Nationally, the University of Oregon Department of Architecture is known as one of the best schools of environmental design. In 2011, Design Intelligence's survey--the only national college ranking survey that focuses exclusively on design--ranked our undergraduate architecture program 14th in the nation and 1st in Sustainable Design Practices and Principles. Our interior architecture program is ranked 1st in Sustainable Design Practices and Design, 1st in Design, and 6th in national ranking. All first professional degree programs are fully accredited and have been continuously accredited since accreditation began.

Each application is evaluated by members of the design faculty to establish its strength with respect to:

• Creative potential: based on essays, recommendations and portfolio.
• Academic performance: based on transcripts, SAT scores and GPA.
• Potential program contribution: based on life experience, accomplishments, travel, extra-curricular activities, maturity, demonstrated motivation and potential contribution to the program.

There is a new GRE test as of August 2011.  The Department does not have averages for this test as yet; in the future, the percentage scores will be used. For graduate students admitted for the academic year 2011-2012, the average GRE score was 1796 (convert the third section to a scale of 800 and add the three sections).

For the school year beginning in 2013, the deadline is January 7, 2013. Refer to graduate admissions page for more information.

No, but we encourage future applicants to visit the department, design studios and/or final reviews, and to direct any questions to the admissions advisor for the department.

Interest in our programs exceeds capacity. Acceptance rates vary depending on the program applied for, but generally, 30% - 60% of qualified applicants are admitted. We do not keep a waiting list but project for a certain amount of attrition during the process.

No. Graduate applicants should exhibit a breadth of general knowledge and achievement in a scholarly or design-related endeavor. It is recommended that admitted architecture graduates with no previous background in physics take at least two terms of general physics that includes content on mechanics and fluids, thermodynamics, waves, and optics, and have College Algebra and College Trigonometry in order to be prepared for structures.

M.Arch Track 1 students must complete ten terms (quarters) of design studio and 80 subject area credits for a total of 144 credits. This track typically takes three years plus one term and begins in the summer.

M.I.Arch Track 1 students must complete ten terms (quarters) of design studio and 83 subject area credits for a total of 147 credits. This track typically takes three years plus one term and begins in the summer.

M.Arch and M.I.Arch Track II students must complete six terms (quarters) of design studio, 47 subject area credits, including 9 seminar credits and 6 research credits, and complete a research terminal project for a total of 87 credits. This track typically takes two years. Track II students begin in the fall term. M.Arch Track II students may study in Eugene or Portland.

Master of Science in Architecture and Master of Science in Interior Architecture students typically complete their research /thesis program in 1 1/2 - 2 years. This program typically begins in the fall term.

We do not offer distance learning courses.

Please refer to the Office of the Registrar website for an updated fee structure. In addition to the costs listed there, the Department of Architecture also estimates that Architecture and Interior graduate students will spend approximately 1,650 per year in studio supplies. A current estimated cost sheet for total expenses can be downloaded here.  Students should adjust areas such as personal expenses, etc.

Federal financial aid in the form of grants and loans is available to domestic students through the University's Office of Financial Aid. International students should check the Office of International Afffairs for potential scholarships and work study potential.  The Iinternational Cultural Services Program awards 30-40 competitive scholarships to international students each year. Scholarships apply to tuition only and range from $6,000-$20,000 per year. The ICSP scholarship has a cultural service component which requires students to give presentations about their home country to children, community organizations, and UO students, faculty and staff.

Employment possibilties include approximately 95 Graduate Teaching positions per year for which enrolled masters students are eligible. For more information and to apply for a GTF position, visit the Employment and Fellowship Opportunities page. 

There are many scholarships available university-wide to incoming students. Visit the University's scholarship page for more information. The Department of Architecture does not have department-specific scholarships for incoming students. A limited number of supplemental scholarships are given each year to enrolled students. Information about Department scholarships for current students can be found here.

Once you enroll full time, you no longer qualify to gain residency.  Key considerations used to determine classification as a resident are:

1. Establishment of a domicile in Oregon for a period of 12 months or more prior to the beginning of the term for which residency is sought.
2. Financial dependence on an Oregon resident or financial independence.
3. Primary purpose for being in Oregon other than to obtain an education.
4. Nature and source of financial resources.
5. Various other indicia of residence (e.g. ownership of Oregon living quarters, permanent Oregon employment, payment of Oregon income taxes.)

Generally students can take up to 8 credits per term while they are establishing residency. All residency issues should be discussed with the University's Office of Admissions.

Requests must be made in writing to the Admissions Advisor and are for one year only.

Computer recommendations are available on our computing & facilities information page, under specifications. Freshman undergraduates are not required to have a computer until spring term of their first year.

Architecture is highly dependent upon the economy. Oregon graduates continue to find good first placements if they are willing to "move where the action is" - particularly to large cities or even overseas.

Interior architecture graduates also need to have some flexibility about their employment location, but there is a shortage of interior designers with the skills acquired in a program like Oregon's. Placement is usually in the larger cities with architectural firms that utilize a design team approach.

The minimum TOEFL requirement is 600 for the paper based test, and 92 for the internet test. The IELTS equivalent would be a minimum total score of 7.5.

Applicants are not automatically considered for a GTF unless you have a specialized expertise "exceptional capabilities or perspectives." All students interested in being a GTF need to complete an application.

Yes. Check the boxes for the positions you are interested in. Position descriptions can be found on the "Past GTF Positions". The courses and positions do not change much from year to year.

It should be emailed to Kathy Cannon in the Department of Architecture office.

This can be left blank if you do not have a UO student ID number.

We will use references from your University and Program application materials.

Yes, they are considered as Administrative GTFs.

You can find the descriptions on the "Past GTF Positions" link. The courses do not change much from year to year.

Decisions are usually finalized in late spring, typically after the May 1 confirmation date.

The call is for the entire academic year. If positions do open during the year, an announcement will be posted and emailed to all current graduate students.

This is the final "capstone" studio (ARCH 585/586 or IARC 588/589).

It never hurts to apply, especially if you have expertise in Enclosures or structures. It will also give you early name recognition as you become part of the student body. GTF positions are typically awarded to second and third year graduate students, but all graduate students are eligible to apply.