The Catholic University of America

Graduate Admissions

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Spring 2010*:
Master of Architecture (two-year program): October 15, 2009
Master of Science in Architectural Studies: October 15, 2009
Master of City and Regional Planning: rolling admissions
Master of Science in Sustainable Design: rolling admissions

*please note that we do not accept admit students into the three-year Master of Architecture program in the spring semester

Fall 2010:
Master of Architecture (two- and three-year* programs): January 15, 2010
Master of Science in Architectural Studies: January 15, 2010
Master of City and Regional Planning: rolling admissions
Master of Science in Sustainable Design: rolling admissions

*please note that all M.Arch 3 students must enroll in a 6-credit course during July 2010, beginning with full-time studies in fall 2010

HOW TO APPLY
To apply to CUA's graduate programs in architecture, please visit the university's Office of Graduate Admissions.

VISITING THE SCHOOL
If you are interested in visiting the school and learning more about the program, please contact:

Michelle A. Rinehart
Assistant Dean
email

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
The School of Architecture and Planning seeks to enroll students who will be successful in the varied graduate programs of the school, therefore admission requirements vary from program to program. Be sure to review this section carefully to determine the specific requirements for the program to which you are applying.

Once an application portfolio is complete, it is reviewed according to the following criteria:

  • The potential to perform graduate level work, evidence of analytic and conceptual thinking and strong design skills. These may be demonstrated through previous academic work, design portfolio, test scores and a personal statement. Academic work should reflect a liberal arts foundation. A minimum GPA of 2.8 in undergraduate studies is required, though a GPA of 3.0 is strongly desired. A minimum GRE score of 1000 (Verbal & Quantitative) is required.
  • Evidence of personal qualifications essential for professional practice, including an interest in the built environment, an alertness to current design issues, strong interpersonal skills, readiness for increased self-knowledge, and respect for the values and ethics of the profession.
  • Commitment to the architecture profession, which may be demonstrated by previous employment or volunteer experience, as listed on the resume and discussed in the personal statement.

Master of Architecture (2 years)

  • Bachelor of Science or Arts in Architecture
  • Portfolio. guidelines
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • Applicants are encouraged to submit additional materials that will inform the Admissions Committee of their capability and motivation for graduate study

Master of Architecture (3 years)

  • Undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • No portfolio required, though highly encouraged for those applicants with a design background. guidelines
  • Prerequisites: pre-calculus math and an introductory course in physics emphasizing mechanics

Master of Science in Architectural Studies (1.5 years)

  • Professional degree in architecture
  • Portfolio. guidelines
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • The Admissions Committee pays special attention to design portfolio, statement of intent, professional experience, related research and publications, and pertinent references.

Master of City and Regional Planning (2 years)

  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission, but is required for any financial assistance from the university.

Master of Science in Sustainable Design (1 year)

  • Professional degree in architecture
  • Portfolio. guidelines
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission, but is required for any financial assistance from the university.

FINANCIAL AID
We recognize that the financial commitment necessary to attend graduate school is significant. We therefore offer a variety of highly competitive financial aid opportunities for our students:

  • Kennedy Scholarships: Merit/need-based awards given by the School of Architecture for highly qualified students. Awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year.
  • Teaching and Research Assistantships: Merit/need based positions to teach or conduct research within the School of Architecture and Planning. The positions are approximately $2,500 in tuition deferment.
  • University and Centennial Scholarships: Applicants with a combined score of 1200 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the GRE are eligible for nomination by the school to receive these merit-based, half tuition scholarships.
  • Magi Foundation Grants: Applicants with a combined score of 1200 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the GRE are eligible for these merit-based grants. Awards are based on GPA, GRE scores, and statement of intent. The awards are up to half tuition plus a stipend. (Minimum GRE required for consideration: 1200 V+Q)
  • Board of Trustees Scholarships: These awards are merit-based. Thirteen university-wide scholarships are awarded. The award is full tuition. (Minimum GRE: 1200 V+Q)
  • Knights of Columbus Scholarships: These awards are merit-based. There are four university-wide scholarships awarded. The award is full tuition plus a living stipend. (Minimum GRE: 1200 V+Q)
  • St. Vincent Pallotti Scholarships: Merit-based university-wide awards given to three graduate students in the university. The award is full tuition and students must serve the Church for two years following graduation. (Minimum GRE: 1200 V+Q)

If you will require student loans to finance your education, CUA encourages students to look first to federal loan programs. These loans will nearly always offer better terms and conditions and lower interest rates than loans obtained directly through a bank. To apply for a federal student loan, you must complete a FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There are additional financial aid opportunities from the school and from external organizations such as the American Architectural Foundation.