Admission
Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
High School Students
The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Architecture program:
Apply to North Dakota State University (https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/apply) and mark one of these as your intended major:
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Interior Design
The Following information will be needed to apply:
High School Information
Official Transcript
Test Scores
GPA
During the first year, students will complete NDSU’s Environmental Design courses (11 credits total), Architecture history courses, and suggested General Education courses.
High School Preparation
The best courses to study in high school are those that would be recommended for any demanding college program -a sound mixture of courses in sciences, humanities and social sciences. Physics, trigonometry or calculus, art, freehand drawing and literature are recommended. Courses in mechanical, architectural, and digital drawing are not necessary and, in fact, may be less useful than general academic or fine arts subjects. Prospective students are also encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school in the following ways: AP (Advanced Placement), PSEO (Post-secondary Enrolment Options), CIS (College in Schools), IB (International Baccaureate), or CLEP (College Level Examination Program).
Transfer Students
The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Architecture program:
Apply to North Dakota State University (https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/apply) and mark one of these as your intended major:
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Interior Design
The Following information will be needed to apply:
High School Information
Official Transcript
Test Scores
Five years of study are required for completion of the degree. A transfer student’s prior credits allow them to take fewer credits per semester than a student entering from high school, but they do not shorten the 10-semester degree program, as studio courses are sequential in nature. This lighter load allows for the potential of obtaining a substantial minor or a complementary certificate program, which enhances their employment opportunities in design. Transfer students may be granted advanced studio standing, depending on their previous course-work from an accredited architecture program.
Selective Admissions
Students will apply to the professional program (year 2-4) in the spring semester of the first year. Admission to the 2nd year is based on GPA for architecture (ARCH) and environmental design (ENVD) courses, statement of interest, and brief portfolio. The template for this portfolio and detailed information regarding submission is provided by the instructor for ENVD 172 in the spring semester of second year.
The Department of Architecture strives to have a student population that reflects the demographics of the broader community of the Upper Midwest; however, admissions are based on student performance in the first year at NDSU. The Admissions committee ranks applications and the top 68 students are granted admission to the second year of the program. Demographics are not considered in this process.
Current NDSU Students
Current NDSU Students who are looking to change their major to Architecture should meet with Stacy Jordet, the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Academic Advisor, to learn how credits will apply, the duration of the major, and the types of courses required. Students who are looking to change their major to Interior Design should contact Susan.raydegges@ndsu.edu. Click here to learn more.
Masters of Architecture
Current NDSU Architecture Students
The program is accredited as a 4 + 1 program. Students entering as Freshman typically see the graduate degree as the final outcome at their time at NDSU. Students with a minimum 3.0 GPA will apply to graduate school during the fourth year. Our “seamless admission” policy guarantees a spot for any of our undergraduate students who meet this GPA requirement.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are accepted on an individual basis and will need to consult with Debra Moen, the architecture and landscape architecture academic advisor, to begin the approval process.
ARCHITECTURE ADVISING
Every student entering or enrolled in either the B.S. Arch or the M. Arch programs will be advised every semester by an academic advisor to ensure that they stay on track to graduate.