, Culture and Technology, and the HTC programs (HTC SMArchS, HTC PhD, and AKPIA SMArchS).
Additional Questions
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Questions specific to the application are detailed here.
Still have questions? Contact us!
- Telephone: (617) 715-4490
- Department Tours: Tour Request Form
- arch@mit.edu