Master of Architecture Application Procedure and Requirements

Master of Architecture applicants are required to submit to the Graduate Office a statement of purpose, resume, portfolio, three letters of reference, a General Record Examinations General Test score, and an official transcript documenting the awarding of an undergraduate degree. Applicants are encouraged to submit their statement of purpose, resume, portfolio, and three letters of reference, if possible, in a single package. A more specific description of these requirements is listed below and includes additional information for those individuals for whom English is not their first language.

Statement of Purpose
A one-two page statement of purpose should describe your reasons for pursuing graduate work in architecture and for applying to MassArt’s M. Arch Program. In addition, you may want to discuss recent developments in your career that have influenced your decision to apply.

Resume
Your resume should list your educational experience, professional accomplishments, and other activities that help define your career in architecture and related fields.

Portfolio
Your portfolio should consist of 20-30 images on CDs labeled with your name, images in JPEG format with a dpi minimum of 150 and no file size larger than 3 MB. All files must be listed with your initials, and image number (as in Jane Smith’s jsimageOne.jpg) in a folder with your name as the folder title. This may include undergraduate projects as well as professional work. Portfolios may include drawing, painting, sculpture, or building and/or carpentry projects. Students without an architecture portfolio may be required to complete additional architecture courses at MassArt prior to their entry into the M. Arch program. All submissions must be accompanied by a printed page with the titles, dates, size, and media of reproduced work.

Letters of reference
Submit recommendations from three individuals who are familiar with the work documented in your portfolio and can comment on your qualifications for advanced study. At least one letter should be from a teacher with whom you have studied. MassArt BFA alumni who have graduated within five years of the submission of their application are not required to submit letters of reference, but may do so if they choose.

Transcripts
An official transcript(s) documenting the awarding of your degree(s) must be included with your application materials. International students must submit official copies of academic records for any college-level study. Credentials in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified literal English translations, and if possible an explanation of the grading system and hours of study. MassArt requires official evaluations of post-secondary transcripts or records from other countries. Applicants may arrange for such evaluations by contacting an approved evaluation center. You can reach the Center for Educational Documentation at: PO Box 231126, Boston, MA 02123; telephone: (617) 338-7171; fax: (617) 338-7101; website: www.cedevaluations.com.

GRE
Applicants must submit a score from a General Record Examinations General Test taken within the last five years.

English Proficiency
Graduate study demands competency in English writing, reading and conversation at a very advanced level. Applicants whose first language is not English must present TOEFL scores of 223 (computer test); 563 (paper test); or 85 total with minimum scores of 21 reading, 19 listening, 23 speaking, and 22 writing (internet-based test). For applicants taking the IELTS test, a score of 6.5 is required.

Interview
Selected M. Arch applicants are invited to the College for interviews with faculty. For applicants located some distance from Boston, telephone interviews will be conducted. The Graduate Office contacts all finalists to schedule their interviews.

Deadline
The review of completed applications begins on January 15th.